by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: November 02, 2009

With all of the advances that technology is constantly seeing, this generation has been able to do things that prior ones would never have dreamt of. One of these things is online dating. Yes, today we can find love right from the comfort of home, in front of our personal computers. With the "busyness" that our lives have taken on in recent years, this is really quite ideal for many people. If you are looking at online dating as an option for finding your own perfect match, here are some pointers that can help to get you on your way.

First, you will need to select the site that you will use and the choices can be quite overwhelming. Two of the most popular are Eharmony.com and Match.com. Selecting one of these sites to begin with will give you a greater selection of people who are, like you, looking for love. This will increase your chance of finding someone that is right for you. You can also have a limited membership free of charge, which can allow you to get a good idea of whether the site is right for you. There may even be a guarantee given if you decide to sign up for the full membership.

At most sites, you will be asked to take a battery of tests that will help to assess your personality, what you are looking for, and the type of person that would be right for you. Take your time on these and be as honest as possible. These will be invaluable in sorting through the tens of thousands of people that the site may match you up with. You will probably even find them interesting, learning a bit about yourself in the process.

You will also need to make up your profile. Again, honesty is the best policy. If you are really looking to find love and a relationship, there is no point in fibbing your way through it as this will only end up with someone being disappointed if they do meet you and find that you aren't really what you implied that you were. Use photos that are recent and accurately represent what you really look like. This is not the place for "glamour shot" type pictures or those that were taken ten years ago. The ultimate goal is to meet and date someone, so they will want to have an honest photo, just as you will of them.

Use common sense and take precautions when you begin interacting with people. Keep in mind that these are strangers and as in "real life", there are some strangers that are, unfortunately dishonest and can be dangerous. Don't give out personal information, such as your phone number, address, or even your last name, when you initially begin communications. When you do go out on a date, let someone know where you will be, with whom, and check in with them when you arrive safely home. Keep your first few dates in public and take your own transportation. Keep a charged cell phone handy and ready to use if the need arises.

Online dating can be very exciting and it can indeed lead to true love and a long term relationship. My husband and I met in this very forum and since we were in different states, we probably never would have if we hadn't taken the leap into the virtual world. Take it slow, be honest, and have fun. You are just beginning a journey with unlimited possibilities!

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