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So, I've finally succumbed to the allure of Internet dating. Indeed, having cast off those shackles of restraint and drop kicked the 'taboo' label; I decided to join the millions of singles around the globe, by looking for a partner online. Having severed ties with my own misgivings and reassuring myself that I was neither hideously unattractive nor desperate, I began my search.

But where to start first? Being a complete novice (and not wanting to reveal my intentions to friends for fear of much taunting) how did I know which dating websites were the best ones to sign up with? I began with an old favourite, www.Gumtree.com This website was launched in March 2000 and what began primarily as an online classified ads and community liaison site, has now grown considerably via word of mouth. Gumtree offers everything including employment, items for sale, accommodation and what I was looking for online dating. I decided to place an advert in the girls seeking guy' page, it read:

Attractive girl seeks stimulating guy for conversation'

After hitting the' send' button, I sat back and waited to see if anyone would actually apply. Several days later, I had whittled down the 139 responses (yes 139, I know!) to just 3 guys to meet for a date. Number 1 was a 43 year-old entrepreneur named Peter, who I met for a few drinks in Chiswick. He did resemble his photograph but his attire was quite dated (think 80's Michael Jackson leather jacket), which made him look older. I wondered, albeit fleetingly, if we looked peculiar together (myself aged 33, but often mistaken for 26 years old.) We had several drinks in nearby a cocktail bar and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Peter was actually good company. Although I knew I was not attracted to him, after copious amounts of vodka-based cocktails I began to flirt more. At this point, I knew that it was time to leave. It was the first time we'd met after all! I bid Peter farewell, feeling quite certain that I would not see him again. It had been a fun evening but there was just no spark.

The next date was with an actor called Jason, aged 34. As the meeting time loomed closer, I was still feeling tender from too many cocktails on the date with Peter. However, since Jason and I had been in contact all week and his last message declared his keenness to meet with me, I decided to have a good feeling about this date.
The photograph supplied at my request, suggested that Jason was a very good-looking guy. When I finally met him in a

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