by Vicki Hopkins

Created on: November 22, 2007

On-line dating can be fun and frustrating all at the same time. It is an alternative route you can travel in your search for a mate. The best way to succeed, however, is to map your course first by determining what qualities you want to find in a person, the price you're willing to pay, and what investment in a relationship you're willing to make. For example, if you find that perfect individual, would you be willing to relocate to be with them?

The variety of on-line dating sites can be overwhelming. Having clear criteria for what you want to search for can help you determine the site that best meets your needs. There are overall generic sites that contain a variety of profile information, and you can use specific fields to search for people. For example you may be able to search by location, age, single status (separated, divorced, widowed, never married), political views, body type preference, smoking and drinking habits, religious beliefs, involvement in church, sports, and hobbies. There are other sites that are niche based geared specifically to groups such as younger singles, people over 40, seniors, single parents, religion, hobbies, and interests. Some sites allow you to search for your matches based on the criteria you input. Other sites match you based on personality tests you may have taken and they connect you with someone they believe is compatible.

Almost all sites allow free searching capabilities, except for sites that match you with others and send you results. Usually with free searching you're allowed to "wink" at someone, but sending and receiving emails requires membership. Pricing varies widely from free to monthly fees ranging usually from $25 per month to $60 per month. The majority of subscription choices are monthly, quarterly, six months, and yearly. Almost all sites renew subscriptions automatically, so it's important to turn that feature off in your membership if you don't want to auto renew.

When you do meet someone on line, the best advice is to go slow. Here are some basic safety tips.

Someone may give you their email address outside of the dating site after the first email or they may give you their telephone number. If you contact outside the dating site, you could expose too much personal information too quickly. There's no reason why you cannot email inside the dating site for a while until you feel comfortable leaving it to communicate by telephone.

Until you feel comfortable with an individual, guard your identity and your

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>