Is Online Dating Right For You

Is Online Dating Right For You?

For many singles, jumping into the online dating world is a scary decision. But ask yourself, what do you have to lose? There are many great reasons to join an online dating service. At the very least you have the opportunity to expand your social circle and raise your hopes for finding your perfect match.

Over the last several years, online dating services have grown by leaps and bounds. Most singles have taken the plunge and joined online dating sites, with high success rates.

Among others, here are a couple reasons why online dating may be right for you.

It's Flat Out Fun.

If you haven't already heard, online dating is the most prominent way of meeting fun and attractive people all over the world. It's safe, easy, and fun. Where else are you going to meet so many great people from such diverse backgrounds? No matter if you're looking for someone from your own town, or someone halfway around the world, online dating offers you endless opportunities. Every day, millions of singles are available for instant communication, with hundreds of thousands of new members signing up each and every month.

The Benefits Are Endless

For one, most online dating services have millions of active members just waiting to communicate with someone like you. No matter what your interests or hobbies, there's bound to be someone out there who shares your passion.

The odds of finding someone special are in your favor. Unlike meeting a stranger in a bar, it's a lot easier to screen potential mates for their desired commitment level. So if you're looking to get married, you can immediately weed out those just looking for a casual friendship or relationship.

The icing on the cake, of course, are the features most online dating sites offer. You have easy access to a wide selection of profiles, with member's photos and audio/video clips available at the click of your mouse. A lot of sites will even match you up with people they think would be a good fit based on your personality profiles.

So once you decide to give online dating a chance, here are some factors you should consider before joining a service.

Make a Budget

First determine how much money you want to spend on online dating services. Consider your needs, and decide what is reasonable based on your finances. Some online dating sites only require a one-time fee, while others charge monthly membership fees.

Seek Out Recommendations

There's a good chance some of your single friends have tried online dating sites. Ask them what their experiences have been, and if they have any recommendations for good sites to try, and which sites to avoid.

Also search the internet for reviews of dating sites before deciding to join. If there are a lot of negative reviews, you may want to consider a different service.

Consider Specialized Sites

There are also a lot of specialized sites available. There are sites that cater only to seniors and those that specialize in matching singles with specific religious affiliations. Whatever your desires, there's probably a dating service out there that specializes in your needs.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

Make a list of your favorite online dating sites and compare their advantages with their disadvantages. Take into consideration the site's success rate, the number of active members, their features, costs, etc. Then choose the site that best fits your needs.

Whether you're looking for a marriage, a casual relationship, or even just a friendship, online dating services can help you find that special someone. Dating has never been this easy or fun!

BONUS : Is Online Dating Safe? 7 Safety Tips To Practice Online And “offline”

Online dating usually makes people more cautious about who they choose to date and in this day and age that can’t be a bad thing!

How many times have you been in a bar/club and given your telephone number to someone you know very little about?

With online dating you can take as long as you want getting to know and trust someone via anonymous messaging. You date at your pace and you never have to reveal any personal details about yourself unless you wish to do so.

If you you're thinking of joining an online dating agency or have already joined, be sure to practice safety guidelines.

Here are some dating tips to practice online followed by some "offline" dating tips should you decide to meet someone.

Online dating

1. Do not include any personal information in your profile, e.g. your home address, workplace address, email address or telephone number. Reputable dating sites make safety paramount so that their members can be part of a safe online dating environment and any personal information given in your profile will automatically be deleted.

2. Take your time getting to know someone online before revealing any personal information about yourself and before arranging to meet him or her. Take advantage of anonymous messaging facilities.

3. Don’t lie in your profile or fake your photograph. Remember, honesty really is the best policy so if you are serious about meeting someone genuine, be yourself.

4. It is a good idea to set up a free email account like Hotmail. This way you do not have use your main personal email address in the event that you no longer wish to have contact with a member.

5. Be careful if you think a member is lying to you. Beware of someone who:-

-Pressurises you to meet instantly.
-Pressurises you for your personal contact information when they won’t provide personal information about themselves.
-Is inconsistent with information about their age, marital status, employment etc.
-Avoids answering reasonable questions directly.
-Contradicts information shown on their profile or which they have previously told you.

6. Don’t be afraid to flirt a little if that's how you feel but equally don't be too flirtatious as it could be taken the wrong way. Never talk about sex or imply this is what you are looking for.

7. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable stop emailing him or her. Again, most reputable dating sites provide facilities for you to instantly block messages from a member who becomes a nuisance.


"Offline" dating

1. If you decide you would like to meet someone "offline" only pass on minimal information to begin with. Start with your email address then mobile telephone number. Both of these can be changed easily if necessary.

2. If you telephone another member use the blocking feature to prevent your number appearing on Caller ID.

3. If you arrange to meet someone, always ensure it is in a public place and preferably in daylight for the first meeting. Do not arrange any initial meetings at your home and never invite them into your home until you feel ready to do so.

4. Always let someone else know who you are going to meet, where you are going and what time you should be back home.

5. Take your mobile phone with you and keep it switched on.

6. Don’t drink too much and never leave your drink unattended – keep your wits about you!

7. Take enough money for a taxi home and don’t accept a lift home with your date even if he or she appears to be great person.

Finally, be sensible and trust your instincts – they are usually right!