Guide to Internet Dating

With dating websites such as Eharmony, Match.com, SinglesNet.com, Perfectmatch.com, True.com and literally hundreds more available it has made the task of discovering a mate just that much easier, and all from the comfort of our all to busy homes, which led us to seek the internet for a date in the first place. This "e-dating" trend is fast becoming one of the most common ways for couples to meet, form relationships and marry. Years ago when one was asked the age old question "How did you two meet?" and you responded "on the internet" looks of surprise and disbelief were usually what followed. The idea of meeting a mate via the World Wide Web seemed ridiculous to many because getting to know someone in person, face to face, was the only way to really establish a "relationship". Now, most of us have met and dated people from an internet dating website, or know someone who has.

There are so many dating websites available, the options are endless. There are dating sites to cater to every personality type and or interest known to man. If you are the athletic type there is Fitness-Singles.com or Athleticmeet.com, how about an outdoorsman; try Farmersonly.com, there are even sites that cater to the large and lovable crowd, like BBpeoplemeet.com and curvyliciousbbws.com. For music lovers, pet owners and even age specific groups, like Overthirtysingles.com; whatever you're fancy there is a dating site that caters to it.

These internet dating sites vary in pricing all the way from 100% free dating to around $60.00 dollars per month. Some of the most popular and well known sites that have large member data bases and offer comprehensive online services such as personality profiling (eharmony & perfectmatch), matching agents and unlimited messaging are going to charge more, but also often offer new members substantial discounts when they register. The internet dating sites that are 100% free aren't usually as user friendly, but still can offer a lot of fun and interesting options. One free site is plentyoffish.com, this site has some fun features like picture rating and voting, they even let members sort thru newly submitted pictures of new members and either accept or reject them from the system based on guidelines they give. Singlesnet.com is also a free site and is pretty user friendly. They also have an option to pay a monthly fee in order to gain access to other features, but the access you get as a free member is acceptable.

Once you have selected an internet dating site, you are normally led thru a registration process, answering questions and writing essays. Once you are fully registered you are then able to browse through photo's, profiles and biographies of potential matches and begin sorting out what it is that you desire in a mate and begin interacting by sending emails, icebreakers and pictures of yourself to your chosen prospects, It in essence becomes a shopping mall of mates.

In my experience on any dating website, many of the members have not been honest in completing their profiles. They always seem to be the epitome of well built, financially well established, and either participate in, or attend every outdoor activity or sport known to man. They are never lazy, never eat junk food and always keep their homes in perfect order. In other words, these hundreds of people on the dating site are single because they are perfect? I doubt it; if they are SO AWESOME why are they single? Let's face it people, these websites are not going to help you find a mate if you do not present yourself honestly and post current pictures! The only reason profiles like that are created is because that particular member is looking a non committal romantic interlude and is using the internet dating site as a meat market. One of my favorite moves is finding out that a member has several profiles on the same site, but they all are different profile characteristics, like finances, occupation, marriage status, like separated instead of divorced but the same picture of themselves! Smooth move brainiac! If you're going to lie about yourself don't use the same picture! DUH!

Here are some tips to successfully finding a mate on an internet dating website.

1) Be HONEST, never misrepresent yourself.

2) Complete the registration process fully, answer all questions and write the essays, even if it is only a couple sentences.

3) Describe in as much detail as you can what you are looking for in a mate and what you can and cannot accept.

4) Describe yourself accurately in regards to your personality, build and habits.

5) Get to know the person before going on a date.

6) Post CURRENT pictures of yourself! This is a must for anyone seriously searching for a partner and not a booty call.

Meeting a mate on the internet is just as feasible if not more likely than meeting a mate at work or the grocery store or anywhere else. Internet dating can be fun and rewarding but it can also be risky maybe even dangerous. One should always be safety conscience about whom they choose to meet and where they are going to meet. I personally have met a few really nice men on an internet dating site and know that finding that one special partner online is completely possible.