The Complete Guide to Dating Online
By Jerry Spain (c) 2003. All rights reserved

So you’re looking to play the online love game? Perhaps you’ve already had a couple of dates and need further guidance. Whichever reason you have and most people have good reason, the fact is internet dating is a growing and popular phenomenon. Online dating no longer holds an embarrassing stigma to it and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. In fact they’re missing out on loads of fun and opportunity, even true love.

Why use the internet to meet people?
Why not? Millions are, and you’ve tried the pubs, bars, social groups, pottery classes and you’re still single. GET A GRIP! You have control to meet the type of people you want to meet…you’ll meet no one in front of TV. The internet is a superb way to socialise.

Still not convinced?
You can meet people that share your exact interests and hobbies if you desire.
You are in complete control and can answer to whomever you wish and if there are warning signs you can kiss them goodbye with one click of the mouse.
You can glean much more information from prospective dates before you even meet them, unlike newspaper classifieds and random meetings.

But only wierdo’s who wear anoraks date online
People from all walks of life are dating online. You are more likely to meet someone through a dating site who’s just looking for a partner rather than some pervert, especially as the dating services hold information on all members.

So you’ve decided to take the plunge or at least dip a toe in.

The first step
Before you do anything sign up to a web based email address such as Yahoo or G-Mail to use rather than your own. This is just a precaution but it also gives you the confidence to give out your email to prospective dates.

Your Profile
You will be gagging to get online no doubt, but take a moment to write down or type out your profile as you may need to refer to it many times depending on the amount of dating services you are signing up with. I found this very useful.

The main information, besides the usual hair colour, height etc, is a description of yourself and a description of who you are looking for. Most services have a minimum word count so you can’t get away with ‘I want fun.’

Keep it short and snappy by all means, but let your personality shine through. If you are looking for a partner then highlight all your good assets and don’t be negative. On the other hand aggregating or lying isn’t going to do you any favours should you end up dating someone later.

Dating websites
It’s probably a good idea to try out two or three matching services to see which one suits you best. Many have free trials so you can get a general idea before signing up. Here are a few ideas. Have a look and see what you think. These are all reputable global dating services that place you in the best possible position to help find you a partner.

Dreammates is a fast growing dating site with millions of members - we highly recommend it if you're serious about online dating.

Yahoo! Personals is one of the most popular dating services. No surprise as it’s a household name to net surfers. You have to be a member of Yahoo to join and it’s free to post your ad and browse but you will have to join paid membership to make contact with someone.

Friendfinder has a massive database of 4 million and counting. How many chances does that give you to hook up with lurve? The site includes anonymous email, chat rooms, email reports and loads more. If you’re single and looking for romance this could be the one.

eharmony.com uses 29 dimensions of compatibility that align in the most successful relationships to help you find your perfect match such as Character, Adaptability, Sense of Humour, Kindness, Family Background, Values and many more. This is matchmaking heaven!

Date.com has over 2 million active members with around 250,000 new members joining everyday. Launched on St Valentines day 1997 Date.com offers a safe way for singles to meet. A great place to start if you’re a newbie.

Good luck on your quest to find a date, friend, lover or soul mate. If you do find success drop us a line and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.
.