It is now common knowledge that online dating has become a massive industry and that an estimated 70% of people now find their partners online. Many people have recognised the potential of this business opportunity and have established their own dating sites, yet with literally hundreds of dating facilities all boasting credentials and the promise of love, how on earth do you select a legitimate service that will fulfil all of your requirements?
Of course, online dating sites aren't just for those pursuing romance, long-term partnerships or marriage. Some people are simply seeking to make new friends, expand on their social lives or perhaps even find a travelling companion. If you are seeking new friendships with those of the same sex, then it would be pointless joining a marriage agency, for example!
Following are some broad tips on selecting the most secure and professional online dating facilities:
· Go for clean, simple sites that aren't littered with advertising and, in particular, avoid sites with annoying pop-up ads!
· Use a service that allows initial free profile registration for all members
· It is essential that you are able to browse profiles for free to enable you to make an informed decision about whether or not the site is right for you
· It is inadvisable to use completely free agencies, as you don't often get a top quality service and these sites can attract some who aren't genuinely serious about meeting someone. If someone is prepared to pay, then they are probably serious about the process and helps to filter out those who are just messing around
· Do find an online dating service that offers on site email and messaging and offers absolute confidentiality i.e. any correspondence that takes place between you and another member is totally private. The only time that any intervention should be sought is in the unlikely event of an abusive message being received
· The best dating sites will be aware particularly of safety issues when dating online and will provide members with a facility to block those with whom they do not wish to communicate
· The best online dating services offer you great customer service and respond promptly to any queries that you may have
· Use a site that is appealing, friendly and relaxed and meets your requirements
· Don't go for agencies that pay for larger banner adverts to catch your eye, or those who constantly send out unsolicited emails. Those that spend the most on advertising are not necessarily the best
· Look for dating sites that provide interesting dating articles and advice
· International and general dating sites usually have the best variety of member profiles and cater for a worldwide audience
· Use an agency that offers more than one method of secure payment
Once you have selected a suitable dating site, you have to create an appealing, but honest profile. It is advisable to use an alias as your user profile, but think carefully before choosing an alias such as BettyBigBoobs, which of course could attract the wrong type of attention
All other details such as age, height, interests etc. should be genuine. There are no benefits in embellishing facts or lying, since the truth will emerge once you meet somebody and if they discover that you have distorted the truth, then trust will be lost, along with a potentially great relationship. You want somebody to choose you, because of who you are and not who he or she thinks you are.
Allow your personality to shine through. If you are witty and amusing, then inject some humour into your profile. Be totally honesty about whom you are seeking, even down to including qualities that you wouldn't like in a potential partner.
When you are first contacted by an interested suitor, or you wish to contact someone else, you are should communicate via the on site email or chat room in an anonymous capacity. This enables you to find out as much as possible about the person before deciding whether or not to move onto the next stage, such as communicating via telephone, or even arranging a date. Never reveal your full name, personal email address, home address or telephone number.
You can pick up clues from someone's voice on the phone. Do they sound nervous because they have first-date jitters, or is it because they have something to hide? Can you hear other noises in the background, such as the roar of city traffic when they told you that they lived in a rambling country mansion? Is the sound of a football match or violent war movie blaring out from the TV, when you hate both? Can you hear a dog barking, when animal fur brings you out in hives?
When you do eventually decide to meet someone in person, choose a public place for the first few dates, not somewhere that is remote and gives you no opportunity to escape, should you need to. You are in control and should only move onto the next stage when you feel comfortable doing so. Anyone who is genuine will understand and should not pressurise you. If you feel at all threatened, then it is best to sever contact, politely but firmly.
Finally, have fun! I have spoken to many people who met friends, partners, husbands and wives online and who are now blissfully happy. It's not a chore, it's an exciting process that you can undertake from the comfort of your home, even in your dressing gown!
Highly recommended Universal Dating Sites:
Author Bio:
Jan Andersen is a British Freelance Writer and Copywriter specialising in articles and features on diverse lifestyle topics and social issues. She has also participated in many TV and radio programmes. Jan also owns and runs five websites; World Writer, Mothers Over 40, Child Suicide, SACS (Surviving After Child Suicide) and Jan Andersen Writing Services. Until recently, Jan had four children aged 20, 18, 17 and 4. Her eldest son, Kristian, tragically took his own life on 1 November 2002. Whilst campaigning for depression, suicide and drugs' awareness, Jan is writing a book on child suicide entitled, "Chasing Death".
