Published in Dating     2 comments – join the discussion!

Online dating is really nothing new. We all know a few couples who have met online. Or we've heard beautiful stories of online romances that eventually flourished into love, marriage, and a glowing "happily ever after". If you do a quick search online, you'll come across countless free online dating sites and services, each with hundreds and thousands of members.

That's a lot of people online looking for love. And with so many ducks swimming around in that great big "cyber pond," the right one for you has to be out there somewhere, right? But if you're just getting started (or even if you're experienced with online personals), you might not know how to find the right person for you. Read on for tips on finding love online in five simple steps.

1. Choose the best free online dating site for YOU

Pretty simple, right? Funnily enough, though, many daters end up on online personals sites that are completely inappropriate for them. With so many to choose from, there's really no excuse for letting this happen. When choosing a free online dating site (or a paid one, for that matter), think about your priorities. Do you want somebody of a certain religion or culture or hair color or even pet preference? Choosing a specific and focused dating site can help narrow down your potential choices.

2. Really show who you are. And be honest about it!

Got one or two online dating websites picked out? Now it's time to prepare your profile. The most important thing is to fill your profile with as much of your personality as you can. When it comes to "resumes" of life, a list of dates and facts gets boring real fast. Writing about yourself with humor and intelligence will definitely get you noticed.

When you create your profile (or respond to others' profiles), you should be completely honest. Put up pictures that truly capture what you look like, as well as a bit of your fun side and your unique personality. And when asked pointed questions about your life, your lifestyle, and your career, always answer truthfully. Sure, "heart surgeon" sounds more glamorous than "hospital orderly," but lying about it will just cause trouble down the road.

3. Strike a balance between choosy and open-minded

When looking at online dating profiles or personals and reading email responses from potential dates, it can be hard to find a balance. Some of us tend to be too open, and find ourselves wasting time with unsuitable people. Others are so picky that nobody really seems good enough.

If a particular profile or email response doesn't catch your eye right away, you may still want to give it a chance. If, however, a particular item or tone turns you off, feel free to move on. With so many people to choose from, why waste your time on somebody you can already tell will be wrong for you?

4. Don't forget the faces behind the fonts

When you begin corresponding with someone over email and through online chat, it's oh-so-easy to forget to see them as a real person. They're just words on the screen, after all.

But letting yourself forget that there's a real person behind each word is just asking for trouble. Online dating can be intoxicating and engaging, enticing you to let your guard down more than you would in life. So don't get more personal with or give more information to somebody you're chatting with online than you would in real life. With online dating, it's all too easy to let things get out of hand, something you’re sure to regret later.

5. Plan your first meeting right

Been chatting for awhile and decided that it's time to meet? Then it's time to plan! First, you'll have to think about where. Generally, it's best to meet in a neutral, public place. Think about a nice cafe or bar or restaurant. It doesn't really matter if the place you choose is on the boring side. This first meeting is just about testing the waters and feeling each other out. So make it short; a drink, a coffee, or a quick chat.

And if the two of you really hit it off, try not to move too fast. Remember that even if you've chatted a bit online, this is a regular relationship just like any other. Take your time, and take each step in the relationship as it comes. Don't be in a rush to turn it into a committed relationship; just take your time and enjoy the ride.

Good luck, and have fun!

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Comments

Read what people are saying.

1

mistymar

Posted on September 27, 2008, 4:46 pm

So many on these dateing sites, are not truthful.They claim to be one person shown in a picture and they are not that person at all.I find it very difficult to know when a person is genuine.

2

Pjayne

Posted on October 2, 2008, 1:11 am

Your so correct. Proficency .. Repetition. It is difficult out in the real world - face to face. You should attempt to be as critical as you can. Its like weeding the yard. The weeds are always going to be there. but... you may experience sucess if you can endure all the uglyness that people put us through trying to find a good person out there. Good luck... it makes me want to give up to .

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