Wednesday, November 10, 2010

A Beginner's Report to Online Dating

Just a few years ago many people wouldn't even think of dating online, believing that only weird, unattractive, desperate, or extremely shy people used the Net to find dates. Since then, online dating has evolved and is now a mainstream trend among singles.

This change in public opinion has sparked remarkable growth in the online dating market. In 2003, an estimated 3 million people paid for an online dating service listing (Jupiter Research). Internet dating sites are booming and are likely here to stay.

It is estimated that there are 90 million singles in the US alone (Marketdate Enterprises: The Dating Service, 2004). It's no wonder that many are turning to the Net to meet potential mates. If you too are considering online dating, you should establish some ground rules before jumping in headfirst. So let's get started.

Is Internet Dating Right for You?

Can you really find your true love online? The answer is yes. Some do! Online dating is fast becoming part of mainstream culture and many see it as a great way to meet new people and possibly even find their soulmate.

So, why would someone want to use an online dating service?


·    Some people are extremely busy and lack the time to meet people on their own.

·    Some singles are tired of the club/bar scene.

·    Some are new in town and don't know anyone.

·    Some find it hard to find dates in more traditional ways.

·    And some live in small towns or rural areas with few opportunities to meet new people.


If you are looking for someone special and have not had much success with conventional dating, you may want to consider online dating. All kinds of people--from business professionals to doctors, lawyers, and even "the boy or girl next door"--are searching for love on the Net.

But you must go into it with your eyes open and with a positive, healthy attitude. Susan, an attractive, 30-something single who has not had a lot of luck finding dates offline, has just such an attitude. Susan is not desperate for a man--she simply wants to find the right man. She says,

I am perfectly happy on my own. I really don't need a man to make me happy. I am happy. What I am looking for is my soulmate, the person who is the right match for me. But if that isn't in the cards for me, that's okay--I am perfectly fine on my own.

If you are desperate to find someone, then the Internet dating market is not for you. Desperate people are likely to make mistakes in judgment. They see only what they want to see, and this can be extremely dangerous in online dating.

Online dating has several advantages, such as the following:

·    Anyone (over the age of 18) can participate in online dating--young, old, straight, gay, and even those looking for casual encounters.

·    It's quick and easy to get started and you don't need to be a computer whiz. All you need is Internet access.

·    You can meet people in a matter of minutes in the comfort of your own home.

·    You can search for people of a specific sexual orientation, culture, religion, or location, and find people who share your interests, values, and attitudes.

·    When you meet someone, you can get to know each other at your own pace before you meet in person. You are always in control.



How Does It Work?

Most dating sites function the same way. You create a profile, browse, and search for free. But to receive and send email or instant messages you have to buy a membership. If another member likes your profile, he or she can contact you (or, if you like what you see, you can contact him or her) and you'll start an online friendship.

Online dating can be a bit hectic. Some sites have thousands of members, so it helps if you keep your contacts at a reasonable number. If you find sorting through candidates overwhelming, take a break. Go for a walk and get some fresh air to help clear your head. Consider taking a week or two off from your search. When you get back to it you will have a renewed sense of excitement.


Know Yourself before You Go Online

Before you subscribe to an online dating service, ask yourself, "What am I hoping to find?" Although getting started with Internet dating is quick and easy, there is no reason to rush into anything. Take things slowly and allow them to progress in a natural way. Stop, think, and plan before putting yourself out there.

Whether you're looking for casual dates or you're interested in a long-term romance or a marriage partner, it is important that you are clear on your goals and that you never compromise. Stay focused and remember that desperate behavior never brings positive results. Be selective, choosing only those people who share your values and attitudes.

How to Get Started

Okay, now that you are clear about how you are going to approach this new way of finding dates, it's time to get started. The first step is to sign up with an online dating service.

Most quality dating sites charge a fee, ranging from $20 to $50 a month. Some offer a discount on extended memberships. Choose one that fits your budget and that offers services that appeal to you. Read all rules and regulations carefully.

If you can't afford the extra expense right now, you may want to try a free dating site. However, free sites are not highly recommended. Most lack the features of higher-quality sites and have fewer services, lower activity, and lots of advertisements. And, as Greg Holden, author of Absolute Beginner's Guide to Online Dating (Que Publishing, 2005) says, "If anyone can join without committing any money, you are more likely to get people who aren't serious about dating. You might get married people looking for an affair, or people with bad manners, criminal records, and the like."

The Profile

All dating sites require that you create a personal profile. Writing this profile is very important. It is your chance to make a good first impression and to stand out from the crowd. Don't rush the process--make your profile a good one.

The trick to writing a profile is to be as honest as you can be without revealing too much information. Show who you are and what makes you unique.

Let's break down the profile into five easy steps:

1.    Start with a greeting.

2.    Describe yourself (your appearance, including your height, weight, eye and hair color; age, background, ethnicities, education, etc.)

3.    Talk about your interests and hobbies.

4.    Describe what you are looking for in a date (good looking, non-smoker, social drinker, etc.)

5.    End by asking a question--this will encourage a response.


Keep you profile positive and light-hearted. If your goal is to get married and have children, don't mention this right off the bat, because readers may think you are needy and desperate.

Although most online dating sites don't require you to include a photo, almost all recommend that you do. If you don't include a photo, readers may assume that you have something to hide or that you are not happy with your appearance. Posting your picture on the Web is not difficult. If you don't have a digital photo of yourself or a scanner, just take a photo to a local office-supply store and have it scanned and copied onto a disk. Another option is to ask a friend or relative who owns a digital camera to take a few pictures of you. It's that simple!

However, if you are really uncomfortable about adding your picture to your profile, then don't. You should never do anything you are uncomfortable with. Consider instead saying that your picture is available upon request.


Is Internet Dating Safe?

While there are certainly liars, cheaters, scammers, and imposters to be found on the Web, online dating has proved to be relatively safe. You stand no more chance of meeting a weirdo or loser on the Net than you do in the traditional dating world. Unfortunately, dating is never risk free. Maintaining your safety and privacy both on- and offline is extremely important. It is always wise to exercise caution and common sense.

Be very selective about who you choose to give your personal information to. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of thousands of member on some of the major dating sites and you might be overwhelmed with the responses you receive. It is your job to sort out the good from the bad.

Take a look at the following 13 common-sense online dating tips:

1.    Guard your privacy. Don't be too quick to give away your last name, address, phone number, place of work, or any other information that may reveal your identity.

2.    For the first few weeks communicate solely by email. Create a separate email address for this purpose.

3.    Next, start communicating by phone. Use a cell phone or a pay phone so that your home phone number will not be accessible. Only when you feel completely comfortable with someone should you reveal your personal phone number.

4.    Take your time. Collect as much information about someone as you can before bringing him or her into your life.
 
5.    Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. He or she probably is.

6.    Be aware that people may lie in their personal profiles. Maintain a bit of skepticism. Don't believe everything you hear or read.

7.    Trust your instincts. If anything makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, stop communication completely.

8.    Beware of anyone who rushes a meeting. You are under absolutely no obligation to meet anyone. Don't allow yourself to be pressured in any way.

9.    Never meet a complete stranger. Get to know each other first. Communicate by email and phone before you decide to meet in person. Learn as much as you can about a potential date.
10.    Meet only when you are ready. Certainly, never meet before one month of communication.

11.    Meet in a public place. Your first few meetings should be held at a public place such as a restaurant, coffee shop, or mall. Avoid remote areas.

12.    If at anytime you feel unsafe, leave. Try to diffuse the situation and get out of there. Make sure you have enough money to get yourself home if necessary.

13.    Don't fall in love and became intimate with anyone too quickly. Remember the person you are seeing may be dating or interested in a few other people. Just because you think you have found someone you want to be exclusive with doesn't mean he or she feels the same way. Protect your heart.


When evaluating a potential date, watch out for the following red flags:

·    Anger

·    Inappropriate behavior

·    Inconsistencies in his/her comments

·    Asking you to meet at a remote location

·    Demeaning or disrespectful comments

·    Appeals for financial help


One more word of caution: The online dating world is not for the overly sensitive. The chances of rejection can be much higher than with conventional dating. It is very easy to become infatuated when there is distance between you, but when you actually meet face-to-face, you or your date may back right off. As you gain more experience and have a few dates under your belt, you will realize that people are usually very different online and in person.

You must be able to move on from rejection quickly. Keep in mind that you can't be all things to all people and try not to take it personally. And as the old saying goes, if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Online dating is a numbers game. Most experienced online daters will date several people at a time until they meet someone they want to be exclusive with, and you should do the same if you hope to be successful. Getting over rejection is also much easier if you have other prospects.

If you have been online for a year or so and have not been successful in finding someone special, consider other options. The Internet may not be where you are meant to find your special someone. Start looking elsewhere.


Conventional Dating

Just because you are giving online dating a try, by all means don't give up conventional dating. Keep your options open. The best way to meet singles is to go to as many singles events as you can. Meet people at your place of work, at fundraisers, or through volunteer work. Join a sports league or a religious group. By doing the things you enjoy, you will meet compatible people who share your values and attitude and want the same things out of life.

Now, get out there and live you life to the fullest. You can be happily single while still looking.

Happy dating!
Joanne B. Parrotta
Author of A Matter of Destiny
Settling for second best is never an option! [http://www.amatterofdestiny.com]http://www.amatterofdestiny.com.


P.S. Have you found true love on the Net? I would love to hear about it! Email me at <a href="mailto:stories@amatterofdestiny.com">stories@amatterofdestiny.com</A>

Published author and motivational writer Joanne B. Parrotta has recently written a book about soulmates, A Matter of Destiny—How to Find and Marry Your Soulmate: A Beginner’s Spiritual Guide (BookSurge Publishing, 2006). To learn more about this book and to sign up for your free, instantly downloadable soulmate reports, visit her website at [http://www.amatterofdestiny.com]http://www.amatterofdestiny.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Beginners-Report-to-Online-Dating&id=365652] A Beginner's Report to Online Dating

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Internet Dating Tips and Advice

Internet Dating Tips and Advice
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Russ_Tanioka]Russ Tanioka

An online internet dating site is (in my opinion) the easiest way to find a partner in today's  world.  With the ever-increasing technology aids, not only can you  correspond with someone, but also see them in real-time.  It used to be  that an internet dating site was a taboo and people just didn't trust it or the quality  of people they might meet.  But even so, you run the same risks as if you  were to actually meet the person face-to-face.  What is the difference?   Well, you can't smell a person through an internet dating site!

  This article was written to give free dating tips and dating advice to those  who are unfamiliar to internet dating.  Or maybe you've had a couple bad  experiences and are wondering why you are running into "duds".  My dating  advice is not aimed particularly at either men or women, but looks at both  sides.   I am not a psychologist or therapists and all dating advice and  tips are my personal thoughts found through my internet dating experiences.

  So why choose online dating services rather than conventional dating?

  
Millions of people from around the world sign up for              internet dating      services everyday. Also there are thousands of dating sites coming online      everyday.  So not only can you find a person to match your needs but      also a dating service built around your specific need.
You're in the US, you can meet someone from Australia                 Find someone in a different state that you would enjoy visiting.                                  There are Asian dating, Jewish dating, Christian dating, adult          dating, senior dating, hiking dating, dog walking dating sites and the          list goes on.            
             Your search criteria can be more detailed, less compromising later.
What hobbies are they into?                 What are their turn-offs?                 What are their interests            
             People tend to be more honest through correspondence.  You know the      true person quicker.             You can still have an online date even if you're sick.             It's safe because you're not in the same physical environment, at least      initially.
You don't need to meet the person until you are totally comfortable.                   Never meet anybody unless you are 99% comfortable.                    The first date or 2nd, 3rd, and 4th should be out in                  public.                 Let someone know where you are going.                                                            Ladies, I highly recommend you bring a friend or double-date!                 Do not allow the person to pick you up.  Provide your own      transportation                 Bring defense items - pepper spray, whistle, gps tracking device.       Be careful of bringing weapons that can harm you - knife, gun, clubs...etc                
                 Ladies, even if the date is going well and it's the 1st date, DO NOT be      persuaded to get into a car alone with him.  If he is a predator, he'll      get agitated and possibly upset.  If this happens, then CONGRATULATIONS      you may just SAVED YOUR LIFE and walk away now!  A real gentleman will      understand your fear and rather spend time with you than miss a party,      concert or whatever.  Just be sure to let him know prior to the date      that you will not leave the initial meeting place with him unless your      friend can come along.            
        
 Those are just a few reasons and each person will benefit differently based  on their character and personality.  The precautions would also relate to  conventional dating practices and not just internet dates.

  So what are some of the drawbacks of internet dating?


Do they smell?                               Are they really writing or just cut-and-pasting?             Cameras and lighting can be manipulated to hide certain features      (flaws).             The photos in the ads maybe professionally done or retouched and not be      a true reflection of the person        
 As with the benefits, there are other downsides to internet dating that aren't  listed and will vary from person to person.

  So who is the best internet dating service?  That's a hard question to  answer because there are so many variables and there is no one best service.   I say the best dating site is the one you find what you are looking for on. Luckily, most are free to  join, although you will get limited functionality and features of the program.   But at least you can get an idea of the types or kinds of people who have joined  that particular internet dating service.  There are more and more online dating  services that are specific to  certain groups like - people who are in the service, Christian dating, pet  lovers dating, and so on.  The major dating sites will have these people as  well, you'll just need to sift through the members to find out if someone shares  your passions or hobbies.  What it boils down to is that the more people to  select from, the  better your chances of finding a match.

  So, does internet dating really work?   Yes! It did for me. I live in the  US and met my wife who lived in China.  We corresponded for 6 months,  sent pictures to each other, and finally met when her company came to the US on  a business trip.  We hit it off and for the next year, she came down to  visit and a couple months later I went to China to visit her and meet her  parents and family.  Keep in mind that it could be expensive to go this  route because of airfare and those sort of things. Lastly she had another  business trip scheduled and we got married during that trip.

  Marrying someone from another country is not as easy at it seems.   There's visa and passport issues, US Immigration forms and regulations, and much  more.  Most big internet dating sites will have a section to help with  immigration issues. Things went fairly smoothly for us and we now have a beautiful 7  month old son.

  Internet dating doesn't have to be about marriage and it will definitely differ  for everyone.  Maybe you just want someone to hang out with on the weekends  and go to dog shows or a social outing or you want to go white water rafting but  your friends aren't interested.  Many people just want to make  friends and not really label it as dating, but rather companionship and someone  to talk to.

  Other people may just want a companion because they are going on a trip to  another area and would like a friend or someone to show them around at that  destination.

  What it boils down to is - What are your needs and wants?


  Some free dating tips and dating advice I can offer based on my experience  that helped me find the love of my life and also general tips are listed below.

 Be honest when you communicate         Speak from the heart, don't try to be someone you're not         Sign-up for more than one online dating site
Choose a general "big name" site.             Search Google or Yahoo by typing "dating dogs" or "dating armed          forces" or "dating Christian"...etc            
Only pay for the sites that you feel there are more than 5 profiles          that match what you are looking for, remember most are free to sign up,          but you will have limited capability.            
Stay away from free online dating sites, you get what you pay for.           The more serious a person is, the higher amount of money they will pay          to find quality people.  That means if someone on a particular          dating site has the highest level membership (Gold Member) then they are          serious about finding someone.  2nd to the highest level (silver)          may be those who are serious but don't have a lot of money to spend.           Anything less are in my opinion "gamers" and just passing time.           HOWEVER! In countries or areas that are poor and under developed, they          simply can't afford to pay the membership fee.  They are probably          using a computer at school, a library, or a friends, so you'll need to          be extra patient.               
Stay away from ads that don't have pictures or at least make sure          they will send you a picture.  Some people don't want to be seen in          fear of their friends colleagues or family seeing them on the internet.           That's perfectly understandable, just make sure you get REAL pictures          once getting to know the person.        
         Send and receive many pictures, insist on casual setting pictures and      not professional retouched photos        
Be patient, if they live in another time zone it can be difficult to      call
If they live in another country, get a calling card or use a webcam          and microphone.             Since my wife didn't have a webcam, my phone bill averaged $1200 a          month and I didn't know about calling cards.             Call your phone company and get a plan with better international          rates.             There's more options today like VOIP (voice over IP) pc2phone that's          a lot cheaper and the sound quality is much better now also.        
        
     Ladies, when you do meet, make sure it's with one or more of your      friends even for the first few dates.       Safety first and if the guy      can't understand that, then that's a RED flag!              Ladies, purchase some books on pick-up lines,      how to seduce a woman, and      those sort of things.  If your correspondence contains many of what you      find in a book, then the person may not be sincere.  If you're tired of      finding losers, this is your wake-up call to find out why.        
Men, buy books on how to treat a lady.  Buy books on how to seduce      a woman, but only use it after you know they want to be seduced by you      (later in the relationship).        
Be Honest! - If you're serious and want a life-long mate
Be upfront, put EVERYTHING on the table.  Too many unexpected          surprises will kill the relationship.             Don't try to be what you think the other person wants.  You          can't put on a show forever.             Get a webcam so you can see and hear the real person.           Sometimes you get a glimpse of their room.  Is it messy?  Are          there naked people hung up on the wall?  It can also be a lot of          fun once you are closer and can be more intimate.  BE CAREFUL! What          you do on camera can be recorded and exposed if things don't work out.        
         Make a list of things you absolutely do not like or won't compromise on.       For example, you dislike it when your partner drinks too much, does drugs or      things like that.  Don't ask these questions straight out, but have      them elaborate when they had a night out with the guys/girls.  Just      keep a mental note to yourself.         Make a list of the key things you like that make you feel adored and      desired.
You like feeling pampered by getting breakfast in bed             You like it when doors are opened for you             You like it when girls pamper you             You like it when girls make you feel special             How does the other person perceive what making someone feel special          is.        
         What is your definition of joy and happiness?        
Be Honest!  I know I keep saying that, but it's the most important      thing!         If you've been burned once too many times, do a background check on the      person.  You can find out if they have been married, divorced, in jail,      law suits against them, and things of that nature.  It costs a little      money, but can save you years of heartache and disappointment.  Some      people may feel this is an invasion of privacy or a sign of not trusting the      other person.  I say it's a matter of feeling secure and if the other      person can't understand that, then they are hiding something or don't care      about how insecure you may be feeling.  Another RED flag! Online dating      has evolved to where it's common place to check on people.                        
Have fun on your date but pay attention to
;
Do they open doors for you             Do they talk negatively about too many things.             Are their eyes busy wandering rather than focusing on you?             Are there too many lines or quotes from the dating books?        
         You may want to keep a score card or write down notes immediately after      the date.  Just make sure you destroy them all when you are exclusively      seeing that person.  Nobody wants to know they are being compared, but      it's a good way to make sure the person has all the qualities that are truly      important to you.  To be on the safe side, never ever write down      anything relating to sex.  Technique can be learned if the person is      willing to satisfy you.  Talk about it, if they aren't interested in      what turns you on, that's another RED flag.  Lets face it, sex is an      important part of a relationship.  For some it isn't but for the      majority, it is.  It's also a two-way street.  In order to get,      you must give and if you give, you should get.  It's that simple.         Is this person someone you want your family and friends to meet?         And for the last time - BE HONEST!
    
 I hope this article has helped and you feel more secure about online dating.   I endorse it 100% and am not afraid to admit that I met my wife on through an  internet dating site.  It makes me feel good that out of the 200 or so  other people that responded to her ad... she picked me :) I firmly believe that  internet dating is the most efficient way to start a relationship and meet  people.

  I wish you the best of luck on searching for that perfect person.

  Warmest Regards,

  Russ

  PS. My wife isn't perfect, but neither am I.  It's part of the equation  in keeping the relationship interesting.

  PPS. BE HONEST!!!  Have a Great Day... 

Did you know it takes more than 3 months for the average person to find someone on the internet? Can you afford to wait that long? A great internet dating site can cut that time in half! Find out how you can find quality people who meet your standards so much quicker.

I am a network manager (computer related) and a living testimonial to internet dating.

Russ http://www.helpmehowto.com/internetdating.html

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Internet-Dating-Tips-and-Advice&id=508899] Internet Dating Tips and Advice

Online Dating Choices and What You Should Know

Online Dating Choices and What You Should Know
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Wilson]Jimmy Wilson

If you are joining a dating site, take the time to say something about yourself, your lifestyle, your interests and the type of person you're hoping to meet. Did you know that two out of five single people in the UK now use some kind of on line dating service? A common question among friends these days is whether or not singles should try to meet their ideal partner through online dating.

Many people wish that we could go back to the times before online dating was available. This isn't the time for modesty; if you think you're pretty darn attractive, then be sure to say so. Some dating websites are very thorough, and ask lots of questions before they attempt to match you to an online dating partner.

Popularity is a good indicator that a dating service,is doing plenty to keep it's members happy. You need to choose from the numerous sites that offer online dating and personals. Online dating is as safe, and in some ways safer than meeting people offline.

Making contact online, you first have to find people that interest you by searching a dating website's membership. Dating agencies are not a new idea, they have been around a very long time. The internet has simply served as a new medium for bringing people together in a tried and tested way that agencies have used for years. The majority of online dating websites,focus on the US market.

As more people are becoming completely comfortable with online communication and more people have access to Internet at home and at work, online dating sites have flourished. Online dating can be a great confidence builder. When engaging in online dating, it is important to exercise caution. Show your potential dates the real you. Most people turn to online dating sites to find love. Whatever your thoughts on the matter, the web has changed the way people search for partners. Online dating is the place to practice your game.

Like any other society, Latin culture is one that is embedded with traditions, values and celebrations. The concept of finding a life partner with the help of the Internet is a fairly recent concept. J. Lo said, 'love don't cost a thing'.

Although you want to find someone that attracts you and that you share things in common, don't limit yourself to what you think is your type. While few dating sites claim that they've run background checks, they do often verify addresses and other information. Some dating websites are very thorough, and ask lots of questions before they attempt to match you to an online dating partner.

There are some online dating sites that do compatibility testing and personality profiling. If you're considering joining an online dating service, check out the membership requirements first. Being successful in online dating is the same as being successful in traditional dating - be as courteous to your date as you, yourself, wish to be treated.

Many of the better dating sites,include some advanced personality matching. The Internet has lowered the cost of running a dating service, and that means agency dating has been opened up to a much wider audience. One of the nicest features of online dating is the ability to work on your membership in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Online dating has come a long way, and many singles have benefited.

Don't be a stranger to the dating site you've joined. Visit the site at least once a day during the lifetime of your membership. Everything that applies to the Internet, applies to Online dating as well. Many people wish that we could go back to the times before online dating was available.

95% of people on dating sites only search for other members who have bothered to provide a picture of themselves. This isn't the time for modesty; if you think you're pretty darn attractive, then be sure to say so. You need to choose from the numerous sites that offer online dating and personals.

There are some online dating sites that do compatibility testing, and personality profiling. It is absolutely amazing the number of people who are looking for there absolute perfect match via online dating services. Using an online dating service to find dates was once frowned upon and even considered scary.

90% of people find accents sexy. What have you got to lose by trying one of the many different online singles services? Your online dating service will never divulge your personal information and you will have the security of blocking any user that is bothering you.

You are able to review potential partners, and available singles, at your leisure to evaluating the information provided. Make sure you know about online dating safety and how to protect yourself from unwanted attention. There are many online dating sites that have very short sign-up processes and others that require you to answer lots of questions. The majority of online dating websites focus on the US market.

Jim is an online writer of various topics and his followers have been enhanced with his findings. Today he shares some insights into Online Dating: http://wealthsmith.com/plenty-of-fish.htm   or his homepage: http://wealthsmith.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-Dating-Choices-and-What-You-Should-Know&id=366914] Online Dating Choices and What You Should Know