Online Dating Tips

Online dating only begins at the point where you start looking for date by Googling online. While the simple approaches can be used by a man or woman, the results will be wildly different.

Even if they browse a site, and find profiles that interest them, some of the results can be quite surprising. Because this is such a luck filled approach it's best to know what you're doing before you start paying.

The services at free sites are similar to those at the paid sites however, the paid site's analysis and overal matching based on more thorough research are hard to beat for accuracy.

The basic systems by which online dating sites operate are similar. A user is required to enter his or her profile. The profile is then stored on the site’s server, and can be accessed by any authorized user. Most dating sites run a powerful search program designed to match profiles bases on a variety of veriables. Most of the hottest dating sites make their matches based on age, gender, location or commuity, interest, career choice, etc.

Pricing of services varies from site to site. Some online match makers provide free access to a few profiles as part of a trial period. Others insist on payment upfront or limit the trial period to a weekend. The payment also has several layers. The maximum access is provided to those users who pay the highest rates.

Most paid dating sites are tightly focused on their users' privacy. They route the contact mails through their mail server so that neither party will ever see the actual mail address of the other. Some advise opening a free e-mail account for online dating. This does not happen in the case of free websites. Your personal information is visible to everyone.

Another important thing about paid sites is that they allow people to post or browse profiles only after paying the subscription fee. Also, only members can contact the site users. Besides this, a paid membership also entitles members to a higher ranking in search results.

All sites advise you to avoid mentioning personal information like your full name, address, phone number, place of employment, social security number etc. This is sound advice, and must be followed in full. There is no point in exposing yourself to cyber stalkers.

However, there is no harm in entering your interests in full. It also makes sense to post a good photograph on the site. Profiles with photographs get better responses than profiles without photographs.

As in the offline world, first impressions are vitally important. Most services suggest you make your first contact through mail. The second step would then be to call your matched date. Lots can be discovered by listening to a person's voice.

Naturally, a phone call is very personal, and definitely a serious step. It is important to do this only once you've developed a liking for your online friend.

Be sure you do not reveal your landline number at this point. Savvy online daters use "disposable" prepaid cellphones for initial contacts. It is always best is to use a mobile, since it does not reveal your home address or your actual phone number.

The final step should be to invite your online friend to a date. Be sure to pick a public place...and let your friends know where you're going and the timeframe for your meeting. Safety first is always prudent.

Ciao,
Doc Rich
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