Why are you paying for your dating services? Do they provide you with amazing benefits that you couldn’t get elsewhere? Maybe, but I sincerely doubt it. Free dating that is ad supported, allows site owners to offer their services for free to the public.

There are literally thousands of these sites all over the Internet for every type of person imaginable. And really, going with a smaller site makes so much sense, because everyone has “types” that they look for in a mate. If you are on a huge general dating site with millions of people, you are paying the sites a lot of money to search their database for your “type”.

This is a bit silly. It is silly, because now you can find a site specific to your type, that, by its very nature, will have already collected thousands of people who you would consider dating.

For instance, if you are an animal lover, you would naturally find a niche dating site that supports animal lovers. Your other option is to go to a paid dating warehouse and pay them $40/month, or some other huge figure, to pick animal lovers out of 1,000,000 other profiles. This is not a wise use of your money or time.

The search engines these dating warehouses use will find the word dog in the person’s profile and then tell you it’s a good match for you. And the majority of the time the word dog does not mean that they like dogs. It could mean they hate dogs, and the search engine just picked up the word dog.

Maybe they typed in that they like the movie Reservoir Dogs. Oh yeah, that’s a great match again. You get sent information about false leads generated by a machine and the site owner’s pocket your money. Well, you need put up with this no longer my dating friends, an Internet revolution is underway. Use search engines to your advantage. Go to your favorite engine and type in your life’s passion followed by dating.

The search engine will generate a great many sites that you can take advantage of that are free to use. Free is good. Many of these sites have amazing tools because they are created by small business owners with superior computing skills, and they get paid for their hard work through sponsored ads on their sites.

This means you pay nothing. And these sites are not junk. Let’s take a look at a site called PlentyofFish as an example. The filtering tools on this site are pretty amazing for a free site. You can filter based on geographic location(by miles), age, country, and preferences.

This cuts down on huge amounts of spam messages that will waste your time to no end on other dating sites. Developers of these free dating sites are actually interested in making a platform that works for their users. A large corporation is just interested in getting you to enter into a yearly subscription plan so they can book the revenue. They market themselves to death so they are in your face all day long. Use the net to find love for free.

Are you on the look out for a boyfriend/girlfriend? Have you been single for a while? Have you somebody in mind who you would like to go on a date with? A few years ago I thought that I knew what my ideal partner or girlfriend would look and be like. I was however about to learn a very valuable lesson of which I will write about in this article.

I am quite short for a male and always prefer to date women who are smaller than I am. This however counts quite a lot of them out. I also like women who are very down to earth and who are quite relaxed about life, not too into themselves for example. I also prefer them to be brunette with a nice smile and attractive eyes, a slim figure would also be a bonus.

What I have just described is what I believed to be my perfect girlfriend. This whole notion was blown out of the water around ten years when I had to work on a project at work with a woman called Sam.

She was about ten years older than I was and I will never forget what my first impressions of her were. What a mess, I thought. She had made no effort with her appearance, had not even brushed her hair it seemed, she dressed as if she was twenty years older than she actually was and basically looked like she had not slept the night before.

This may seem quite cruel and harsh, this is what I used to be like back then, I am ashamed to think about how my mind used to work. I am happy however that I have now changed to be what I hope is a nicer person.

Despite these first impressions I have to say that Sam was so nice and helpful to me over the next three months. She is probably one of the kindest and purest people I have ever met.

After about ten weeks of first meeting Sam, I started to dream about her and I think I fell in love with her. She had not suddenly made an effort with her appearance, still looked a mess etc. The fact was it did not matter to me anymore, it was what was inside that counted.

I never ever admitted to Sam how I felt as she was married, I think her husband is one of the luckiest men alive.

Thanks Sam for teaching me a very important lesson in love.

Life is really not like the movies. If people’s life was like the movies then every person’s love life would be pretty healthy. There would be no unhappy endings. Let’s face, life is not like the movies.

If there’s anything in life that resembles movies it’s the nightmarish things that happen in the middle of movies. I say this because of some endings in movies where relationships end and one party asks if they could still be friends. In the movie world it can still work out, in the real world it just might be a dream.

When your ex asks if you too can still be friends after the relationship, it would make you think a lot. Do you think that this is really possible? It might make you sit back a moment and think very well.

But why in the world or how your friendship can last when everything you had in your relationship just broke down. So when an ex ask that question it might only be polite to say “sure why not.” But deep inside both of you know that it might be hard to be good friends again. That expression is just used as a consolation prize for the dumping you had.

People who ask and say yes to these things do not really mean what they are saying. How can both of you be good friends when you have some bitterness? Maybe if the relationship has ended without the bitterness and with common consent. Even though, this will still be hard especially for the first couple of months, because being with the person will make you remind of some stuff that could have and have not been. It would be hard to make these new-ex friendship work really.

This may also happen to persons who have just had a crash and burn during their first couple of dates. When one party thinks you are getting lame, he or she may only say, its best we stay as friends. Yeah right!

How can both of you be friends if you are not able to go out, talk or have fun most of the time. A friend is a person you develop your trust through time. What happens during that time is that you only became acquaintances and not friends.

So it’s pretty stupid too make the other party be on the expecting end. It might happen on some rare occasions. But it would need a whole lot of work, where you would need to remove the emotional baggage. It might also work if you get some Hollywood magic.

Don’t be! Finding the right girl for you to date takes a lot of confidence, honesty and time. A good place to start is visiting the places where a lot of people hang out, at the same time, places that you love so that you both have a thing in common. If you love going to coffee shops or going to clubs on Friday nights, then look for her there. It is important to meet a girl that do things similar to things that you do.

An effective and interesting way to meet a girl is through online matchmakers. These matchmaker sites will assist you so you can find the right girl for you. Here, you can read about their personalities and traits as well as you can talk to them and see their photos. Make certain that you take time in knowing the girl well before you invite and meet with her on a date.

If meeting girls online is not your “cup of tea” then you can meet girls at social gatherings, parties, clubs, disco or the gym. You can also organize a simple party and let your girl buddies to bring along their friends. The more girls that you meet, you have more chances of meeting that special girl for you. Just remember that you will not meet her just by staying at home. You have got to go out and look for her with conscious effort and a very alert mind.

And when you do find her, although it is a good thing to display your attraction and interest, never over do it; never tell her things that will make her run away from you.

Keep in mind not to ask the girl right away for a date; asking her too soon might scare her off. Instead, be casual and friendly; get to her a step at a time, before you decide to date her. Call her so you both can have a conversation and you will find some things about her. Then when you feel that the time is right and that you like her enough to spend an evening with her, then go and ask.

Congratulations! Now you are ready for a date (in case she answered yes). Here are guidelines on what to do:

1. Spend the evening in a place you know she loves. Since you already know what her “likes” are during your phone conversations, then you will have an idea where to bring her. Also be sure you like the place; this will be of no problem, since you met her in a place that you both enjoy visiting.

2. Dress right. This means dressing for the occasion and for the place; dress that you look and feel good. Take extra effort so that you are well groomed (shaved, smells nice, freshly ironed clothes and clean shoes). Remember, this is your first date and you have to put on that good and lasting impression on her.

3. Relax and be yourself. Do not put too much thought on whether she will like you or not. The fact that she said yes for this date means she likes you. When you are relaxed, you can converse well and make her at is as well.

4. Be courteous and polite. Be careful of the things you say and do as rude comments or anxious behavior is unpleasant and can offend her. Be considerate and respectful; when you smoke, ask her first.

5. Listen. At some point, let her do the talking and just listen attentively. By listening, your conversation will continue to flow. While it is good to ask her questions so that you can get to know her, be careful with your questions and avoid personal interrogation.

6. Be careful when selecting the food. From your phone conversations, learn what her favorites are. Likewise, carefully choose a menu that is not messy to eat.

7. Never ever get drunk. There is nothing humiliating then having a drunken date.

8. Never talk about your past relationships. Remember, the woman you like is with you now and a potential serious relationship at hand. Forget about the past.

9. End the date right, do not be overly pushy. Evaluate the situation. When you feel that you both had a good time and you like her, a hug or a brief kiss will do. Do not go beyond. This will just send out the wrong sign, signaling to her that you are either very desperate or that you are only out for sex. Do not forget to thank her and tell her that you had a wonderful.

So do not be desperate. There are a lot of women out there and if you will not find them, chances are, they will find you! Just be patient!

With the advantages of online dating becoming more obvious all the time, it’s no wonder the industry itself is continually growing. Gone are the days of smoke filled bars and clubs trying to get to know someone. Online dating gives you the opportunity to view a single’s profile before you have even contacted them.

Getting to know someone from the comfort of your own home is an affordable luxury with online dating. There is no guesswork involved either of whether the other person is single, because they are all single. And they are all there to find a compatible partner.

Arrive home from work, login, and check your inbox. There’s no need to wait until Friday night, or Saturday night to start dating. There are no unsociable hours online, it’s a twenty four hour lifestyle.

With no need to dress up as no one can see what an online dater is wearing, there is no need to spend hours getting ready. Comfort is the only concern when dating online.

Every detail of a prospective date is there in black and white. The things they love in life, their desires, and what they want out of life. An insight into someone’s personality is instantly recognisable.

Once someone has found an interesting looking profile, an e-mail or instant message is all it takes to get some possible conversation going. If the recipient likes the look of the senders profile then an online relationship is ready to bloom.

After getting to know someone the first date can be at that new coffee bar that’s in need of a test. A nice quiet date to continue the connection someone has made online. Or maybe an excuse is needed to try out the new restaurant in town.

Evenings out with friends can be spent enjoying yourself again. There’s no need to spend the night trying to find someone to start a relationship with. You will have a new air of confidence about you. And when all your friends find out the “how’s” and “where’s”, they will soon be enjoying the advantages of online dating as well.

Years ago, the grocery store was the best place to meet a potential new love interest. Today, online dating is quickly becoming the singles hot spot with individuals around the world looking to meet someone new. Photo profiles that detail personal information is becoming the norm in online dating and gives individuals an opportunity to see what a potential mate looks like on paper before taking the next step.

If you are considering online dating, there are a few tips that can help make the experience a more enjoyable and successful one.

Online Dating Tip # 1

Find someone who shares your common interest, life goals and family preferences. It is important to share some of the same hopes in order for a relationship to be worthwhile.

Online Dating Tip # 2

Use caution when giving out personal information, including your full name, address or telephone number. At first, provide nothing more than an e-mail address.

Online Dating Tip # 3

During casual conversations, look for possible warning signs of control, jealousy or tempers.

Online Dating Tip # 4

If an individual seems to be extremely needy or needs to talk to you every minute, this may be a sign of possessive behavior and should be recognized early. If you notice this happening, move on and find another possible online dating match.

Online Dating Tip # 5

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s perfectly normal to inquire about marital status, children, hopes, dreams, etc. If someone is uncomfortable with these questions, it’s a good indication they have something to hide.

Online Dating Tip # 6

Don’t rush. Take the time to get to know someone before you decide that you are comfortable enough to meet them. A relationship takes time to build and there is no reason to rush into anything.

Online Dating Tip # 7

If you learn that someone hasn’t been honest about his/her profile or other detail, end the dating potential immediately. Dishonesty is no way to begin a relationship and it makes you question anything else that he/she may be hiding.

Online Dating Tip # 8

With honesty in mind, it is important that you be honest in your profile and with anyone whom you are having an online dating relationship with. If and when the relationship is ready to move to the next level, it will be too late to correct anything that wasn’t truthful and the chance of a relationship will likely be lost.

Online Dating Tip # 9

If you plan to meet someone in person, do so in a public place. Preferably, the meeting time would be early in the day or the afternoon. It is never a good idea to meet a perfect stranger at dark or in a secluded area.

Online Dating Tip # 10

Be yourself. Don’t pretend to like something or be someone that you are not just to please the other person. If they are the right one for you, there will not be a reason to pretend.

1. Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. Begin by communicating solely by email, then look for odd behavior or inconsistencies. The person at the other end may not be who or what he says he is. Trust your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your safety and protection.

2. Make sure all contact on a member site takes place through a double-blind system, ensuring your true identity is protected until you decide to reveal it. Never include your last name, home address, phone number, place of employment, email address or any other identifying information in your profile or initial messages. When corresponding with someone, turn off your email signature file. Stop communicating with anyone who puts pressure on you for personal information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it.

3. Cautious decisions will result in a better dating experience. Be sure to protect yourself against trusting the untrustworthy; potential boyfriends must earn your trust gradually over time, through consistently honorable, straightforward behavior. Take all the time you need to investigate for a straightforward person and pay careful attention along the way. If you suspect someone is lying, he probably is, so act accordingly.

Be responsible about romance, your heart will thank you. Don’t become prematurely intimate with someone, even if that intimacy only occurs online. If you mutually decide to cross the point of no return, be smart and protect yourself. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/ ) provide some of the most current information available about sexually transmitted diseases and preserving your health.

4. Most online dating services do not require members to submit to background checks. So make sure you get as much info as possible by asking questions, utilizing internet search engines and most importantly, using common sense. Nothing is 100% reliable, just remember to use your head…not just your heart.

5. A photo will give you a good idea of the person’s appearance, which may prove helpful in achieving a gut feeling. In fact, it’s best to view several images of someone in various settings: casual, formal, indoor and outdoors. If all you hear are excuses about why you can’t see a photo, consider that he has something to hide.

6. A phone call can reveal much about a person’s communication and social skills. Consider your security and do not reveal your phone number to a stranger. Try a cell phone number instead or use local telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from appearing on a Caller ID. Give out your phone number ONLY when you feel completely comfortable.

7. The beauty of meeting someone online is that you can collect information gradually, later choosing whether to pursue the relationship in the offline world. You never are obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level on online intimacy. And even if you decide to arrange a meeting, you always have the right to change your mind. It’s possible that your decision to keep the relationship anonymous is based on a hunch that you can’t logically explain. Trust yourself. Go with your instincts

8. Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts to pressure or control you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behavior are all red flags. You should be concerned if your date exhibits any of the following behavior without providing an acceptable explanation: Provides inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc. Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing ongoing, online intimacy.

Fails to provide direct answers to direct questions. Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona. Never introduces you to friends, professional associates or family members.

9. When you choose to meet offline, always tell friends where you are going and when you will return. Leave your date’s name and telephone number with a friend. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home.

Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time with many people around (a familiar restaurant or coffee house is often a good choice), and when the date is over, leave on your own as well. Refrain from drinking excessively, as it could weaken your ability to make good decisions.

If at some point you and your date decide to move to another location, take your own car. When the timing is right thank your date for getting together and say goodbye

10. If you plan to fly in from another city, arrange for your own car and hotel room. Do not make known the name of your hotel and never allow your date to make arrangements for you. Get a rental car at the airport and drive directly to your hotel. Always call your date from the hotel.

You can also check out the location you both agreed to meet at ahead of time to see exactly where it is and to get more familiar with an area . If the location seems inappropriate or unsafe, go back to your hotel.

Try to contact your date at that location or leave a message on an answering machine. Always make sure a friend or family member knows your plans and has your contact information. And carry a cell phone at all times.

Never do anything you feel unsure about. If you are in any way afraid of your date, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and get out of there. Excuse yourself long enough to call a friend for advice, ask someone else on the scene for help or slip out the back door and drive away.

If you feel you are in danger, call the police; it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Never worry or feel embarrassed about your behavior; your safety is much more important than one person’s opinion of you.

While cheaters, liars and frauds certainly can be very convincing on the Web, you’ll also find them in nightclubs and offline dating services, parties or even sitting across from you at your local coffee house. Despite where you meet someone, dating is never risk-free, but a little caution will reduce your risk to your safety when trying to find that certain someone for your heart.