Contributed by: Jet on Monday, August 01 2011 @ 10:12 am
Last modified on
Everyone’s familiar with the really big online dating sites - the ones that have commercials on television, the ones where you might run into your next-door neighbor. Usually, it’s a good idea to go to the big-name sites, for several reasons: there’s less chance it’s a scam, there’s probably better oversight and safety, and a bigger pool of people means more potential matches.
However, niche dating sites abound. If you have a hobby, love, or preference, chances are there’s a niche dating site out there waiting to match you up with someone who feels the same way. When should you start exploring these niche sites?
First, and most simply, you should check out a niche dating site if there’s something that you prioritize highly. If, for example, your religion is an extremely important part of your life to the point that you wouldn’t consider dating someone of another one at all, well, maybe it’s a good idea to check out a site devoted to singles of that religion. If your dream match loves the work of Tolkien as much as you do, maybe you could check out a fantasy/geek site, or one that matches you up based on taste in books, to see if there’s anyone who fits the bill. If it’s so important that it supersedes most other preferences, it’s probably at least worth exploring a site devoted to that topic.
A niche site can also be a refreshing change of pace. Maybe you’ve been on one site for quite some time, and you’re seeing the same pictures, the same potential matches, week after week. It might be worth just checking out any other online dating site, so why not try a niche one for a complete contrast? It’s worth a peek all the more if it’s a free site.
As you branch out into niche dating sites, try to ensure that they’re reputable - much like a cart selling wares on the street, you want to be just a little extra wary, and keep your eyes open for a scam. However, many niche dating sites are just that - sites devoted to bringing together people with a specific common interest. If you find one that appeals to you, it might not hurt to at least give it a trial run. Who knows what you might find?
For information on two of the more popular niche dating services you can read our Senior People Meet review and our MillionaireMatch.com review.