Why did they join a Dating Website if they don't want to Date?

You joined a dating website, searched through dozens of profiles, and sent out numerous emails to make contact with women or men who interest you. The problem is, people aren't responding. You may be wondering what's going on. If they aren't even going to respond to an email, why are they bothering to join a dating website?

There are several things that could be happening, so take heart and don't get frustrated:

• It's possible that the people you are reaching out to are no longer subscribers or active on the site. Many sites don't purge their profile database on a regular basis, including the larger sites, because it's more enticing for daters to have more rather than less people to choose from.

• Some people send mass emails (men are especially guilty of this), and so this makes it harder for women to go through several emails to find yours. It's better to send personalized emails, mentioning something specific about her profile.

• Some women and men get dozens of emails every day. If they aren't logging in to read these on a regular basis, they might not have time to sift through all of them. (Many people get busy with work and let their online dating searches slide.) Again, personalizing is best to capture attention. Make sure your subject line mentions something specific from their profile.

• Make sure your grammar and spelling are accurate. Though we live in an age of text messages, people still prefer their emails to read like letters. Use complete sentences and spell words correctly and fully. Don't abbreviate or use acronyms if you can help it.

• Don't send emails that consist of one sentence, like "Hey, what's up?". If you want someone to respond, you have to engage them. Again, personalizing is key. If you discover from his profile that he likes windsurfing, mention your experience with it or ask a question about it. The more you make your email engaging to the specific person you send it to, the better your results.