Relationships

Welcome to another article in our top ten series. The focus of this dating service article will be on the benefits of online dating when compared to dating in the traditional sense.

1. Cheaper - Before online dating, most singles went to a a bar or dance club to try and meet other singles. While this is fun, it is a hard way for a lot of people to meet someone. To succeed this way you need an outgoing personality. Plus, you do not get an accurate representation of meeting someone new in a noisy, busy environment. For the cost of going out for a single night (taxi, drinks, food, etc...) you could get at least a 6 month membership on most popular dating sites.
   
2. Faster - Meeting someone online is a lot faster than traditional dating. Just login to your online dating site and perform a few simple searches to bring up your potential matches. From here, if they are online, try sending them an instant message request or your could write a personal email that is tailored to the individual.
   
3. Dating Safety - This is important. When using your typical dating site, all mail and communication remains anonymous. This means that the person you are communicating with will know your screen name (nick name) but will not know your real name, phone number and address until you decided when and if this is the right person to give this information too.
   
4. Dating Site Security - Say you started mailing or chatting to someone online and you found out he or she turned out to be a real pain and now they will not leave you alone. In online dating this is not a major problem. Most dating sites allow you to block members from appearing in your search results, sending you mail and chatting to you. This is usually as easy as clicking on the block button that appears next to their name in the search results or on their profile detail page. If you need too, you can always go a step further and report them to the dating site customer support.
   
5. The Number of Singles - When using an online dating service you have access to potentially millions of singles from your home computer. It all depends on your search criteria and how far you are willing to travel.
   
6. Initiating Contact - It is easier to send a carefully composed email than walking up to someone to initiate contact at a bar. Plus, you know when the person is reading your mail he or she is actively looking to meet someone online.
   
7. Get to know the person - With a reasonable degree of accuracy you have a great deal of information about the person instantly. You will have such information as their interests, location, education, description and most likely a photo. Plus, you will have such deal breaker details such as if the person is interested in having children, if they smoke and their religious preferences. This type of information hardly ever comes up in the first few times of meeting new people using traditional dating methods. You also get to communicate with this person remotely as long as you want until you decide if you want to go on a date.
   
8. Everyone is Available - Who joins a dating service unless they want to meet someone. Going out to a bar or a club to meet singles for dating can be successful but most likely less than half the people at these places are there to meet someone to create a relationship. They may be there just for a good time with their friends.
   
9. Meeting New People - With dating online meeting new people is a snap. If you find yourself always dating the same type of people and it's not working out, online dating allows you to easily search for people with different interests and personalities, who says opposites attract!
   
10. Rejection - Face to face rejection is hard. In online dating a simple email stating "No, I am not interested." is a lot easier to receive plus it is expected that not all the profiles you mail may be interested in you. These dating site members may already be talking to someone or possibly something in your profile may have not interested them .

When you use online dating correctly and with all the benefits listed here, you will almost always succeed in finding someone to date and maybe share the rest of your life together.

There are 2 main types of dating sites free memberships.

There is the free trial membership that has limited features. The main feature of this free membership type is, it remains available for you as long as the dating service is in business. You are allowed to log in and create a profile and upload pictures and most likely video of yourself. You also are allowed to search for other members and to see what matches the dating service suggest are compatible with you. What they don't tell you in big flashing letters is that you cannot communicate with any other members. These dating services usually allow you access to all the features of the dating site except the communicate features. You probably will be able to access your mail account and view any mail, winks (hugs, kisses or what ever they call the introduce yourself, I am interested in you dating one-liners) sent to you but you cannot reply back. The online dating service hopes with this type membership is that:

1. You will be hooked on the free unlimited trial period.
2. You will be impressed by the layout of the dating sites and the features they offer.
3. You will find someone you want to communicate with.
4. Someone has sent you a message you want to reply too.

If you meet one or more of these points, you will most likely want to then sign up for a paid membership that will allow you too communicate with other single members online.

The second free trial membership type is a full access membership with a time limit. These memberships include access to all parts of the dating site that normal paid members have access too. The only major difference is, you are usually limited to a 3 or 7 day time period. This is enough time to check out all the features of the dating service such as, online chatting, searching through their members for possible matches and maybe even starting a few mail conversations (it does take time for people to reply to their mail since a fair number of people tend to use the dating sites only on the weekend when they have time). One thing to watch for is that about half of the dating services (in my experiences) require a credit card for these type of free memberships. Once the time trial is up, they then start to bill you as a paid member unless you make a request after you have signed up to cancel your membership. Dating services that use this type of free trial memberships in my opinion tend to have a more accurate members list since these canceled members profiles are usually removed from the system.

Let's face it; dating is never easy (unless you're George Clooney and well, you're not). God created Eve for Adam; one woman for one man. Unfortunately, now there are a million more Adams fighting for that one Eve. The only way to win this 'Singles War' is to be ready for battle. Lock and load, gentlemen. Here are 10 basic rules that can take you from being that guy' to her guy'.

No False Advertising

Your profile picture is the first thing we look at. If you haven't posted your picture, do it. And no, we don't want to see your prom picture from 1987 (even though that was a good year). Make sure the picture is of you only and not of you and some hot girl. We already know you are a heterosexual man no need to prove it. We're here to meet you, not your favorite Hooters girl.

Be Creative

Women like men who think outside the box. So spice up that profile of yours. Put in a funny quirk about yourself or a quote from your favorite relative. No novels, please. We want to get some idea who you are, not read 'War and Peace.' Once you've set your date, be sure to make a plan. Take it up a notch up from coffee. As my comedienne friend, Chelsea Handler, says, "What's a coffee date gonna lead to? A piggy-back ride?" Some good date ideas are a picnic in the park, a day at a local art fair, or a sporting event.

Humor is Hot

Though the number-one thing a girl desires in a guy is a sense of humor, we're not looking for Josh, the JDate Jokester. Women want someone light-hearted whom they can enjoy being around. A man who can laugh at himself is very sexy, so don't take yourself so seriously. And please please please…. do not quote Seinfeld. We know that it's your favorite show, but if we want to re-visit the "Contest" episode, we'll buy the DVD.

Dress to Impress

Girls put an effort into getting ready for you. You should do the same. You don't have to look like you stepped off the runways of Milan, but be aware of what's in style. Acid-washed jeans are never a good idea unless you're a drummer in a hair metal band. The sockless thing may have worked for Don Johnson, but times have changed. Finally, leave the Drakkar and man jewelry at home. Women don't like to be out-scented or accessorized.

Have Game

Be confident, but don't act too cocky. Make eye contact. A man who looks at the ground is either insecure or a serial killer. Keep the conversation about yourself to a minimum. Ask questions about your date. Be complimentary, but don't overdo it. Conversation topics like "How many JDates I've had this week" or "How I spent five grand on my new plasma TV" are not attractive. Don't flirt with the waitress. If you have a wandering eye and we catch you in the act, it's best to fake a seizure.

Edit Button

We want you to be open and honest. However, on the first date, you might want to keep the "why I hate my ex-wife" discussions to a minimum. I once went out with a guy who told me his last girlfriend was an adult film star. All I kept imagining was him at the AVN awards clapping for his girlfriend, Cherry Blossoms, who had just won for her work in "Sodomania II." Oh, and FYI, keep the details of your sexual proclivities to yourself. If we want to learn more, we'll let you know. Subtly.

Mind Your Manners

Please be on time and if you're going to be late, just call. Open the car door for her. Pull her seat out. Turn your cell phone off. If you are meeting her somewhere, offer to pay for her valet. If you are driving her home, walk her to the door. Most importantly, if it's your first date, GRAB THE CHECK. Most women today will offer to pay, but we are just testing you. Make sure you get an A+.

Keep It Clean

You don't have to be a neat freak, but make sure your place looks presentable when inviting a girl in. We know you weren't on "Extreme Home Makeover," but we don't want to see the aftermath of Hurricane Francis either. Just get rid of all the empty beer bottles and Chinese food from the night before and put all your "Playboys" in a drawer for safekeeping.

No Eager Beavers

We're looking for a man, not a stalker. Court the girl, be attentive, but try not to overstay your welcome. There is nothing worse than the guy who won't go away. It's like getting up at the curtain of a bad musical, only to find out there are three more acts left. My friend Kimmie once had a guy tell her on their second date, "I think I'm falling in love with you." Needless to say, she ran like Forrest Gump.

Follow Through

The rules for the movie "Swingers" don't apply anymore. If you are truly interested, you will call the next day. No 3-10 day waiting period. Really into her? Make a plan for a second date at the end of your first date. That lets her know you mean business. Once you start seeing the girl, don't pull a bad magic act where you appear and disappear at your own convenience. We notice the minute you show disinterest, and most of us won't wait around for you to come back.

Okay, soldiers use this knowledge as your secret weapon. Now, go get that girl!

How to choose a dating membership? First off you have to make sure that the dating site you found is the dating site you want to spend your hard earned money on. The best way to do this is, to signup for a free trial that, most self respecting online dating sites offer. These free trial periods usually range from 3 to 7 days and will give you ample time to search for and view their dating members profiles. Most of these sites free trials will let you do everything the site offers except communicate with their members.

If you found at least a few members in your area that you would like to exchange mail or chat with you may want to purchase a membership but, if this is you first dating site you are trying, it may be a good idea to check a few other recommended dating sites free trials just to see how their members profiles suit you. I find that certain types of members tend to migrate to certain sites and it may take joining a few dating sites to find the right site for you. To find sites that may be best suited for you take a look at our Reviews section which is divided up into over 8 different categories that singles may be looking for.

So you have found the site you want to pay for, good. Most dating sites offer a 1 month (reoccurring membership), 3 month, 6 month and 12 month memberships. The 1 month membership usually automatically renews itself at the end of each month unless you notify them within a certain time period not too (usually 7 days). Depending on the dating site, the 3 month membership may do this as well so always read your "Terms of Service" for the dating site you are joining. On a per month basis the 1 month membership will always be the most expensive, followed by the 3, 6 and then the 12 month. Some 12 month memberships, you may be able to save more than 70% off per month when compared to the cost of joining at the 1 month charge. What most people tend to do is join initially for one month. If they find that they do have lots in common with the other members they have found, they will then rejoin for a 3, 6 or 12 month period of time. This will save them money. Joining for 3, 6, or 12 months usually depends on what the member wants get out of a site. If you are joining for friendship or casual dating then the 12 month period will suit you but if you are looking for a committed relationship then you may want to rejoin for only the 3 month period.

So to wrap up if you are looking for new friends and people you share interests, etc. with, you will want to use the dating site for a long while to enjoy the features the site offers, such as chatting, using the forums and emailing your friends. Where as singles looking for a more committed relationship will just be looking for a few people to share experiences with. This would mean that the shorter 3 or 6 month membership will be for you.

The dating game can be frustrating, tricky, and is near impossible to master. The hours and days leading up to a first date are often a roller coaster of mixed emotions culminating in a few hours, that more often than not-and please forgive the pessimism that follows-will end in disappointment. Women tend to take a bad date to heart and ask themselves what she did wrong and why it was so miserable. So guys, this article is especially for you-now pay close attention, as the following is from a woman who knows all too well the devastating consequences of a bad date! Truly, it can crush a girl. As you read the following dating essentials, feel free take notes, write it on the palm of your hand, or put this article in your pocket as you're walking out the front door to meet her, as these first date musts may just be all you need to make her yours.

1 - Be on time-no excuses!

Aside from the occasional metro-sexual male that may take more time to prep for a date than the typical girl, it is common knowledge that women take much more time getting ready for a social event than the male species, especially when it comes to going out with a man. We ladies will painfully and strategically pluck our eyebrows, meticulously put on mascara, eyeliner, foundation and eye shadow, obsess over which outfit is the perfect for the occasion, and so on and so forth. I could go on for hours. When it takes us so long to get ready, and we try so hard to achieve that "perfect" look and never do (you will rarely hear a girl tell herself that she looks fabulous tonight. We tend to lean towards "my jeans are too tight" or "my hair is so frizzy tonight") there is nothing more frustrating than when your date leaves you waiting at the dinner table just to arrive in jeans and a polo. The simple act of making your date on time or even early will score you major brownie points with the girl.

2 - It truly is the little things that count most

It sounds silly, but to a girl there is nothing more flattering than having the car door opened or when a man goes out of his way to make sure she doesn't have to carry the popcorn or drinks. Small gestures are what we remember in the long run, and it will be the topic of conversation amongst the girls the next day during happy hour. There is a small portion of our brain that remembers these thoughtful acts and it doesn't matter how amazing the date went, when she lies in bed that night, she will be thinking about the sweet little gestures you did for her. Knowing that you went out of your way to buy her flowers or a teddy bear for the first meeting and still made your date on time will be on her mind for the rest of the night!

3 - Make her laugh

This can be tricky at first if sense of humor is not your forte, but if you can master the art of making a girl laugh, it could be the key straight to her heart. There is nothing sexier than a man that is funny. Sharing a good laugh will undoubtedly ease the tension of the date, and the more she laughs, the more points you get! I guarantee if the laughter continues, she will not soon forget the night. There is literally no such thing as too funny, and she will be thinking about you as she giggles her giddy self to sleep that night!

If you keep these three important tips in mind on your first date, you can't fail. Historically, when women are drinking their martinis, dwelling over a horrible first date with the girlfriends, it goes back to these three essential mistakes. He was either late which makes her feel unimportant, he didn't make her feel special, or the date was dull. If you can pull these three tips off, you are sure to have a fun and memorable first date together! Happy dating!

We've all been there before. The nervousness and awkwardness of a blind date, the painful realization that your date has about as much personality as a sloth on valium, or that one date in everyone's past that was so unbearable that you would have rather stuck a butter knife in your left eyeball than have to endure another hour with this person. At least that way you can scope some eligible singles at the Emergency Room with your good eye. So why do we keep putting ourselves in situations that are more times than not uncomfortable and can have outcomes that scar us for life? It seems to me that in the never-ending search for "the one" we will do almost anything in hopes of meeting the right person. Personally, I am tired of blind dates, the let down of a potentially great date and the embarrassing fowl-ups, so I decided to do something about it and try something new, enter online dating.

It seems to me that the reason dating can be so difficult is because of the awkwardness and nervousness that accompanies meeting a potential mate. In a society of cell phones, computers and a loss of human contact, why not take advantage of what we have? Online dating can be a fun and exciting way to meet thousands of potential mates in the privacy of your own home-or office. For the guys, ask yourself if you have ever choked down sushi-despite your disgust for uncooked sea creatures-just because you thought you might potentially have something with this girl. Were the fish eggs sliding down the back of your throat worth it? My guess is probably not, but at least she was happy, right? For the ladies, how many hours of your life have been wasted putting on your eyeliner, mascara, doing your hair (then re-doing your hair), softening your skin, plucking your eyebrows, redoing your hair because its flat now, stumbling out the front door in heels, running four red lights-causing three accidents getting to the theater just on time, to find out he isn't there. Nor did he ever plan on being there since he got back with his ex last week and neglected to tell you. It's all too common, and it's getting old!

More and more people are turning to a pizza and beer in their underwear at midnight, having a great conversation all through the morning, instead of the unpredictability of a face to face in a time slot of a couple hours. With online dating, we can pick and choose who is interesting to us, and as we get to know this person better, we can decide if and when we are ready to meet. If there is no attraction, just click the little X at the top right corner of your screen, and move on! Now is the time to drink another beer, eat another slice of onion and anchovy pizza, and move on to the next eligible person. It's amazing how easy it is to avoid an uncomfortable situation online. If the chatting goes well, move on to talking on the phone, and if that works out, you're on your way to a great first meeting! At this point you know he doesn't like sushi-so make sure to meet for a burger! Happy dating!