What Kind of Relationship Do You Want?
By Jeff Cohen, freelance writer (cohenwriting@aol.com)
It can be exciting to jump into the world of online dating. You’ll quickly see loads of interesting photos and profiles from people around the corner and around the world. But before you start instant messaging and emailing prospective dates, be sure you know what kind of relationship you’re seeking. Depending on the site, you can often search for pen pals, friends, activity partners, casual dating, long-term partners, or even discreet intimate encounters.
By choosing the kind of relationship that best meets your needs, you’ll be matched up with someone who has the same relationship interests as you.
Pen Pals
Perhaps you’re looking for a new friend, but you don’t have a need to actually meet the person live. Instead, you just want someone you can email with or write letters to swap stories and share experiences. Searching for a pen pal could be right for you. You’ll have lots of options because geography will be a non-issue for you.
Friends
Looking to make a new friend but don’t have romantic intentions? Sites that match you up with new friends, both same sex and opposite gender, could be right for you. You can name the qualities you are looking for in a friend and the site finds potential matches for you.
Activity Partners
Do you love to play tennis but can’t find a partner? Are you an avid hiker but have no one to hit the trails with you? Do you enjoy going to the movies every Sunday afternoon but want someone to sit next to you? Finding an activity partner could be the right fit for you. You’ll have a chance to choose from a long list of activities, or even write-in your own activity, and the site will find people who share similar activity interests.
Casual Dating
Did you just come off a long relationship and want something casual? Does the thought of monogamy scare you? If so, then a site that offers matches for casual dates could be the right choice for you. Rather than feel the pressure of commitment you’ll know from the beginning that your date is not looking for a long-term relationship.
Long-Term Commitment
Do you have marriage on your mind, or at least a serious relationship? Do you want prospective dates to know from the beginning that you’re looking to hit it off with someone and watch the relationship progress? Choosing a site that matches you with people also seeking long-term relationships would fit the bill.
Discreet Intimate Encounters
Some online dating sites offer online dating for people who are interested in sexual encounters without the committed relationship. If you desire something of a more intimate nature, then check out sites offering this alternative.
As you can see, there are several choices and you may fit into one or more categories. The clearer you are about your relationship intentions, the more likely you are to find someone with the same interests. You can also choose an online dating site that offers multiple categories. For example, America’s Online Dating connects members for casual dating, serious relationships, or intimate encounters. You’ll have access to multiple types of relationships, all from one dating site. So what kind of relationship do you want?
These five questions can help you narrow the 700 dating sites down to a manageable few that make sense for you. Take the time to answer these questions and you’ll save yourself valuable time and effort in choosing the best online dating site for you.
Jeff Cohen is the author of the e-book, 30 Minute Guide to Online Dating. It's a must-read for anyone looking to master the art of online dating without wasting hours of valuable time. To learn more about the e-book and purchase a copy, please visit Online Dating eBook.
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