Which Dating Site is Right for Me?
By Jeff Cohen, freelance writer (cohenwriting@aol.com)
With over 700 online dating sites in the US alone and new ones cropping up every week, choosing the right site can seem overwhelming. How are you supposed to know which site will best meet your needs and land you that special someone?
Rather than give up on online dating as a means to meet someone new, consider these questions to help narrow the field. Pretty soon the 700 sites will be reduced to a handful that make the most sense for you and your personal dating needs.
Should you go with a general online dating site?
If you want access to the greatest number of online daters (and have the greatest number see your profile), then general online dating sites could be right for you. Sites like America's Internet Dating cater to the mass audience and have single people available for any dating need and desire. You can enter your dating criteria and quickly see hundreds or even thousands of potential partners that meet your needs.
Should you consider a specialized dating site?
If you have a particular dating requirement, say religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation, then a specialized site could be your best bet. Right away, you’ll be eliminating a dating deal breaker before you ever go on your first date. For example, if you join www.e-Christian-dating.com, you’ll know you’re meeting people who all share the same religious beliefs.
Are you looking for a friend, soulmate, or something in between?
It’s important to know your dating objective before you sign-up for an online dating site. Are you looking to find a pen pal, a new friend, a casual relationship, something more serious, or just someone for some fun between the sheets? Some sites cater to just one type of relationship, while others give you a drop down menu of dating objectives. Either way, make sure that you and your prospects are on the same page concerning your future together.
How much work do you want to put into it?
Do you want an online site that requires an extensive relationship questionnaire? Do you want a site that generates partner matches for you or lets you do the work? You’ll want to decide how much work you plan to do in completing your online profile and also seeking potential matches. You can choose sites that require little to no work to get started or sites with extensive matching systems that require your time up front but claim to find you better relationship matches in the long run.
How much do you want to pay for the online experience?
There are dating sites that are completely free, sites that are free to join and complete profiles, and sites that charge at the outset. Depending on your budget, make sure you take the time to fully understand the online dating costs before making a commitment.
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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