Online dating - services and free advice UK

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The big increase in online dating services in recent years has not only been very profitable for operators but it has substantially increased the success rate of daters.

The reservoir of potential dates is now huge and the concept of on-line connections is socially acceptable in the UK. A community of eight million people worldwide now uses online dating as a means of meeting their match, and traditional dating services are being eclipsed by the ease of chatting, flirting, and meeting on line.

While there are occasionally problems its almost a lifestyle now for millions of people around the world.

Value

Compared to other methods of dating, online services are much more cost effective. For a monthly fee which is probably well below some less effective services you get to make contact with potential matches without having to shelve out for a new outfit, a trip to the hairdressers or a costly night on the town. When you do decide to meet you've already evaluated your date and know it's worth the expense.

Privacy

The anonymity of registering online is attractive to those who find the amount of disclosure necessary at a traditional dating agency just a bit too intimidating. Cyber dating also has the benefit of a built-in buffer zone between members, allowing people to get to know each other before meeting. Its easy to transfer contact to email or internet messenger chat which will allow more intense personal contact while still remaining anonymous.

Comfort and Convenience

You can date online at home in your pyjamas, surrounded by beer cans half-eaten pizzas, or noisy children. And speaking of kids, if you've got children, it means you can test the dating waters without the spectre of babysitting fees.

Targeted responses

Online dating services generally automatically search for matches based on your preferences so you don't loose too much time and money at a bar chatting up a hunk that seems ideal, only to find out two hours later he's a committed reggae fan who can't understand your love for line dancing.

Safety

All online dating services allow you to correspond anonymously and, provided you to not give too much information too quickly, online meetings are safe and sensible while still offering a communication ranging from formal introductions heart stopping intimacy.

True love

There are plenty of success stories from online dating sites. Match.com, one of the largest online dating services, estimates that more than 130 engagements and/or marriages take place each month among members.

If they can do it, why not you?

Hidden costs

Its not all plain sailing. Beware of 'free' sites that aren't really free. Most are there to make money and you will find yourself under pressure to register for 'premium services'. In some cases this will include the right to make that first contact you thought was built into the sign-up offer. If you think about it though, a few pounds each month for the fun and practicality of online relationships on a good site with zillions of potential mates is probably a good investment.

However it is well worth considering carefully whether you need some of the unnecessary side costs. Value added services on offer may seem like a good idea when you feel like you're only a few steps from meeting your dream date but do you really need to pay £30 for someone to critique your profile and spruce it up, or £10 for a photo shoot with a pro?

Misrepresentation

The downside of Internet dating is that is very easy for somebody to create a false profile with attractive pictures taken from elsewhere on the Internet.

If you are not to be disappointed or even duped to the point of pain, you need to take the same sort of precautions you would in real life. Judge more by the quality of the conversation and the answers to questions than what is presented to you and if something doesnt seem quite right dont be frighten to confront it. If you chase an unsatisfactory contact away by a tough question or challenging an inconsistency you will probably be better off.

Attempting to sort legitimate members from those who might be married or 'honest, trustworthy and caring' when they're on the run from the law can be a tough job.

In particular keep your antenae up regarding the marriage certificate. Statistics show that 30 percent of "single men" using online services admit to being married or having a long term partner even though they might be living a single life.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Online Dating