Dating services - online and speed introductions UK

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If the prospect of looking for a new partner seems just too daunting relax now and consider the opportunities at UK dating services.

Its not as hard as it looks and you can move at your own speed and comfort levels. Its never been easier and never less stressful.

A number of commercial services have been set up to help and even though the idea of paying to find a mate may seem a little strange it can be remarkably good value for money.

Many dating services let you have a trial run or limited access for free, but once you know what its about most people pay up and enjoy the rewards.

However, we all have different needs, personalities, and styles and its worth taking the time to understand what is on offer and what you are getting into before you take the first step.

Newspaper personals

Newspaper personals are the traditional way to anonymously make contact with a potential partner and in most cases these are now linked to a phone service where you can listen to a longer message left by the writer. That way you can consider their voice and manner, and the things they want to talk about. If you don't want to be judged too quickly on your personal appearance, or are not ready to use the Internet to find a date, newspapers are a good way to start.

Newspaper ads have a limited amount of space so it takes a bit of time to write your advertisement succinctly and still get across what you want a potential new friend to know about you. For help in doing this see our page on how to write dating personals. Also decide if you wish to advertise locally or nationally. You'll get a far broader response from an ad in a national newspaper but you may end up falling for someone at the wrong end of the country!

Online dating

Internet dating has really taken off past few years and its not hard to find a site offering instant connections with hot dates in your area. Its worth perusing the advertisements for a while to decide what category you are comfortable with.

Many sites include classifications for adult activity, friendship only, love matches, those seeking marriage, and same-gender dating. Some sites specialise for groups with specific interests including senior, Christian, BBW and Teen dating, listings for specific nationalities or cultural groups, and for those with unorthodox interests.

Depending on your own circumstances you will decide if you want to join those who generate a sense of urgency and excitment through their advertisements, or to join those who see on-line contact as a fun way of quietly dipping a toe in the dating waters. The advantage of online dating is that it gives you a chance to remain anonymous while continuing to develop a relationship which allows a sense of security. At the same time it can allow levels of honesty which may cause embarrassment across a dinner table.

Internet dating also allows you to search for very specific terms that are important to you - narrowing down your results to only the best matches. And the good news is that you can withdraw from an unsatisfactory relationship at the touch of a button, blocking a contact for ever if you chose.

For more information on Internet dating services see our section on dating online.

Novel dating services

One of the latest crazes in the "meet and mingle" world is the proliferation of Speed Dating. It's an exciting way of meeting 30 potential matches in one setting but its perhaps more of a lottery than some more sedate dating services. If you think it might be for you try reading our page on speed dating for more information.

Supermarket Singles' nights are another novel way of meeting a new partner. Usually there's a signal system in place, like placing a packet of jumbo cornflakes at the front of your shopping cart, so you don't end up chatting up some unsuspecting shopper who just came in for a carton of milk. The idea of picking up a date in the supermarket aisle may fill you with fear but isnt the adrenaline rush part of the fun? If you'd like more information our page on free dating supermarket style explains all.

Cultural connections

You may come from a culture where formal matchmaking is a part and parcel of who you are. If you subscribe to the beliefs and values of your culture this may work well as a method of finding a partner for life: someone who shares the same principles and background and is willing to accept the wisdom of the matchmaker in getting you together. For more on these cultural connections see our page on blind dates by professional matchmakers.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Dating Services