 The
ancient practice of matchmaking has entered
the 21st century via the Internet.
Finding your soul mate can happen through chat rooms, IMs, social networking
and email. With hundreds of options to choose from and so many different ways to connect, we've put together some information to help you choose
the the best online dating service to meet your personal needs.
Classic matchmaking techniques take into account personalities, lifestyles, values, special interests and
hobbies to pair up people for lasting relationships. A reputable online dating service will offer
you compatible matches, in-depth profiles and safe and anonymous communication. Here are some other things to consider:
Membership Fees - Some sites claim to be free; but as they say, "you
get what you pay for." These sites are covered with advertising and the number of "active" members is questionable. Then there are mid-range sites that ask a minimal
fee to use additional space for photos and other information in your profile. Full member fees usually allow ample space for your profile and pictures;
members also have access to powerful search tools, advice and support. Most matchmaking
services charge between $20 and $25 a month per subscription.
Payment
Options - Establish a budget before choosing an online dating service. Some
sites charge a one-time membership fees and others require a monthly charge to
your credit card. Most services accept money orders and checks, as well as credit
cards. Look for discounts when paying for multiple months.
Reputation
and Security - By working with an established online site, many of the
possible problems that can happen with a new site have been resolved and there
will be a greater number of registered members than a new service. Not only will
your profile include personal information, you will also be sharing financial
information when you become a member and must be confident in the legitimacy of
the service and security of your personal information. Also, for the most part,
well-established online dating services have the best personality tests because
they have more resources to put into their design.
Compatibility Points - Sites that offer a wide range of compatibility criteria will provide a much
more exacting match. eHarmony and Match are two
of the more popular sites that offer a diverse and extensive degree of matching
points. Others, like Lavalife, make life a little easier by having separate communities
within their sites for different types of relationships.
On the flip side, if
you're looking for a specific characteristic in a potential match, i.e. religious,
ethnicity, political, body type, lifestyle, etc. you have the option of joining
a specialized site geared toward that quality. The advantage of choosing a dating
site that is dedicated to a particular type of relation-ship is that everyone
is on exactly the same page in terms of intentions.
Member Searches - With most paid memberships you have access to search tools ranging from simple
profile and wish lists to more sophisticated tools that are based on personality
and other tests that result in more detailed information in the profiles and wish
lists. Opt for an automatic search and you will receive new match details by email
on a regular basis.
Photo Opportunities - While most matchmaking
services offer the option of uploading your photographs, you must understand the
policy of the site before agreeing to join. The more options you have to include
a variety of photos the more opportunities you will have to put your best foot
forward and offer a clear picture of who you are to those who preview your online
profile.
Personality Testing - Almost all personality tests are
free to take and usually go hand-in-hand with matchmaking tools to help search
for compatible people. By taking several tests and judging the results, you can
find out which site will do the best job of helping you find your perfect match.
If the results are a true reflection, they'll be a true reflection of potential
matches, too.
Test Run - One of the great options that some matchmakings
sites offer is a 'trial' period allowing access to all the full-subscriber features
and profiles before committing to a subscription. However, they may limit how
many contacts you can make. But it is a great way to get your feet wet.
Matchmaking
Service - A more serious option is to hire a matchmaking service. With
a stricter selection process, this service is usually geared toward those looking
for a serious long-term relationship. Typically you'll receive just a handful
of potential partners over a length of time. For example, eHarmony advises clients
not to expect more than one or two matches a month. If you choose to enlist a
Matchmaking service, you will need to allow the "experts" complete control over
who is right for you and who is not.
Personal Recommendations - Talk to friends, colleagues and family to get feedback on their positive or
negative experiences with matchmaking sites. Personal referrals may offer the
most successful suggestions because the people closest to you have the advantage
of knowing the real you.
Don't hesitate to change to another online dating service midstream or to be active in multiple services. If a particular site doesn't meet
your expectations, move on before you've invested too much time or money into
the effort.
By Noreen Ruth
Dating & Relationship Expert
DateShowcase.com Editor |
|
 |
* All dating articles are copyrighted works owned by DateShowcase.com. If you'd like to COPY, REPRINT, DISTRIBUTE or USE this content in any way, you must cite our website with link. |
