Have a good time using the web to meet like-minded people and don’t panic if you haven’t gone on your first real-life date within one week.

First make up your mind want you want from dating sites: marriage, long-term partner, friends, just fun?

Find reviews and opinions of other web users about different matchmaking sites; you can find them easily using any popular search engine.

Decide if you can afford a particular dating site – do not fall for ‘Join for a dollar for three days!’. Believe me, in three days you can just get started!

Your budget allowing it, I recommend you join at least two internet dating sites, because, that way you are more likely to meet more people and consequently reach your goals quicker.

Even if you think it’s cool,  resist the temptation to write something really outrageous about yourself in your dating profile like: “I look just like Arnold Schwarzenegger”, or, nothing at all, like: “I don’t know what to write about myself, so just contact me, and we can talk.” What you write in your dating profile is like the decoration in a shop window. Either it makes them want to come in or it doesn’t. You have to tell them just what they need to want to know more. Not less. Not more.

Include a photo in your dating profile, and make it one where people can see your eyes and your smile. Just think how you like to answer to profiles without a picture. If you do not have a digital photo, look for dating sites that offer photo scanning services.

When you write, do not send everyone the same generic introductory letter. Some sites will eliminate this as spam, and it will not appeal to those you are writing to. Address them personally, and expound on something they mentioned in their profile: “You said you like dogs. I have always wanted to get one, but haven’t had the time to take care of it,…”

I am sure you are aware not to give out any personal information whatsoever until you are convinced without a doubt the personal you have contacted is trustworthy;

Before meeting someone, tell friends and relatives of your plans, and let them know where you are going.