How To Use Online Dating Services

By Jason Bigman
[Personals]
As time goes by, the bar scene gets tired and dating from your living room seems somewhat more appealing. Jason Bigman takes you through the process.
You may think there’s a stigma that comes along with seeking love online, but the truth is many people do it these days. The successes of such companies as LavaLife.com, PlentyOfFish.com, and Date.com have created an entire industry of e-dating.

The most obvious concern about seeking love online is safety. How are you supposed to know if you’re dealing with the real deal or just someone whose got way too much time on their hands? The fact is the alternatives that have been around for years – meeting someone at a bar, a party, etc – carry the same risks. The one difference is the face-to-face contact. My solution? We’ll get to that, but let’s start at the beginning.
 
Before You Begin

In this information age, it is not too difficult for someone to find out a lot of information about us, such as our home address, from either a phone number or a last name and a first initial. So, the first thing to do is create a special email address that does not give away any real personal information. When you sign up with your dating service, use this email at all times.
 
Choosing A Service

Once you have your email address, it is time to check out different services online. Either do a search for something like "Personals," or go directly to a website that you have heard about.

Read about the service before joining. Check out their privacy clause or other policies, so you know how any information that you give them will or will not be used. Make sure they will not be giving out your name or any other personal information. You will find that most, if not all, of these online services are conscious of your concerns for safety and privacy. Find a service that feels right for you. Many sites have free memberships as well as paid memberships. Choose a service and sign up. You are now ready to create a profile and start having some fun.
 
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