Navigating the Online Dating World

Navigating the online dating world can be complicated, but it can also be rewarding. The seemingly hard part is getting from complicated to rewarding. To that end, here are some helpful tips on navigating the online dating world.

Free Sites vs. Pay Sites

While you may not want to waste your hard-earned money, you may be wasting valuable time by not subscribing to a pay site. There are many reasons for this. People who pay to be listed on a dating site are generally more serious than those who don't pay. Free sites have no time limitations and visitors may just be curious or are just looking around, without any real desire to commit. Pay sites are also less likely to attract predators, which everyone involved in online dating should watch out for.

How Long is too Long?

All right, you have started chatting with someone online and he or she seems interesting. You have a lot in common. When is it time to take it to the next level? It could be a matter of days or weeks, but at some point, if you think there might be a possibility that the two of you will click, it is time to set up a phone call. The phone call is important because it is the first time you will actually be talking to your prospective date. Although you can't judge everything from a first call, it will help you decide whether you want to continue this possible relationship.

How to Meet

The first concern of any person using online dating is safety. You never can be sure just who this person is or what his or her intentions may be. That's not to say you should be overly paranoid and on guard either. Err on the side of common sense and trust your intuition. After you decide you want to get together, follow these rules:

Rule No. 1: Meet in a public place

Meet for coffee, or for a quick lunch or dinner. Of course, it's always a good idea to meet in a spot where there are many people.

Rule No. 2: Drive (or bike, or walk) yourself to the meeting spot

Don't have anyone pick you up and don't go to his place or your place until you've had a chance to get to know him and you feel that this person is trustworthy.

Rule No. 3: Have a great time

Relax and enjoy the experience. Remember, this could be the start of a terrific relationship, but just make sure you don't go too fast and that you protect yourself. Online dating opens up, literally, a world of opportunities for singles. Who knows, you just might meet the love of your life online. But if you don't, rest assured that, of the millions of singles out there, you'll find the right catch eventually.