Cyber-dating is the wave of the future. The people who use online matchmaking services tend to be well-educated and well-employed. They are busy professionals who have found that meeting potential partners online is a way to fit romance into the increasingly hectic pace of life in the 21st century.
An online relationship is not like dating the girl next door or meeting your aunt's cute dentist. Cyberspace Romances can help you understand the psychological aspects. There's also the safety factor - we've all heard the horror stories of the online boyfriend who turned out to be a stalker. Check out these tips for online dating safety at Alternative Connections and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer before beginning a relationship.
Once you're ready to look, start your search at one of the following sites. There are two ways to meet your match. Some of the sites function as a traditional dating service, allowing you to contact prospective dates (or them to contact you) via e-mail, snail mail or phone. Others feature chat rooms where you can instantly talk to the people in whom you're interested. Several are free, but others require that you purchase a subscription to view contact information or to take advantage of special features.
Dating Services
- Dating Faces
This site allows you to create an extensive profile page. The site will tell you how compatible you are with other members. You can create an ad for free, but other services require a monthly fee.
- Match.com
Search the database of singles and Match.com will connect you with people who are interested in you. Create a free profile, then becoming a paying subscriber in order to e-mail other members. Venus will deliver new matches and profiles directly to your inbox.
- OneandOnly Online Matchmaking
This site allows you to search by geographic location, age, physical characteristics or lifestyle. Check out Romance Central for tips on how to make your profile stand out. The Agent of Love will scan incoming ads daily and e-mail you the ones that match your preferences. You can create an ad for free, but must pay a monthly fee for other services.
- eharmony.com
This site aims to give more accurate results with a scientific matching model. Answer a few questions and you'll be matched with a partner using the attributes you think are important to a successful relationship. Choose between the Pay Per Match or Subscription options.
- Our 1st Date.com
It's free to post your profile and to view prospects. But to view the contact information of members, you'll have to buy a subscription.
Chat sites
- AmericanSingles.com
Contact up to three people and post a profile for free. Subscribers can contact as many people as they wish. Special features include chat rooms, astrological matching, personalized voice messages, travel and off-line parties.
- Kiss.com
This completely free site uses ICQ and AIM to allow chatting, and features advice from "Dr. Pepper," the resident Ph.D. in love and relationships.
- Singles Online
Guests can browse members by age-range and geographic area for free, while members can browse by criteria, including more than 150 activities and interests. You can also contact a relationship coach, subscribe to a newsletter, check out the Relationship Library or chat in rooms provided by TalkCity Chat.
- Udate.com
Thousands are chatting at any given moment on this site. Free registration allows you to access the complete site.
- Matchmaker.com
This site offers communities with a specific geographic or lifestyle focus. Take advantage of a free trial membership to check out a particular community. An icon next to a member name indicates whether the member can chat and whether he or she is currently online. The Online Photo Center makes posting your photo easy.
--- J. Walker
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