Tips for online dating and romance

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, not everyone has yet met that special someone. For many people—more than 40 million Americans, in fact—online dating services have become a regular place to turn to find that perfect match.

If you’re considering the assistance of an online dating service, keep in mind that all services are not created equal. But if you choose wisely, you could have a rewarding experience when you join all those online singles looking for potential mates.

Experts at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are offering some sound advice in choosing the right online dating service and several tips to help ensure your safety when you are online looking for a dating or marriage partner.

Start by selecting a site that seems likely to attract the type of person you want to meet. Available services follow different philosophies and strategies. Some of the large and popular services out there include Match.com, eHarmony, Yahoo Personals and PerfectMatch.com.

Look for a site that enforces behavioral standards and provides a respectful and supportive environment.

Balance what you can reasonably expect from the service against the investment you will be making. The assistance of some of these matchmaking services does not always come cheap. Fees can range anywhere from $25 a month, all the way up to thousands of dollars for more specialized, high-end services.

The BBB recommends that you try before you buy. Some online services will let you browse and search at no charge before you sign up. Be sure to check the company out with the BBB. Also, be sure you understand all terms of the contract before you click the “send” or “register” button. And know what your recourse is if you are dissatisfied with the service.

Before you join a service, ask the following questions:

Do you provide help in writing profiles or give any other advice?

Are there plenty of members in my geographic area and in your demographic?

Does the service offer twoway matching?

Is it easy to search and browse other profiles? Is searching accurate?

How well will my privacy be protected?

Safety is a major concern among many singles who are considering online dating services, especially those who are first-time users. To help ensure your safety the BBB recommends the following:

Do not reveal any personal information in your online dating profile, in your personal ads or in your private e-mails to other singles. Such information includes your real name, specifics about where you live or any other info that could be used maliciously.

Use only the communication tools provide by the dating service. You should not invite singles to e-mail you at your regular email address, at least until you know them better.

When you e-mail singles in private, consider using an anonymous e-mail account at a free site. With some careful selecting and with an eye toward safe surfing, by the time next Valentine’s Day rolls around you may no longer even need an online dating service.

This story provided courtesy of StatePoint Media.