Archive for October, 2006

Online dating tips for single Christians

Years ago, online dating had a reputation that was less than desirable. But today, that stigma is quickly passing. Thousands of single Christians are currently finding friends and establishing relationships through online dating. Major websites like Eharmony are running huge advertising campaigns with great success. Online dating is becoming more and more mainstream, and the Christian singles community is jumping on board with both feet.

Unfortunately, there are those who lurk in online dating sites (yes, even Christian ones) to prey upon unsuspecting victims. That’s why it’s so important to remain anonymous. Personal information, such as email addresses and phone numbers, should be kept under wraps until after you meet the person and feel you could trust them. Set up a free account through Juno, Hotmail or Yahoo specifically to communicate with online dating prospects. Never offer any info that could be traced online, such as last names, employers, addresses, etc. You’d be amazed at what someone can find out about you with a tiny piece of info. And if someone tries to pressure you into revealing something, RUN! Many cases of identity theft (as well as stalking) have been born through an online dating experience.

So you’re chatting with someone online and things seem to be going well. But there’s a creepy feeling in your gut that just won’t go away. Chances are it’s not the leftover Chinese food you had for dinner. It may be the Holy Spirit ringing a warning bell.

The Lord knows what’s best for us, and He wants us to obtain it. That’s why the Holy Spirit is here. To guide us into situations that are good and lead us away from situations that are bad. It’s the still small voice, your conscience, the gut feeling that either says, “Oh yeah, that’s great” or “Ick, I don’t want it”. And in the Christian online dating game, it’s your most important tool.

So in the first stages online dating, be skeptical. Don’t buy into a message, profile, or something you’ve been told (the old saying still holds water–if it’s too good to be true, it probably is!). The anonymity of the internet lets people be anything they want and often it’s a completely false persona. So take your time and get to know someone. Don’t rush things. Don’t get into intimate conversations. And most importantly, if you get that yucky feeling, don’t argue with it! Just quickly retreat from the situation and thank the Lord for His guidance.

Looks may not be everything, but in the online dating game, a picture can save you a big headache down the line. If there’s not a photo on the website already, always ask for one before setting up a meeting. It confirms what the profile tells you and gives you an idea of what they look like (important to some, not so much to others). If the person balks at this for any reason, don’t get involved any further. They’re obviously trying to keep something hidden from you, possibly a spouse. How would you feel if you showed a picture of your new beau to someone and they said, “Oh, that’s so-and-so’s husband.” Talk about embarrassing! Caution is key here. Use it in abundance and again, listen for the voice of the Lord.

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It Is Never Too Late For Love

Is dating only for the young, and senior dating non-existent? It all depends on how one views dating. Many associate dating with a couple spending a night out for a movie, a meal, some dancing, or a combination of these, virtually isolated from the rest of the world. But dating can be viewed as simply time spent together with someone you don’t live with. And it does not have to mean that the couple be isolated from the rest of the world on a date.

A date could be a group picnic, time spent on charity or volunteer work. It could be a workout at the gym, a visit to relatives (of one or both parties), sharing a day of work, a trip to a beach or resort, and many more events; a list of which is only limited by one’s imagination and definition of what a date is. When viewed as such, senior dating definitely offers a lot of possibilities. Of course, the common concept of dating — that of the couple going out together — is still possible for seniors. In fact, online dating services, which have gained popularity, have categories for seniors, as well as other age groups, these now make senior dating for comfortable.

Senior dating is now something that you can investigate online. And if we have it online, where else would that have come from but from offline services? And indeed, whether online or offline, senior dating services are available. Senior dating services, online or offline simply gather information about you so that they can match you with someone compatible in their database. Part of the information you will provide is your preference for the type of person you would like to date — physical features, age group, work/financial status, educational background, and so on. If you’re a senior wondering about the possibilities of getting a date, you should realize that it’s not really much different from the time when you were young except that now so much can be done online.

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Joining a dating site

Searching the web for a dating or personals site can leave one very confused. There are millions of dating sites listed on the internet. My search of the word “dating” on Google resulted in 56,200,000 results! Talk about a tough decision. Let me give you some pointers and advice. Currently, I am a webmaster of a few dating sites as well as dating referral sites. I have seen all the styles of personal sites. They all follow pretty much the same format with a few variations. Sure, there are some great free dating sites, as well as some terrible ones. The same holds true for pay dayting sites. Now, as a webmaster, let me assure you of one thing, all us webnmaters are promoting dating sites for one thing…money. Now, dont get me wrong, but I could put up a decent free dating site, and allow members to join my dating site for free. I would just post some ads or banners, and offer to sell something which might be of interest.

Then, hopefully, I would generate enogh revenue off these sales to support the site. Kind of a traffic generator. My advice is this… If your looking to join a dating or personals site, before you even start looking, ask yourself, what am I looking for. Narrow the search down somewhat. Are you looking for a lesbian site, how about a military dating site? Maybe a “dog-lovers” dating site. Trust me, there all out there. Now, let the search begin. Try Google, Yahoo or whatever you prefer. My suggestion is that you look for personal sites that offer what I call a semi-free membership. A semi-free membership is where you are allowed to post your profile. (This is where you tell about yourself and post some pics) On this type of dating site, you are not allowed to contact other members, It’s kinda like fishing, you put out the bait and see if anything bites. This type of dating site could work well if your not in a rush.

Now, the wait is on… Remeber though, beware of some of the replies you receive. Most will be good matches of what you are looking for though. Be cautious of the soon to be admirer who needs you to send cash so that he may come see you though, this happens occasionally, but not often. I’ll say it once, don’t send anyone money! Don’t get in a panic and think everyones a scammer, most are not. Now, if your not ready to wait for replies, you will need to pay up to send messages to other users on this type of site. Remember this too though, if you want a shy gal (personally I like them), there not as quick to send me a message if they see my ad. Remember, they might be shy or feel that they are not what your looking for. So, joining might be a good idea. I would like to offer some quick pointers on what to do before even signing up for a free dating membership though. Do a Whois search on the site you are considering joining. To do a whois just do a Yahoo search on “whois” and follow the directions.

If you typed in my domain name www.thatdatingsite.com you can find out for sure, who I am. Sure, I could lie when I set up the domain, but my phone numbers there too, just call me. See how most webmasters have nothing to hide while some do. Some whois search results will contain “hidden” information. Do you really want to join this type of dating site? Another pointer, if the site loads slow, has popups or spam, beware. Remember the rule above? All us webmasters are in it for the money. If you join this type of dating site, get your spam blockers and virus protectors tuned up. See, if I can give you popups, theres people who will pay me just to show you popups. They’ll pay even more for your email address… Now, see why this is important. Just be cautious and have fun, theres alot of high quality dating sites out there. Most are reputable, but unfortunatly, theres a few bad ones. Good luck in your search for your soulmate or whatever you are looking for.

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You have heard many successful stories from friends on internet dating.

So the search for the perfect relationship is tuff. You have tried the grocery market, the coffee houses, blind dates, social gatherings and the Barnes & Nobles. Nothing seems to work.

You have heard many successful stories from friends on internet dating. Online internet dating has been featured on TV and the magazine’s. Now, you want to give it a try. But, how do you start online dating without the pain and frustration of trying something new?

The easiest answer is to jump in with both feet. Don’t be afraid. You really cannot make a mistake or embarrass yourself. No one knows who you are until you are ready to tell them. Just remember anonymity is a very powerful tool that should be used wisely, especially if you want to have success with online dating.

Either go to your favorite dating site or do a search on your favorite search engine for online dating, internet dating or internet dating site. You will come up with many possibilities. Some of the largest dating sites are Match.com, eHarmony.com, Lavalife.com, Friendfinder.com and OneandOnly.com. There are many other good date site online. Just visit the site to see if you like it and you are comfortable with the dating site.

Once you have found a site you would like to try go and check out some of the profiles. Almost all the dating sites today allow you to search for free. And, the major sites have free features that allow you to narrow your search to a city or zipcode and customize your search for a type of partner you are looking for.

You searched and found a few prospects that interest you. So, go ahead and register. Add a profile. Definitely add a picture of yourself. Make sure the photo is accurate and up to date. If you think trying to fool a propective date with an old picture because you will win them over with your amazing personality can work, it won’t anymore. So, don’t do it.

Also, try to be accurate with your profile. If you are a smoker are a little overweight or have kids you might as well confess now rather than let someone you have gotten to like discover you lied to them. That is not how to start a successful and passionate relationship. It will always be in the back of their mind that if you lied about the small things then how can you be trusted if the relationship should grow. Lying doesn’t work so don’t start at the beginning.

Once you have gotten the basics down with your first online dating site why not register with one or two more sites. This will increase your chances of finding that perfect someone.

Good luck in your search. There are a lot of great singles out there and the online dating sites are helping to make a difficult task easier.

Just follow these few simple suggestions and you are on your way to living the life with that special person you have always dreamed about.

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Success in online matchmaking

First, you need to remember to be yourself.

First, it is helpful to post a picture of yourself.

As you are getting to know someone who you have met online, it is a good idea not to release too much information at first.

When you find someone who you wish to meet in person, you should talk over the phone first. Being able to hear someone’s voice and how they talk let you know a little more about who they are. You won’t want to feel anymore stress than you have to on your first date.

After you have chatted online for a while with someone you like, of course you will eventually want to get together for a date. A first date with someone you meet on the internet isn’t a lot different than any other first date, although it may seem more like a â€~blind date. Just remember to be yourself, remain confident, and have fun! Get to know your date even better and appreciate one another’s company.

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Popularity of local dating sites

The new age generation has created a popularity with online dating sites. Meeting someone new on an online personals site has become common and acceptable in today’s world. People have become so busy with day to day life, that they find it more convenient to find new dating partners through internet dating. Don’t worry about the awkwardness, join and have fun. It is not uncommon these days. I currently run a dating site called ThatDatingSite.com . In the past year I have seen the new member count increase significantly.

All ages and generations are becoming accustomed to using the internet for dating. Some people feel that they are too expensive. How can that be? “I can spend $10.00 - $49.00 to join, that’s too much money…” Think about taking out a date and finding out you have nothing in common. Lets see, a dinner and a movie, maybe some drinks afterwards. How much have you spent? Also, I run another site called NakedPersonals.org . It is more of a “find sex” site, but also, I have found that there are allot of people out there, in all age groups, who don’t necessarily have the time for a full fledged relationship, or want intimacy, but really don’t have the time for a full time relationship. Once again, people in this day and age, have found time to be a precious commodity. It is kind of a shame that we are so busy. But, the fact of the matter is that we have become so busy with working, that we don’t have extra time at our disposal. A new thing these days is speed dating.

Doesn’t this reflect our lack of free-time , or the newer generations philosophy, “I want it now” attitude. As the dating scene changes, we are seeing more and more activity on internet dating sites. Thousand upon thousands of personal ads are posted everyday. If you are indeed one of these types of people, I encourage you to check out some dating sites, as you can find a true happy relationship, if you are too busy to meet people in other ways.

Several happy marriages have resulted as well. Sure, just like any other relationship, there are some that work, and some that wont. Online dating however, allows you to get to know someone at your pace. They offer chat rooms, e-mail, and even full profiles of the member. If you are skeptical, there are many free dating sites that will allow you to browse for free. Give it a try, you might be quite surprised as to how things have changed. Good luck in your future relationship…

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Online Dating Consideration Ideas

So, you’ve decided to take a chance and try online dating. You’ve checked out the sites, posted a little bit of information about yourself and what you’re looking for and possibly browsed the potential contacts that you would like to make. More than likely, a few people have piqued your interest and you think you’re ready to make contact. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Read the profiles that interest you thoroughly. Pay attention to the ideals and interests that are important to you. Read the sections that are personally written and see if they touch you in any way. Sometimes the small details or what is not being said can be the most important.

Use the tools you are given on the dating site. Most support their own e-mail, chat or instant messaging services. Anonymity is important to most people these days when taking a chance with online dating. These tools enable a person to stay safely anonymous as long as they like and can usually block any offensive or undesired contact from specific members.

Make sure you know what you are looking for whether it is friendship or a long-term relationship. Contact or reply to like minded people and there won’t be any misunderstood intentions on either side. The way most profiles read give you an idea of what someone is really looking for. Some sites even include that information as part of the profile process.

Have a list of question you would like to ask. They don’t have to read like an application, but the idea is to get to know the person and see if there is compatibility. If a picture is not posted with the profile, you will probably want to ask for one. A good question to ask is if the picture was taken recently. Not everyone wants to post his or her receding hairline or bad haircut and will post an older picture! Another good question to ask is if the person is in an existing relationship or how long ago their last relationship was. You aren’t guaranteed the truth, but sometimes a reaction will let you know that this is not a person you want to pursue something with.

Take your time with the process. Don’t let anyone rush you. You are not committed to meeting anyone based on a specific timeline. Be thorough in your research- you have the tools right at your fingertips! The right person will make the connection with you and you will be ready to personally take matters into your own hands.

Remember these suggestions are merely ideas on how to safely and comfortably explore the world of online dating. You know yourself, what you are looking for and your personal boundaries. Be as safe as possible but above all, have fun!

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Most of us have different levels of confidence.

Most of us have different levels of confidence. I’m sure you have met a variety of confident types. I’m just as sure, that all of us have had our own confidence shaken once or twice. I know I have.

In relationships most of us have different degrees of confidence. There were times I felt like I could do no wrong and other times I couldn’t do anything right. The ups and downs of relationships are still a mystery to me. I don’t have all the answers, but most of us have in common some the same feelings: the hope when you see someone you can’t take your eyes off of; the anticipation of being on a first date; the moment when you kiss; the bliss of love; and also: the slap when someone says no; the hopelessness when someone walks away, the emptiness when someone you love cheats on you and so on. We all have been their.

What happens when the worse has happen to you. I can give you a glimpse of the male’s perspective. You are in love. She is everything you could want. She’s beautiful, sexy, and makes you feel alive. You can’t wait to be with her or near her. You are on top of the world and life couldn’t be better. Then she walks away. No amount of begging will bring her back. The signs of her leaving were probably there, but you were too in love to see them. You cry, you drink, cry some more and the emptiness won’t go away. You are lost.

Then there is the guy who drinks a case a beer, cries for a night, says the hell with it then parties the next night. This over exuberant soul creates such a whirlwind he leaves himself no time to grieve or to contemplate his state of loss. When he crashes, his recovery is usually a tough road.

For me, the old adage that time heals, had value. I had no desire to go clubbing. I was lonely, still grieving and didn’t have the confidence to get back in to the dating world again. As time went on, I found a comfortable, yet boring routine. I wanted to date again, but the thought of it would give me flash backs of unpleasant moments. Sigh, loneliness was becoming my friend.

Online dating was something I heard about and decided to check it out. I was tired of watching reruns on tv. It didn’t take long to search out the many dating sites available on the net. I searched, researched, and joined. I was slowly and comfortably getting involved again. I could sit at home in my sweats, converse with ladies online, and not have to face a crowd in a smoky bar room if a lady said â€onoâ€?. Yet, the no’s were rare online. This was not a face to face ritual, but me on my keyboard and her on her keyboard that gave us both the needed space to get acquainted. It was fun, relaxing and a confidence booster. Yes, I’ll say it again, a confidence booster.

How can online dating boost your confidence versus traditional dating? It has to do with vulnerability. Think about it. If you just lost your confidence, would you rather face a lady in a crowd of others, or at home while using MSN chat or email. After a huge letdown, most of us struggle with the thought of going out in the harsh dating world were appearance is premium versus the power of words and feelings you converse online. Whatever your state of mind may be at that moment, you can find another person online feeling as you do. That’s hard to find in a smoky bar room under the influence of alcohol.

Eventually my confidence did return to an adequate level to venture out to the dance clubs. I had online dating to thank for that. For a while, I was playing in both worlds and saw some stark difference in what was real and what was not. Both have their pitfalls, but eventually I realized that the typical dating world had many more masks and traps that was not present in the online world. That’s another article. For now, I just want to say if you have lost your confidence because of a relationship disaster, give your self time to heal and see if you can find yourself again by joining a good online dating site. I guarantee you will find your confidence again and if you are lucky, like me, you will find the love of your love.

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Online dating

Online dating or Internet dating is one of the most common ways single individuals are trying to find dates and even romance with other like-minded individuals. Online dating systems provide a service to single people, couples and even groups in order to get together for social occasions, love affairs and even sexual relationships. Most online dating services provide people with a place that is anonymously safe yet free of many restrictions in order to find possible matches on through the use of the Internet.

Online dating services often require that a member sign up with their personal information, although this information is not available to other members without the individual providing it himself or herself. Many times creating what is called a â€~profile’ with most online dating services is free and may even include the ability to search for other individuals of interest by gender, age and area of residence. While not always free, online dating services allow members to post multiple photos in order to attract more interest to their profile and to avoid anyone who may not be of interest. Additional options and features are offered by online dating services including internal email service, flirting tools, dating articles, internal instant messaging and message boards. Many of these features cost a reasonable monthly fee.

Very few online dating services limit their members by any type of factor including background, race, age and even region. Some online dating services will limit memberships based on the type of interests and relationships that are desired but are few in numbers. Most online dating services have hundreds of members that live dozens of different countries. Online dating services offer the first real way to meet with people from all over the world that share similar interests and are looking for the same type of attributes in another person. As a result, long-distance relationships are more common than ever.

The benefits of using online dating services far outweigh any disadvantages. People who use online dating services are able to meet far more people than they would if they were limited to dating people who were met at clubs, bars and through friends. Communication with other members through online dating services is optional. An individual can choose not to communicate with a member who has a profile that simply doesn’t suit their interests. People who are painfully shy or don’t have a great deal of time to devote to meeting singles socially has a wonderfully anonymous way to explore and meet people who are in similar situations. The cost of using online dating services is well below what would be spent on drinks at a bar and the cost to get into clubs over the course of a single month.

While there are some negative factors that should be considered before using one of the many online dating services available, most people who use common sense and have reasonable expectations find that using online dating services is no more dangerous that meeting perfect strangers in person. With almost five million dollars per year being spent on online dating services, people have obviously found one of the most convenient and effective ways available to find the kind of relationships that they are looking for.

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So what should you put in your profile?

When I look at allot of the online dating services I notice one common trend. People take it very seriously into finding there true love. I find it absolutely amazing the amount of people who are looking for there absolute perfect match.

There seems to be so many profiles out there who tell people exactly what it is they want from a partner. Its as if there an owner of a company and there trying to fill a certain job position. They then take and list there requirements and what they expect from a person. If they don’t meet those requirements then they think there unsuitable. I think that’s crazy.

Dating is about getting to know people and then seeing if you enjoy spending time with them. You will often meet people who you thought you would never date and end up having a strong relationship with them. I’m not saying that it isn’t good to have certain expectations. It is good to have an idea of what you want in a partner. I’m just saying you need to have an open mind.

So what should you put in your profile?

Intsead of a whole big list of stuff like this is what I want and this is what I expect, you should have a touch of personality. Sure you will have certain expectations. You need to personalize them, so they just don’t sound like your looking for a perfect person. If you like to joke around then add some little funnies throughout your profile. You need to show off your personality. Show people how you see the world and that you don’t take everything so seriously.

When you go to a nightclub you don’t just go to meet someone, you go to have some fun too. You need to look at online dating in the same way. Have some fun with it and don’t take it to seriously. You will make things much easier on yourself.

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