• Make the necessary preparations before you start



Create an email address specifically for your online dating search to meet single people . It would also be a good idea to have one or two instant messaging accounts, so setup a couple, preferably Yahoo or Windows Live for this kind of endeavor.



• Select a dating site



These dating sites—where you meet single people —are not all the same. There is a huge number of sites to choose from with a dizzying array of features. Do not just join the first dating site you go to. Be sure to read site reviews and compare all the features and its prices before signing up.



• Think of a username



Think up a cool username. It's the first thing people know about you. If you're stumped, think about your interests, where you live or who you are. If you love music, try Musicman. If it’s already taken, then you can add your location, or the current year: NYCMusicman, Musicman2011, etc. Do checkout the other members’ usernames as well.



• Take time to write your profile



Write down a few notes about your personality, your positive attributes, interests, and likes and dislikes before you begin to write your profile.



• Update your profile regularly



Keep your profile up-to-date even if you are fine with it because there are sites that display when your profile was last updated. This allows members to search by most recently changed profiles.



• Check for grammar and spelling mistakes



Don’t forget to run a spellcheck and make sure your grammar is correct before you post your profile. Sloppy spelling and bad grammar can put off potential partners.



• Stand out!



Make sure you post recent photos of yourself. Personal ads with a photo attract more than five times the number of responses!



• Be honest



Be honest about your personality, looks and marital status. There's not much point in writing about the person you are not because it will just be a disaster waiting to happen, especially when you finally meet. But by all means, make the most of your assets!



• Stay anonymous at the beginning



As you build trust, you can reveal more about yourself. At first, don't reveal your full name, where you live or other personal information in the early stages.



• Keep things positive



Play on your personal strengths and enthusiasm, and share a little something personal about yourself. Avoid negativity and avoid sounding like a victim.



• For Men



Avoid stating what type of person you want in your profile. Instead, describe the kind of person you are, and let those reading your profile decide if they're compatible.



• For Women



It's ok to state the type of person you want to meet because there are more men searching for women than vice-versa! Remember, your chances of meeting someone wonderful increase if your criteria are not too restrictive.



• Selection criteria



Don't make a list of characteristics that your potential partner must have, but instead, have a list of those that they should not have. This way will increase the number of potential partners but without the red flags.



• If meeting for the first time



Meet somewhere out in public at a place that’s busy, but not so noisy that you can't hear each other, and make sure you know the route home. Don't get stranded.



• Bring your mobile phone



Contrary to some tips we have come across about dating, you need your mobile phone. Yes, they can be annoying to your date if someone calls you, but you can always call them back. You might need your phone if you've got to call a cab, or for some other unforeseen emergency.



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