So you're single. And you don't want to be single any longer. Welcome to the club. It's not an exclusive club and it's not new. In fact, it's a large club with millions of members and it's been in existence forever with a constant churn of people signing in and passing through. For as long men and women have been dating, there's always been a point when the dates no longer feel fun and meeting new people becomes a chore instead of a chance.
As soon as you reach that stage when you just know you don't want to be alone any more, membership is automatic. It's not that you don't like your own company or that your life seems meaningless by yourself. But you know you'll be happier sharing your time and your future with someone else-and the sooner it starts the happier you'll be.
It used to be the case that when singles reached this stage-when they were ready to turn their backs on their bachelorhood-they'd ring up their pals, talk to their friends and go through a string of introductions until they found someone they were prepared to settle down with.
Today, it's a lot easier. You're not limited to your social circle's social circles and there's no pressure from pals who are convinced you should like their pal-and believe there's something wrong with you if you don't. You can just go online, sign up to a dating site and gain access to millions of singles from around the world and from all walks of life.
It couldn't be easier and you're in control. For less than the price of a decent bottle of wine, you can contact thousands of singles who live near you, want to hear from you and are looking for exactly the same thing as you.
You can write them emails, chat with them online, swap photos and make arrangements to meet. Believe the blurb on the websites and you can find the love of your life in minutes-one click and you're there.
Clearly, it's not that easy.
At their most basic, dating sites are just giant databases stuffed with details on eligible singles-only some of whom are at the same stage as you.
People come to dating sites for all sorts of reasons and to find all sorts of relationships. Most are looking for a long-term connection that may lead to marriage. Many are looking for a new relationship that may become long-term. Some are looking for a quick fling that won't last longer than a weekend.
And even when you do find someone who looks interesting and wants the same thing that you do, there's no guarantee that they'll want what you have to offer. Rejection lives online too.
The fact is, while online dating certainly makes meeting the love of your life a great deal easier, it still requires effort, planning and an investment of both time and money. Exactly the same rules apply on the Web as in bars, clubs and parties.
You have to look good, be charming and stay honest if you want to build a new life with someone you're only just getting to know. You have to know how to make a great first impression, pick the right person and see it through. And you have to know how to make the most of the tools and chances you have available. All of those thing remain true throughout the online dating process-just as they're true offline too.
Merav Knafo
Merav Knafo is the co-founder of LookBetterOnline.com. LookBetterOnline offers an easy and economical solution to the problem of sub-standard online dating photos. Available in over 6000 cities in the US and Canada, all the photographers they employ are pre-screened, are specially trained and will make you look your best! You get 12 great images that are the perfect size and resolution for your profile - and for no additional charge, their staff will recommend the best photos to use!
Do your photos do you justice? If they aren't working for you, they may be working against you.
For more information and to schedule a photo session that may change your life, visit http://lookbetteronline.com