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The singles scene                                 

The internet is proving to be a very useful tool for improving your social/love life.  It is now considered one of the best ways to meet people and their is no stigma through using an online dating service.  In fact, many people brag how they've met their spouses through such sites as www.match.com or www.eharmony.com.  The latter charges $250 per year and there is a very detailed profile that the users fill out to become a member.  Even Yahoo has a personals section that you may wish to use.  Another site (designed for Christians) is www.bigchurch.com.   (this does not mean subscribers are religious!)

Should you use such a service, exercise common sense and caution.  A few tips:

• When writing your profile, just include your first name.  Be honest about hobbies/interests and make it enticing...remember you are advertising a product:  yourself!  Don't list such information as where you live or work. 
• If, after a few emails, you wish to meet, do so in a public place
• Going for a cup of coffee is a low pressure, reasonably priced method to meet someone without shelling out considerable money.  Or, go to a museum or any public place where there are people around.  It's also a good idea to tell a friend where you are going and for what reason. 
• Exchanging cell phone numbers is also a good way of talking before that initial meeting. 
• Go by first name only during initial meeting
• Follow your instincts about the situation
• Don't give out too much personal information when exchanging emails during the beginning of your relationship. 
• Be honest about yourself....don't post a 20 year old high school photo or say you have a full head of hair if you're bald. 
• Don't overburden the potential partner with TOO much information about yourself.  Sure, it's ok to be divorced or with a child.  However, don't talk about it in too much detail when you first meet.  They'll deal with the accessories later on should they desire to further the relationship. 
• Don't throw out your common sense.  If you're re-entering the dating game after a long marriage or relationship, realize that you're an adult who is capable of saying no. 
• Have a good, honest photograph of yourself online. 
• Respond or write the ad in a direct, lively way with action verbs. 

Other sites of interest include the following:
www.AmericanSingles.com
www.True.com
www.PerfectMatch.com
www.great-expectations.net
www.date.com
www.lovesites.com

Go to Dating Reviews to find out the pros and cons on many websites.

Specialized/Niche Sites
Often, a single person may have better luck going to specialized sites wherein interests are common.  You are more apt to find someone serious in pursuing the relationship.  This may make up for the fewer members on the website.  Some of them are free to join.  You can tell what they are about from the domain names.

www.petmydate.com   and www.datemypet.com  are the same site, designed for pet lovers
www.truckerpassions.com   (people who like trucks)
www.tallfriends.com 
www.friendslikeme.org   (people with disabilities) 
www.gothicloveonline.com (goths) 
www.conservativematch.com (conservatives) 
www.hiphopmatchmaker.com   (hip-hop fans)  
www.rightstuffdating.com   (Ivy Leaguers...you need to provide documentation and pay a fee!) 
www.grapedates.com   (wine lovers)
www.sugardaddie.com (men 35-55 with a better than average lifestyle, they want to meet people 20 - 30's.  You can post a profiel for free but pay $18.99/mo to make contact, women outnumber men 3 to 1)
www.dharmadate.net (Buddhist singles)
www.veggiedate.com (vegetarians)
www.jdate.com (for Jewish singles)
www.craigslist.com is usually known for "hook-ups" but many people are finding relationships online at this site as it continues grow as a site to put a free listing. 
www.plentyoffish.com is free and has been running since 2003