5 ways to meet your mate: Internet dating

Internet dating

 
Whether it's 3 a.m. in their pjs or lunch hour in their business suits, many singletons are logging in for love.

The lure
It's easy. All you need is an Internet connection and you can post a personal profile, and if you want, attach a picture. At many online dating companies, if another dater responds, you get the message in an online inbox that's set up when you register. There's no exchange of personal e-mails or information unless it's done in private conversations. You pay to respond to an ad or you can send a response collect--the object of your attraction may or may not choose to pay for it. Costs: $9.95 to $49.95 per month. You can set up a free trial account at most Internet dating sites, including Match.com, Lavalife.com and American Singles.


The hook
There are plenty of success stories. Some people have found love and even marriage, while others have found good friends. "Idawmn" from the Chatelaine.com Passions forum met her American husband in the MSN 40s online chat room. They even used Web cameras and headsets to get to know each other better. Online dater, Laura, became such good friends with another dater that she became his roommate. "I love to date," she says, "talking to so many different kinds of people online is great."


The snags
Safety can be an issue. Many dating sites provide tips and suggestions surrounding your personal security such as not revealing your phone number, last name or where you work. If you decide to meet your online date in person, tell someone where you're going and make sure it's a crowded place.


Plus, watch out for dishonesty. "Some people are insecure about something and then they overcompensate for it," says Laura. "It always becomes obvious when you meet them." When she met one online date, Laura discovered the picture he posted online was from about 20 years ago.