Step-by-Step Online Dating Guide

Are Online Dating Services for You? Does it Work? Get Photos Create Your Profile Anonymous Email Safety Choosing an Online Dating Service Finding Your Match Making Online Contact Making Real-World Contact Enjoy Yourself

Finding Your Match

You've created a great profile, found an awesome photo of yourself, and signed up for the online dating site that you think has the best potential.

Now what?

Well, you can take a breather and wait to see what happens. Or you can get busy sending those messages. You will get much better results if you take the initiative - whether you're male or female. A good number to start with is six to twelve. Expand into nearby zip codes if you've looked through all your neighbors.

Browse through profiles using the search features available to you. See who appears in the search and check out the profiles. Who looks good?

If the site you chose offers matchmaking, you can take the luxury of sitting back and waiting. Your profile will show up on someone's list.

Check for messages. If someone does contact you, show courtesy by responding. Even if the person who contacted you is not what you're looking for, treat them with respect and reply to their email.