But, it didn’t happen that way. In fact, I was ready to give up.

Not many know this but, in the world of online dating, people pretend to be someone other than who they really are.

The problem is weeding through all of the garbage takes a considerable amount of time.

With Date.com, their database is extensive. Once you join, you’ll be up to your ears in hundreds of personal preferences. And, with the click of a button, you can show your interest in other members.

And get this…it’s free. Make no bones about it; if you want to get to know the person better, you will have to upgrade your account to the Gold membership.

In the wink of an eye, you can talk to potential matches using instant messaging, email or chat.

In my experience with Date.com, the singles who have contacted me appear to be professional. Most seem to be serious about finding a healthy relationship based on love and trust.

With that being said, there were several matches who turned out to be fake. However, I refused to let one bad apple spoil the bunch.

Here’s a list of some of the features that really drew me to Date.com.

Here goes:

· A toolbar allowing instant access to the site, even while you are surfing online.
· Access to their online magazine on relationships and how to write profiles.
· The chance to meet singles in large cities in both the USA and Canada.
· A unique feature called Date Mobile – which gives you the opportunity to use your cell phone to search profiles, receive email, and talk with other members via SMS.
· Pushes singles to look for long-term relationships.
· Low membership prices – less than $10 a month.

Understand this…Date.com is not as extensive as some of the larger sites. They do not pry into your personal life as much other online dating services. What this means for you is that the matches are probably not as good as they can be.

No ifs, ands, or buts about it, the work falls squarely on your shoulders.

However, I’ll let you in on a secret…this is a great site to build friendships. And on top of that, it’s a great place to network with likeminded people in your city.

Give Date.com a try…you’ll be surprised at what you find.

Frankly, having a profile on a dating site is as normal today as your grandmother’s apple pie. Now, pay attention. Date.com will give you a good advantage in the online dating world.

You see, this site is considered a pioneer in the online dating industry. You can sign up as a free member, or upgrade to “gold.”

As a free member you will be allowed to create a profile, post a recent photo of yourself, search the database of members, and show interest in other members.

Let’s assume you chose to upgrade to gold. With this membership, you will get all the privileges of the free members plus you will be give the ability to email and chat with other members.

In any event, it’s up to you. But for me, there was no question in my mind that the gold membership was right for me.

Here’s my story…

Legend has it that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the matches I was receiving on Date.com were a far cry from what I was hoping for.

Truthfully, they were a real turn off, and I was discouraged. But, after 1 solid year of going back and forth, I finally hit the jackpot.

You see, people all over the world contacted me, but I really wanted to date someone closer to home.

As luck would have it, I love to talk. So chatting, and sending and receiving emails are one of my favorite hobbies. And guess what? I met a woman who liked to talk just as much as I did.

In the beginning our emails were plain and simple – we talked about our lifestyles and careers. It took two full months before we began to open up to one another.

During the fourth month of email communication, instant messaging, and long talks on the phone, we decided to meet.

At the risk of sounding “corny” when I laid eyes on her, it was love at first sight. I felt like I’d known her for years, and that what we had was meant to be.

Listen, I’m not kidding around…we have really hit off. Thanks to Date.com, I have met the girl of my dreams. No more bad dates. Ok, let me repeat that…no more bad dates. Are you ready to stop coming up short?