Saturday, September 8, 2007

Christian Dating Online: Worth Trying?

In this day and age, as people get more content at letting the internet play matchmaker, Christian dating online continues to gain acceptance and popularity. But is it worth trying?

The internet is one of the safest portals for meeting other people for dating or a serious relationship. And with online dating trends gravitating towards specialty and community-based dating, we see an increase in the number of sites catering to Christian online dating.

There are advantages to this phenomenon. Some of the advantages include:

1. Wide net: You can search thousands of profiles of people sharing the same faith. There's a vast Christian network that has varied interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes. The big number gives you a better chance of finding one that you like.

2. Christian dating online provides a very comfortable environment and- though you still must exercise caution and commonsense- is considered safe. The online dating community is a place where you can create lasting relationships for acquaintance, friendship, companionship, romance, and can even lead to a permanent commitment.

3. In a Christian online dating site, the center is spirituality. People here believe they have filtered out the dates with people who may not share the same set of values. If you are joining a Christian online dating site, you'll know what you can expect.

4. You can narrow the field even farther down to an even more specific faith such as Catholic, Latter Day Saints (Mormon), Seventh Day Adventists etc.

5. You can be specific as to the level of religious commitment, to match your own. To some people going to church every Sunday may be deemed "Christian" enough; for others it could be more or less.

A Christian online dating website should include chat rooms where you can have fun discussions, both personal and biblical. In most sites, you can also post memos and notes on message boards and share pictures with photo galleries. And of course, you can send personal messages to private mail boxes.

Many dating websites also feature instant messaging and voice introductions for a more personal touch. Some of the Christian websites even offer Christian dating services aside from online matching.

Indeed, dating a stranger sharing your beliefs would be more reassuring than starting with somebody who does not share the same principles.

And as implied, the online society is Christ-centered. And by association, Christ is all pure love and kindness. If you join the group, this indicates you support Christian values and standards. Meeting the love of your life could be a possibility!

The Christian community now utilizes this current trend of communication to widen their reach and to create a fun-loving environment. Christian dating online has proved to be very effective for most people who participate with friendships and often blooms into serious relationships.


http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/christian_dating_online.htm

Writing an Online Dating Profile: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing an online dating profile, there pitfalls that you should avoid as they may well cost you love of your life. Some common pitfalls include:

1. Laundry List:

Yes, complex beings we are, with wide and varied interests. But you don't need to put each and every one of them in your profile. Four to five activities that mean most to you and are integral to your life suffice.

2. Shopping List:

This is related to 1 above, only that you make a long list of demands that your prospect must have or meet. Some online dating profile lists of demands simply cannot be met by someone from planet earth. Be realistic.

3. Lies:

The biggest complaint about online dating is about all the liars out there. People lie about their marital status, age, profession, income and so on. These lies eventually catch up with them, inflicting deep wounds and even lifetime scars on either or both parties. Be honest.

2. TMI (Too Much Information):

Don't spill every little detail about yourself in your ad.

First, if you lay everything out on the table right away, you'll have a hard time finding things to talk about later.

Second, a little mystery in a relationship helps strengthen the interest in both parties. Take your time in finding out more about each other.

3. Bragging:

Nobody likes a show-off. But how, you might ask, do you write positively about yourself without sounding arrogant? Well, be objective as opposed to being subjective. Avoid self-aggrandizing commentaries like, "I look great", "I am successful", "I have a great sense of humor", and so on.

4. Clichés and Other Overused Phrases:

Guess what? Almost everyone enjoys "fine dining" and "long walks on a moonlit beach". You're not inviting a response when you list things like this. Using these phrases will make you seem unimaginative, if not outright boring. Put some thought into what you really enjoy doing and list things that make you stand out from the crowd.

5. Loser Words and Phrases:

Avoid using any of the following words or phrases in your personal profile:

a) "I'm tired of being alone" - This paints you as desperate and can set you up for responses by manipulative people.

b) "If you want more info, ask" - The whole response/reply process assumes this. Adding this line indicates laziness on your part to think about the content of your ad.

c) "I'm honest" - Even the most compulsive of liars won't admit to being one, so there's really no point in saying this.

d) "I'm no good at these things" - Few people consider themselves particularly gifted in writing personal ads. Like a) above, this reads like unmotivated filler text.

e) "I can't believe I'm doing this." Well, guess what, you are! Get real.

6. Shouting:

Typing in all capital letters is not only hard on the eyes, but also annoying to most readers. Also, on the Internet this is considered shouting. DON'T SHOUT! (See what I'm saying?).

7. Sexual Innuendo:

Save the sex talk for later communication, when you and your date become more comfortable with each other. What you intend as a cute remark may inadvertently be taken the wrong way.

8. Berating Former Relationships or Partners:

Almost everybody has gone through a relationship that just didn't work out (I doubt there's anybody who hasn't). Don't whine about what you didn't get out of your last relationship. This is not the time or place to vent.

9. Unfamiliar Words:

Don't try to show off vocabulary you do not have. The easier to read your personal profile is the better. Conversation-style writing that brings out your personality works best.

10. Negativity:

You want to come across positively. Talk about your positive aspects and traits. Leave the negative behind.

There you have ten common pitfalls to avoid when writing an online dating profile. And while you are at it, don't forget to check your spelling and grammar.


http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/writing_an_online_dating_profile.htm

Finding Your Soul Mate with Online Matchmaking Services

Online matchmaking is hot. The continual growth in popularity of online matchmaking services has even some its harshest critics take a step back and say, "Well, looks like it works after all."

Indeed, the advantages of online matchmaking over other tried-and-not-so-true methods of meeting a mate, such as singles bars, blind dates, supermarkets and so on are undeniable and varied. These advantages include:

1. Matching: On many matchmaking sites you answer questions and specify what you are looking for in a mate. You can be very specific as to what you like and dislike, what you must have and what you cannot stand, and anything in between.

2. Convenience: You can search and communicate with prospective candidates at any time of the day or night.

3. Numbers: There are millions of people from whom to choose, of different ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions and geographical locations.

4. Interacting: While some people can say the right thing at the right time, some of us get the right ideas long after the fact. In online matchmaking, you have all the time to create opening lines or think up appropriate responses.

Exchanging email, instant/text messages, chatting, and phone calls help further in finding the right match as well as weeding out those who are incompatible to you or with whom you are uncomfortable.

5. Put Your Best Foot Forward: In online matchmaking you can broadcast your best talents and qualities by creating a profile that touches on all the interesting elements that make the real you.

6. Privacy: Online matchmaking services provide easy-to-use features as well as an environment that lets you communicate while maintaining your anonymity. You can remain anonymous until you are ready to reveal more about yourself to the right person.

You also get to check out any number of potential mates without their ever knowing you took a peek.

7. Familiarity: You get to "know" the people who seem promising before meeting in person. This eliminates the awkwardness of first introductions. You also have an idea of what your prospective mate looks like, as you will have exchanged photos.

8. Minimizing risk: Meeting strangers in bars, clubs and other similar places carries an element of risk. Though risk cannot be entirely eliminated in online matchmaking you can maintain safety with caution and commonsense.
The fact that you have been communicating with the person for some time minimizes risk as you already know the person to a certain extent.

All in all, online matchmaking services offer many advantages over other dating methods. A reputable service can offer you a way to meet lots of compatible singles who are also looking for serious partners. Reputable matchmaking sites offer free trials.


http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/online_matchmaking_services_find_soul_mate.htm

A Short Guide to Succeeding in Online Matchmaking

Looking for love? When looking to meet the person of your dreams, online dating may just not be enough. What you need is online matchmaking. Just what is online matchmaking?

Matchmaking can be described as a process of introducing two people with a view towards marriage. Online matchmaking is simply matchmaking via technology. How does it work?

A matchmaking site requires one to input lots of details about yourself as well as the type of person you are looking for. This is in order to find your most suitable prospect(s), beyond mere physical attributes.
Advantages of Online Matchmaking

There many advantages to online matchmaking but the top ones are:

1. Numbers: A large and wide network of people all seeking mates. This offers you the best chance of finding someone who is also looking for somebody just like you.

2. Convenience: search for your soul mate any time of day or night, in the privacy of your own home.

Now let’s look at what you need to do in order to find a soul mate online.
Getting Started

In order to succeed in finding your soul mate online, you need to compile six lists. These six lists will help you come up with a lively, attention-grabbing profile.

Not only that, but this will also help make answering online matchmaking questionnaires much easier. The six lists are as follows:

1. Things you must: these are things that your partner must have (personality-wise as opposed to material-wise) in order for you to be happy with him/her.

2. Things that would be nice to have but you can do without. You know, are the icings on the cake.

3. Things you cannot stand (your “no-no’s”). These are characteristic that you absolutely will not tolerate.

4. Your endearing characteristics and attributes.

5. Your activities, interests and hobbies.

6. Things you must improve in yourself.

A look into your lifestyle and activities will help you come up with the above lists. If necessary, enlist the help of a close friend or relative. This might seem to be a lot of work, but it is well worth the effort. Remember it is your soul mate that you seek.

Another way to come up with a list of things that you want or don’t want in a partner is to take a look at your past relationships. What are the things that you really liked? These are things you want. What did you not like or what made the relationship(s) flop? What characteristics caused problems in the past? These are the things you want to avoid.

Once your six lists, you are now ready to begin searching for your soul mate. The best route is through a reputable online matchmaking site. Not to be confused with a general dating site, a matchmaking site is tailored towards serious relationships.
Types of Online Matchmaking Sites

There are, basically, two types of matchmaking sites:

1. Those that do the matching for you. You cannot view other members’ profiles. They inform you when a compatible match has been found. With this type, you have little control over whom you get matched with. Some of the most successful matchmaking sites operate this way.

2. Those that do the matching for you as well as let you do the searching. With these, you have more control and flexibility, though this does not necessarily guarantee greater success.
Which Type of Matchmaking Site?

It is not the place of this article to tell you which type of online matchmaking site to go for: that is a personal decision. But you cannot compromise on the quality of the site as you would be compromising on the quality of your love.

In this day and age of quick fixes, some people expect to sign up with a matchmaking site today and find the person of their dreams tomorrow. This is possible, but unlikely. Patience is a virtue.

Expect to communicate and meet with several prospects before finding the right one. It might take days, it might take weeks, or it might take months. It’s all worth it if you finally nail “the one”, don’t you think?

Now don’t waste time. The sooner you start your search, the sooner you’ll be able to find him or her. Find a reputable online matchmaking site and sign up for a free trial today.

http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/guide_to_online_matchmaking.htm

Seven Tips for Improving Your Relationship

What makes relationship last long? Why do some people seem to have happy and long-lasting relationships while others simply can’t seem to hold it together? Is there magic to what makes some relationships last longer than others?

Maybe there is. Or maybe it’s just that some people learn secrets of success from their grandparents or other relatives or friends. And since the latter is probably more accurate, here are some tried and true tips from people who have enjoyed long, happy relationships.

1. Dates: Dating does not have to end simply because the couple is married or has been together long. Keep dating each other. Even if life seems too busy, meet at the end of the evening for something light and easy, like viewing your favorite sitcom (record it if necessary) together or playing a game of Euchre.

2. Refresh: Take time to look back. Refresh your memories and share your most memorable moments. Take a look at what brought you together. Pull out those old pictures in happy moments and look at them together. Especially when times are difficult, lean back and rely on these old memories as your foundation and glue yourselves back together with them (not literally, of course!)

3. Fun: Couples tend to have fun on dates, and get too serious once married. Lighten up. Head to Yahoo Games (off Yahoo.com main site) and join in any number of card or other games. Or head to a local rental shop and rent an Xbox or other game player and some games.

4. Let Go: No need to hold on to the bad things that happened during an argument. Actively “forget”. Take them as lessons about what needs to be improved, or how to handle things better next time. Then move on. Be the first to apologize and make up.

5. Space: Give each other some space. Either you trust or you don’t. Get on with life, though. People need time alone and time with their mates and other friends. Be sure to give and take your fair share of space.

6. Disagree: Agree that it’s okay to disagree on some issues. You are still two different people, each with a brain of their own and an opinion. No need to create a new religion or political movement just to appease both of you. You don’t have to agree on everything. And you won’t. And that’s okay.

7. Reminiscences: Enjoy special moments, special anniversary dates and events. No need to be elaborate. For example, maybe you enjoyed watching a hot air balloon race one spring day. The next year, you might schedule time to watch it again. Make it an annual event. Collect postcards with balloons on the, playing cards, toss pillows…over time it becomes a theme.

So don’t wish for the “good old days”. Make them happen. You may be a little older, but you can rekindle the embers into a nice, warm glow. Take short steps to improve your relationships and let life’s problems magically pass by while you hold on to your relationship.


http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/improve_relationship.htm

Tips on How to Write the Best Personal Ads

There is one thing that will make or break your online dating efforts – your personal ad. This article offers tips on how to write the best personal ads that come alive and get responded to.

The first mistake most people make is creating one while at the dating site. This can be intimidating and prone to mistakes. A better way is to first make a draft on a separate piece of paper or typing program (Word, WordPerfect, Word Pad etc).

Begin by brainstorming an attractive screen name (also called a handle or stem). This is vital, as it helps catch prospects’ attention.

When creating your screen name, you might want to consider your best qualities or interests and build it around this. This will not only tell something about you, but also offer prospects something to open up dialogue on. Try for something unique and interesting.

Many sites require your ad to have a headline. This is also extremely important, like a first greeting or introduction. Not only that but, some sites initially provide surfers with just headlines. A good headline should attract someone into your personal ad to find out more about you.

Just as in your screen name, you can use your headline to describe yourself, or what you are looking for. You could also incorporate one of your main interests or an interesting aspect of your personality. Study other people’s headlines and see which ones attract your attention. Model yours on these.

Next is the body of your personal ad. You will need to describe yourself and what you want, in specific terms without sending your prospective mate to sleep. This means being descriptive and using action words. It would help to make the following four lists:

1. Things you cannot do without

2. Things that would be nice to have but you can do without.

3. Things you absolutely cannot stand or will not have.

4. Your hobbies and interests

Making the above lists will help will help dig deep into yourself and you find things to write about. It also helps in answering profile questions, both multiple-choice and essay-type.

Now write about yourself. Imagine you are talking to someone seated right there in front of you. Tell him or her how you feel about things, what you like to do and what you are looking for. Be specific and positive.

Just write it down, without minding about spelling or grammar. Get excited and write fast. This helps bring out your personality, without getting stalled by the analytical part of your brain. Write in a conversational style, which has proved to work best and shows that a real person is behind the ad.

Writing about yourself does not mean that you should reveal every detail. If you can’t tell it to a stranger at the bar or coffee shop, don’t write down in your profile.

Just as in headline-creation, it would help to study other people’s ads. Run a search of people seeking the same type of mate as you are. Look through a dozen profiles or more, and take notes. If a phrase or sentence peaks your interest, don’t hesitate to modify and adapt it into your own.

When finished, put your draft personal ad down (or save it in your hard drive). Better still, let it sit overnight. Then come back with a fresh mind and correct spelling and grammatical mistakes. Also, cut any clutter. Read it over at least three times to check for flow.

There you have tips on how to write the best personal ads. All you have to do is transfer your winning ad to your dating site of choice. Some minor modifications may be needed to fit different sites, but the hard part is done.


http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/tips_on_how_to_write_the_best_personal_ads.htm