The growing world of free personals

One of the most common features on most online dating websites are promises of “free personals”. These offers usually entail spaces for members to post descriptions about themselves and post pictures. Though most sites advertise free personals as part of their services, the promise of free personals is often used to lure potential new members to the website. While visitors are able to create their own profile at no charge, in order to message or contact other members, or even view other 'free personals' all users may be required to register and pay. With the influx of free personals into the online dating industry, the space for pay dating sites and pay personals is diminishing. As the industry gets more and more competitive, it's almost a requirement for successful sites to offer their clients free services, or at the very least a free space to post personal information. Traditional classified ads are also moving online. Weekly newspapers and online classified services usually have a 'personals' section, though they are not always free to advertise in either. Some online daters are using these free spaces as their own personal ads, and post private contact information, so they can be contacted outside of the site. This approach is quite risky, however, since the security and privacy features included in most sites are not available once communication is taken outside of the website. More importantly, the personal risks are much higher when posting personal information like phone numbers and addresses, anywhere on the internet. This approach can in fact be quite dangerous. Nonetheless, while many services are offering space for free personals and profiles, there are charges for almost all other features, though this too may be changing. In sum, be wary of the many online dating services who try to lure consumers with promises of “free personals”. While it may be true that the personal ads are “free”, in order to communicate with anyone or use any other features, there are often additional charges.

First impression advice for that first date

First dates are tough situations. Oftentimes, they can end up being painfully awkward. So what do you do? What follows are a list of dating tips to help you and your date get started on the right foot: - Try not to meet at each other's houses and try to drive yourself. This is so that if you want to end the date early, you won't be trapped. This also helps avoid the impulse to invite your date in or not. Also, having your own car means you don't have to worry about your safety; your date won't know where you live and this avoids a date turning into some bad stalking nightmare. - Try to keep the date as simple as possible. First dates can bring on jittery nerves. Jittery nerves and complicated plans do not mix. Just make it easy and enjoyable. - Men, try ending the date first and do it politely, though make sure that you show you're interested. This will make you stand out. - Women, don't wear anything provocative or too sexy. This sounds like an old clichй but first impressions last. Your date won't know anything about you except for how you look and how you behave. He will take you at face value and giving him the wrong impression on what sort of person you are is not something you want to do. - Try and wear clothing that makes you confident and that you are comfortable wearing. It will be uncomfortable enough without worrying about that tightness around you waist or the itchy necktie. - Men, try to be specific about where you are going for the date. This will make the entire affair more comfortable and it prepares your date for what to expect and what to wear. Wearing a cocktail dress to a fast food joint is definitely out! - Ask your date about himself/herself. A healthy interest in getting to know your date is a good sign to show him/her. This means that you want to learn about him/her and think of your date as an interesting person. Remember, the most interesting conversationalists are those who ask about others. Great topics are work, hobbies and sports. Just keep it light and conversational. - Try not to overdo the perfume or the cologne. Too strong and the scent can be quite distracting. It's very hard to complete an evening out with your date dazed by the smell. - Mouthwash is important. Also, brush your teeth and bring a couple of mints if you're eating out. - And always remember... have fun and be yourself!