If you want to meet a potential life partner, you have to date. This means dressing up, going out, meeting a new person, talking up a storm with them, and then trying to decide whether he/she is ‘the one.’ Its tiring and you are putting yourself out there every single day. Its so frustrating that most people just tend to give up on dating.

The good news is that online dating reduces most of this unwanted stress. All you have to do is open an account with two to three local dating websites. Fill in your profile and you will be hit left-right-center with interested mates.

But take a step back. Its easy to get carried away with the sheer number of people online who are looking for a mate. Problems do happen and we recommend following a few simple tips that will protect you while still getting you the man/woman of your dreams.

So here goes.

Find a local website or local dating agencies- If you are staying in Sydney, find local Sydney Dating Agencies to register with. Its just common sense. Finding a local site will mean that you will find local people and it will be that much easier to get in touch and meet up. Of course, there are international sites like Match and eHarmony that will geo-detect your location and sort suitors automatically. But we really feel that small dating agencies are better than large national sites.

Think about opening a paid account – Paid accounts are far, far better than free accounts. Some dating agencies will also send over a ‘relationship/dating expert’ who will help you on what to wear, what to talk, and where to go. You wont have to pay all that much but it really does help. Of course, nothing is stopping you from having a simultaneous free account on other dating websites or dating agencies.

Be honest – Its difficult to hide your mistake or problems when you meet up. Try to be as honest as possible. Make sure your account represents who you are and who you want to meet. Be clear on your relationship requirements. If you are planning to settle down, be clear and upfront about it. Frankly, its saves you a ton of time and heartache later on.

Although traditionally considered geeky, online dating has come of age. More than 20,000 log on nearly every day on major sites like Match and eHarmony and this means a huge local and international pool of potential mates. It might take a little time to sort through the chaff but you will eventually find the man/woman of your dreams. Till that time, date safely and date online to your heart’s content.