A little advice on online dating for singles

You're single, and you're miserable. OK, maybe not miserable, but ready to get back into the dating scene. Maybe you've been there, done that as far as going to bars, and maybe you're tired of the same old line from your friends: "I know someone perfect for you!" So where do you turn when these options run dry? If you pay your bills online, communicate with co-workers and friends alike mostly online and are able to even watch TV online, then why not think online when it comes to meeting new people and ultimately dating?

In the past, meeting someone online was synonymous with scams and danger. Nowadays, thanks to the help of sanctioned dating websites like SinglesNET.com and American Singles, it's easier, safer and even affordable. One can simply sign into the site, create a simple profile in minutes and then begin searching the online dating pool for that special someone. Whether you're looking for Mrs. Right or Mr. Right Now, you can almost always find someone whose interests match yours.

There's some downfalls to online dating, however. Namely, there's the case of mistaken (or purposefully misrepresented) identity. That attractive guy who owns his own business has been emailing you for weeks, and everything is going great until you meet him for dinner and realize his "muscles" are really fat rolls and that Rolex is a Casio. The "business" he owns is selling pot out of his parents' garage. Um, next?!

There's also the troubling realization that when you finally meet someone in person, the witty repetoire you once shared online has turned to... crickets chirping. Online chemistry is much different than in-person, face to face chemistry.

When it comes to online dating, success really depends on the person. If you're a quieter type that is more likely to let your true colors shine virtually, give it a go. But if you're the more outgoing type that prefers to see what you're getting into from the start, traditional dating may still be the way to go for you.