Fun Online Dating Sites for Newbies
Fun Online Dating Sites for Newbies

by Cian Laurence

Dating can be difficult, especially if you don't know where to start. Here's our top picks for the best dating sites where to find love.

So you’ve tried the dating thing already and perhaps have been on a few less than successful dates. Or maybe you are emerging from divorce or the loss of a spouse and you have no idea how to approach the world of online dating. Out of the 54 million single people in the U.S., 49 million of them have tried online dating at some point. If you’re feeling hesitant, now is the time to give it a try.

Remember, online profiles are crucial to projecting the image that will attract suitable dates. Be specific, positive and don’t lie about your age. Use a recent photo that presents you in the most flattering attire and lighting possible. A handful of shots is adequate. Never give out personal information such as your address or phone number until you have thoroughly vetted a prospect through the dating platform first.  Whether you are interested in testing the waters or finding a life partner, here are some online dating sites that will get you on your way.

Our Time

If you are over the age of 50, Our Time is a good dating site to explore. Take some time to create a profile and start finding your matches. Our Time is specifically geared towards people who are older and have different preferences of what they want in life than younger generations. Our Time is available for both iPhone and Android with a monthly subscription cost of $29.99, but you can save money by paying for the three-month package upfront which is only $17.99 per month.

EHarmony

Most likely you’ve seen the ads for this website, set to the upbeat Natalie Cole song that promises you will find love on the site. The man behind EHarmony, Neil Clark Warren, is a psychologist and wrote eight novels on finding love. He created the site based on his research and findings. The matching process is anything but haphazard. You are matched with other singles based on 29 customized dimensions. According to EHarmony, 4% of current newlyweds in the country have met from EHarmony. To sign up, it is $60 dollars a month, and with this fee, you are guaranteed a profile and expert advice on dating and relationships. They also offer free trial deals very frequently, if you want to try it out without diving right in.

Match.com

Whether seeing an ad on TV or in a magazine, chances are you’ve probably heard of Match, one of the pioneer sites for online dating. It promotes serious relationships and prides itself on being open to all lifestyles and preferences. In addition to the dating portion of the site, it also provides a lot of articles having to do with love and romance that may be helpful to you. It contains both serious and humorous pieces, all having to do with romance. It is a more budget-friendly alternative to EHarmony, offering membership for $30 a month, half the price of an EHarmony membership.

OkCupid

As of 2016, there are currently 10 million OkCupid users. A big attraction to OkCupid is that it is completely free. Start by filling out a comprehensive questionnaire about yourself and your interests, and you’re good to go. Just like  other dating sites, it is location-based and you will be paired up with potential dates not only by your interests and personality, but by your region. Download the app, or match, right from your desktop.

Elite Singles

If you are a single professional over 30, Elite Singles is worth perusing. This site promises that every 8 minutes, a single on the site finds love. It also states that 67% of members on the site have received their Bachelor’s Degree or higher. This site offers a basic and free membership, and it gives you the option to upgrade to the premium or premium plus membership, which offers a lot more perks such as a more in depth profile, and a way to see if your messages have been read by the person you sent it to. If you decide to upgrade, a six month premium membership costs $49.99 and a six month premium plus membership costs $59.95.

Dating gets a bit easier with online sites like those described here. Check out more than one and try changing your profile if you are not connecting with the ideal matches. Each site makes it easy to present yourself in the best possible way and match with the people that are compatible to you. Good luck on your dating journey! 

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