The first decision you have to make is which of the dating services to join.
The decision you make is up to you and should be based on criteria you set for yourself.
One general rule of thumb is to choose an online dating service with a good rating or score depending on their criteria.
The larger and higher profile sites have more features but are mainly geared to dating personals in general.
They have international memberships so if you are looking for someone in your immediate area, you could have a problem.
On the other hand, if you live on top of a hill a half block from the middle of nowhere like I do, you might find that some driving or even flying can't be ruled out in your quest for friends or lovers.
The whole point of the internet is to erase borders and expand our horizons, isn't it? Once you have chosen and joined an online dating site, the next thing you must do is write a profile not just any old profile, though.
You need to write one that will stand out in the crowd.
Be inventive, be funny, use analogies but, most important, be absolutely honest with yourself and about yourself.
Oh and spelling and grammar do count.
You don't want to sound, well dumb.
The next step is to post a picture of yourself.
Here, again, be honest.
Post a picture of yourself not your best friend who is cuter or more handsome in your opinion.
It really isn't a bad idea to go to a professional photographer one that specializes in taking pictures to be posted online.
Choose a picture where you have a happy smile and look confident.
The idea is to present the best of you.
If you have to go through the trouble of taking new pictures of yourself, then do it.
It will be time well spent.
You have that one first impression to make.
When its done right that first good impression will work hard for you in the long run.
Putting your best foot and face forward is the honest thing to do.
Now you are all set.
You don't have to wait for someone to contact you.
You are perfectly free to make the first contact.
Go through the profiles and pictures posted on your online dating site using criteria that you set and start having fun! Look for sites that offer video profiles.