Google Plus is launching and anytime a new social media site hits the market it begs the question “Will it be a good site for dating?”

You probably realize by now that to join Google Plus, you have to receive an invitation. So far, about 88% of Google Plus members are men. So, theoretically, Google Plus is a great dating site to check out if you happen to be a woman, and you happen to get an invitation.

If Google Plus succeeds, the gender balance will have to correct itself over time. The main question that remains regarding Google Plus as a dating site is one of privacy. Google Plus touts itself as the more private alternative to Facebook, which may mean that it doesn’t envision itself as being a dating alternative. Facebook’s main advantage as a “dating site” is that you can so easily see the profiles of the people your friends already know. When you see someone who looks promising, you can connect with them based on your mutual acquaintance. If Google works really hard to ensure privacy, making those connections might not be possible.

So, I guess we’ll have to give Google Plus a little longer in the marketplace before we can really assess its possibilities as a dating site. Now, if I could just get an invitation…

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News & Views Google, Social Networking

As one of the most well publicized online dating sites, eHarmony is the best bet for those looking for a truly serious commitment with the right person. Science and romance come together with in-depth personality questionnaires designed to match compatible personality traits most likely to result in chemistry. Rather than members entering information to search for compatible matches, the eHarmony.com online system locates matches and delivers them. While signup and personality profiles are free, a paid membership is required in order to communicate.

One can use the guided communication process to break the ice or bypass it all using the site’s Fast Track system. Founded by Dr. Neil Warren, a dating and relationship expert, eHarmony.com is recognized for its ability to create long lasting compatible matches. This is because of the lengthy questionnaires that must be filled out which is designed to match couples on a deeper level that appearances alone. The site has strong Christian principles, and has received complaints in the past for not catering for same sex couples. It’s not clear whether this policy will change.

The extensive compatibility questionnaire must be completed before gaining access to the site, so unlike many other match sites, at eHarmony one cannot simply register in a few moments and start browsing profiles. The test answers can be saved at any time however so that you can come back at a later point to finish the test.

Once you complete the test and access the site, you can easily modify your profile and customize your settings. Choosing between the fast track or guided communications options can be done here, as well as specifying whether you’d like to receive matches by email or not. It’s also possible to restrict matches to people living within a certain distance, to those with certain religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds, and of a certain height.

eHarmony has one of the most comprehensive matchmaking services available both on and off the internet. It’s well suited to those seeking a compatible partner for a serious, lasting relationship. Those uncomfortable or unwilling to examine themselves at length are not likely to find themselves suited to eHarmony.com.

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Reviews Compatibility, eHarmony, Matchmaking

Every so often I hear a single person say, “There just aren’t any single guys/girls out there”. In fact, I can even remember saying it myself about 42,000 times when I was single.

It is true that as you get older, the population of single people may diminish. And, by older, I just mean older than the largest age group of singles who are looking for love, which are people in their early twenties.

But, one of the biggest reasons people don’t find love is that they don’t make time for it. You see, as we mature, we make a life for ourselves, which is good. It’s not a good idea to put off doing the things you want to do because you’re waiting for the right mate to come along. However, when we make too good a life for ourselves we may be reducing our chances of finding that mate.

If your life is filled to the brim with work, friends and family, you may be preventing yourself from finding a mate. If you can’t find time to search, how will you make time for the right person when he or she comes along?

We have to strike a balance between having a fulfilled life as a single person and devoting time to finding a mate. The right guy or gal is not going to knock on your front door tonight (or any other night) while you’re watching television. Once you’ve exhausted the obvious avenues for meeting singles, like work, friends of friends and social clubs, it can be very tempting to say that there’s just no one out there.

Remember, however, that you’re out there. So, certainly there are others like you. It just might be a little harder now to find them.

Dating Essentials Busy, Love, Old, Singles