Yes, people lie. While this isn’t a shocking revelation to anyone, it certainly seems to be forgotten when it comes to online dating. People think that just because they’re meeting others who want to find a date too that everything is going to go perfectly.

Not quite.

Just as in the ‘real’ dating world, some people aren’t all that they seem. To help you spot the liars before they get into your home, here are some red flags that the person you like shouldn’t become a person you love.

• They never want to meet in person – If you’re on a dating site, you should be there to actually meet people, not just to ‘hang out’ in IM boards and in chat rooms.
• Their picture doesn’t quite match up to how they describe themselves or you meet in person and they’re nothing like their picture – If they lie about what they look like, who knows what else they’ll lie about?
• They can’t give you an answer as to why they’re dating online – Everyone has a reason. If they’re honest about what they want and you don’t agree with them, that’s okay. But if they avoid answering that question, they’re hiding a spouse probably.
• They only use free sites – If you’re trying to find someone to hook up with, you use free sites. But if you’re looking or something long term, you’re willing to put your money where your motivations are. Many people on free sites are just looking for sex or they’re looking to cheat on a spouse.
• They don’t look you in the eye when you meet.
• They change your date suddenly at the last minute.

Over time, you’ll be able to spot the liars from their profiles, but until then, it’s best to treat any prospective first date like an employee you might hire. And they have to prove they’re qualified and up to your high standards.

It’s official – everyone is dating online. When I saw the news that Brad Garrett was trying out online dating (albeit for a reality show), I realized that online dating had finally found legitimacy.

Sure, we’ve all known about it for a while now, but once a celebrity decides to go for it, then you know it’s something you should try it too.

True, Garrett isn’t the first one to give online dating a whirl, but it seems like everyone who is anyone is hopping online. What does this mean for you? It means that more people are going to try this effective form of dating, which will up your chances of finding someone of substance.

At the same time, many people might wonder if online dating is just being mocked by those who could get a date with anyone – that’s a viable thought too.

But honestly, online dating is not a joke.

• It lets you screen potential dates before you spend money on a movie and dinner.
• It lets you scope out the competition.
• It lets you be picky.
• Online dating is cheap.
• It lets you be creative with your profile.
• You can meet anyone who is into anything.
• It’s growing everyday.

Online dating used to be a way for people to stalk each other and to flirt with people they had no intention of meeting, but now, matches are made, marriages are planned, and families are the result.

Get on the bandwagon – and maybe you can date Brad in the process. Too bad it’s not Brad Pitt.