When you meet someone through online dating and get together in person for the first time, it takes less than one second to decide whether you find them physically attractive. If that person is too short, too tall, too old, too young or whatever, you immediately eliminate them as a potential partner. But if he or she fits your general concept of what's appealing, the next thing you'll respond to is voice. Again, it takes just a second to make a judgement you might not even realize you're making. Rapid talkers are considered to be more educated, and men with deep voices are usually perceived as being better looking than they actually are! Next, you'll actually listen to the words being spoken. We're naturally drawn to those who use the same kinds of words we do, and can quickly sum up a person's attributes from a short conversation. Of course appearance matters, too, but really it's within the first three minutes of meeting someone new that we size them up as a potential partner. Psychologists also say that the more you interact with someone you like, the more you come to regard them as being attractive, smart, and similar to you (unless you discover something that is a total turn-off). So it might be wise to hang in there for a second date if those first three minutes signal a potential new romance!

The truth is there are no hard and fast rules, but the following guidelines should help you have better dating experiences:
#1 Listen to your gut. If a potential date’s actions or words set off an internal alarm system, you owe it to yourself to pay attention and act accordingly. For example, if you’ve met someone online and they seem interesting, then you talk to them on the phone and they sound completely different (in a negative way), you may decide not to meet them in person. If you were on a date with someone and they seemed nervous but well intentioned, your gut might tell you to give them a second chance. By going on a second date, you’ll gain a better understanding of who they really are and if you’d like to see them again.
#2 Actions speak louder than words. When someone’s actions are contrary to their words, it’s definitely gut-check time. By paying attention and screening out potential partners whose actions don’t match their words, you cut down on wasted dating time and can focus on attracting potential partners who are worth your time and energy. For example, your date might be nice to you, but if they treat the waiter or valet poorly, that speaks volumes about their true character.
#3 Don't play games. Call when you say you’re going to call. Do what you say you’re going to do, and be honest when the other person asks if you’d like to go out again. If you don’t want to see them again, say so in a kind and considerate way. Try online dating today!

If you’ve ever thought, “There’s nobody out there for me,” the U.S. Census reports that there are actually over 100 million singles! That's about 44 percent of American adults. Some other interesting stats include:

• In general, there are 86 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women, although out West the gender ratio favors women. Cities where gals got it good include Austin, Fort Lauderdale, Tempe, Sunnyvale and Santa Ana.
  
• The best places for single people to live are New York, where 50 percent of state residents are unmarried, and Washington, D.C., where a whopping 70 percent of the population is single. The worst states are Idaho, where 60 percent of people are married, and Utah, where it is 59 percent.
• Only 9 percent of women and 2 percent of men say they’ve found a relationship at a bar or club. So if you’re lonely and looking, you’re better off hitting on the hot barrista at Starbucks. Better yet, join an online dating site!
• Got someone  in your sights and want to reveal your interest? 23 percent utilize the schoolyard approach and send the word out through a friend.
• On a date, first impressions do count: Men take only 15 minutes to decide if a woman is worth a second date. Women will ponder for an hour or so.
• Being bashful will get you nowhere. Women and men who post their photos on online dating sites receive more than twice as many e-mails as those without photos.
  

Although doing just about anything online, from shopping to research, is the norm, not everyone sees online dating that way. Well meaning friends and family members ask why and don't understand. They think it's dangerous or weird. But looking for love isn't a tragedy or a defect. It's a situation. You want a new job, you post your resume with the objective of finding a good fit with an employer. Online dating is the same-- your goal is to find a good fit with other singles you have something in common with. Yes, you can meet new people in your neighborhood or at your office or gym. But if you want to expand that pool of potential dates, reach a little broader. Online dating can help you do that, while at the same time narrowing down the type of person you really want to meet. Only want to date people of your same religion? Great— there are plenty of online dating sites based on religious background. Really want to meet someone over age of 60? Easy enough with online dating sites catering to seniors. What if you're a lesbian? You can meet other single women online. If you haven't tried online dating yet, give it a try. You have nothing to lose but could gain a special someone!

According to U.S. Census figures, 44 percent of adult Americans are single, so you're in good company! And did you realize that 40 million Americans use online dating services? That's about 40 percent of the entire U.S. pool of single people. All of them can't be wrong, so If you haven't tried online dating yet, maybe it's time. What the heck!? There's nothing to lose by including the Internet in your search for someone special. From mild to wild, there is a dating service online that caters to just the type of person you want to meet. You really CAN find love and happiness, you just have to know where to look and be willing to give it a try! With so many different online dating sites, pick your preference by age, or religion, or ethnic background or whatever you want to have most in common with other singles, and get ready to meet someone special. The odds are definitely in your favor. Give online dating a try today!