Oh--man...
I can tell you some things about dating sites. I have to get to work... but I'll edit this post when I return home.
Some good, some bad... but in a nutshell, I have some wisdom to share.
@mlogan I will keep it pg-13 too. Promise.
Okay!--So just got home from work...
I used eHarmony first. I hated it. I went out on two dates--within a month of each other. It found very few matches... and the only person I really connected with was in Florida. I do not suggest it. I don't know if they changed it--but back then (2006?) you couldn't find matches--they were given to you based on questions you would have to answer. I suppose I answered them poorly, because matches came once in a blue moon.
I switched over to Match afterward--and well... the results were completely different.
As
@Matseb2611 said in his post below--Match is one of those sites that has no moderation, a lot of hookups (more on that in a sec) and inactive accounts.
If what you're looking for is a hookup--Match is good for that. There was a time where I had a date with up to three different women per week--and I did this for almost two years. The signs are there if you know what to look for.
If you're looking for a meaningful relationship--you'll find it there too, but beware the warning signs. If they say things like "Looking for fun." "New in town." or "Wanting to meet new people." Then yes, it's a hookup.
I had two meaningful relationships (by meaningful--I mean it wasn't just sex, and the words "girlfriend/love" were used) thanks to Match. But yes... I admit... I had many many more hookups. It really depends on what you want. Be on the lookout for people that have their profiles all over the place... if their information is not consistent, or it sounds too good to be true--it probably isn't.
Also--beware of catfishes, they are
RAMPANT on Match. Also beware of people that want to meet in secluded places. Dallas/Ft. Worth is a huge sex trafficking zone, girls should beware of any strange people that push wanting to meet. It doesn't matter where you are--just really be careful.
I learned this from an old gf of mine (I met her on Match; Lt. in the Navy; beautiful... like
wow.) She said to not give your name so quickly--and if they pursue asking to meet without even learning your name; it could be a warning sign.
Now--don't let these things scare you; there are great people on there, the same as there are bad ones. Just have to sift long enough to find them.
For guys: If her profile is 99% about her career; she either has nothing meaningful to contribute or that's all she knows to talk about. Also--
DO NOT let a pretty face fool you; a lot of girls on there are just as afraid as you are, take the chance, and you might find a really great Navy Lieutenant too! (I miss her </3)
For girls: Beware a guy that has only pictures of himself--he's looking for a hookup. If he says his best quality is his "brain/mind" he's full of ****, and possibly scum. If he has tons of pictures of him being surrounded by other women... don't worry, they're just his friends or relatives... I call it "Girling" the act of surrounding ourselves with attractive women to make us look important. It works. I think there was another word for it--but I forget--it's been a while.
For Both: If you find a person you like, for whatever reason. Do not hesitate to message them. Keep your information secret though, don't give out your name so quickly. Let it be something they earn. Talk to them like you would any new person. Read their profile, if they have nothing--start conversation about something you like. If they don't respond or seem interested (IE; if they ghost you, or respond slowly) just let it go.
