The majority of the online dating services focus on romance, dating and hopefully meeting that special someone. A big mistake surfers make is not expanding their social network by taking advantage of some terrific features available on these sites.

Many online dating sites focus on cities and geographic areas around the nation and for that matter around the world. Amazingly, you're going to find that you're not "alone" out there no matter if you're 25 or 65. There are literally hundreds of people in the same "boat" - looking for a little companionship, romance and a special connection.

Here are a few suggestions:

Use The Chat Rooms - Even though the chat rooms are open 24/7, there will be certain times that members from your city will be checking into the chat room. Check it out - browse - and come back if it's quiet. Remember, you will be chatting with people from your city, who are also single. If you follow your instincts and use a little common sense, it's highly unlikely you'll be chatting with Seth The Serial Killer.

Friendship First! As you browse the various sites, keep in mind that there are many wonderful contacts that may not necessarily be prospective romantic partners. They live in your town - maybe on your street! Expand your social network with these contacts. Change your attitude! Take the view that you're looking to make new friends and contacts. Romance will take it's own course and in the meantime, you've expanded your social network.

Do Unto Others.. There will be many times that you'll receive a message from someone that you're just not interested in communicating with. If you take that extra couple of minutes to write a short reply, you never know where that contact may lead. It is possible that by being open minded, that other member can prove to be helpful by introducing you to someone else or by helping you network for career advancement. You never know, so it never hurts to be polite.

Join Groups (or for that matter start your own).. Many of these sites such as Metrodate have groups for people with shared interests. It can be anything from sports to love of theatre or movies.

The bottom line? These dating sites are a terrific ways to meet and interact with people. Romance aside, they can provide an easy and effective way to make new friends. Keep an open mind and expand your horizons!

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