Best Dating Sites For A New Online Dater

It's almost half way through January and everyone is either going strong with their resolutions or slowly losing steam...already. I actually just kicked off one of my new year's goals the other day - putting myself out there more. I'm excited to expand my social circle more, explore my city, and make new friends. And who knows, maybe meet some cute dudes along the way?
I've always been the type to just let things happen and up until recently, I had never been on an actual date. I was pretty good at falling into relationships and that worked out just fine for me. Then after The Big Breakup (yeah, you know the kind), I was in no hurry to even think about guys. Why rush, right? Since then there have been a couple flings, but nothing really worth mentioning. Like I said, I've never been a "let's go guy shopping" kind of gal.

Until last Friday, when I found myself signing up for a few dating sites. Now, online dating is something I thought I'd never do. Maybe it's because I spend every waking second on the internet either working, maintaining my blog or tweeting, so why add another online profile to manage? Especially one that requires me to be witty, charming and completely adorable every time something hits my inbox. Or maybe it was just my backseat, almost too laid back approach to dating. But there I was, filling out my self summary, likes and dislikes and what I'm looking for in a man. I know, I barely recognize myself either.



First, I decided to try Match and their free trial because I heard good things. I thought the way to pick your ideal mate's qualities through pictures was pretty cool, but didn't like how much they censor you. My initial profile wasn't approved because I used the phrase "bad ass". Seriously? A girl just doesn't want a dude who can make french toast, he needs to be able to make BAD ASS french toast. I really didn't like that I couldn't see who viewed my profile or read messages from anyone unless I subscribed. I would have liked the option to at least try out most of the features for at least a month before a bill was slapped on the table.



Then there is eHarmony. There was an endless amount of match questions, no communication unless you pay and no random profile browsing. They either have to be a match or not. I think if I'm going to pay for your service, I want to be able to check out all my options, no matter how accurate your site is when it comes to compatibility. A friend also mentioned that it seemed like everyone she talked to was ready to settle down right this very second. My thoughts? NEXT.



OkCupid was by far my favorite of the three. First off, it was completely free. Yes, you could upgrade for a few extra features, but why fix something that isn't broke? I liked the overall look of the site because it didn't look like something straight out of the 90s (ahem, Plenty of Fish) and just the overall vibe. The profile and match questions were interesting and informative. I liked how everything was laid out and it could really give you a good feel for the person whose profile you are reading. Surprisingly, there were quite a few guys that were "my type". I received some messages, did some profile weeding and saved some in case I actually have the guts to message someone myself first.



Final thoughts:

OkCupid hands down would be my site of choice if I decided to continue this experiment with online dating. Will I? I'm not too sure yet, but I can definitely understand its appeal now.

How do you feel about online dating? Did you have a happily ever after or an inbox full of creeps? Are there any other dating sites worth checking out? Or care to share any tips and tricks for this novice online dater?

======================================================================== Clever Girls Collective is a social media marketing agency founded by women who wanted to use their deep marketing experience and broad social network relationships for good. We know that women who engage in social media are some of the most authentic, connected, trusted, and vocal influencers -- not only online, but "in real life." That's why we've developed The Clever 1000: an ever-growing, beautifully diverse network of professional, thoughtful social media-connected, natural networkers and influencers who want to engage with and enhance their favorite brands. Jamie Villarreal is a twenty something in Chicago, where she works as a freelance writer and blogger. Jamie is a nail polish obsessed, mac and cheese enthusiast with the cutest dog you ever did see. You can find more of Jamie at her blog or follow her on twitter: @jamielovely.