Choosing a dating service is a very personal matter. What's right for one person isn't necessarily right for another. The pages on Online give a great deal of information about the various different services and their benefits. We recommend that you read them carefully and then take a little time to visit some of the listed websites and see what they have to offer.

If you're still unsure, here are a few guidelines that may help you to decide:<br>

• Do you find it easier to communicate by writing or by talking? If you like to write, online dating would be a good choice, as you can start with e-mails and get to know someone before meeting, thus removing the difficulty of starting a conversation with someone you've never met before. On the other hand, if writing is not your strong point, you may prefer to try speed dating, other social events or an introduction agency.
• If you're a social animal, enjoy a party atmosphere or would just like to meet someone without any pressure to take things further, give speed dating or other social events a try. If you prefer one-on-one chats, online dating or an introduction agency may be more appropriate. However, it's also worth bearing in mind that speed-dating events can be a good way to improve your self-confidence.
• How much free time do you have? Searching through online dating profiles and writing e-mails can be time-consuming, particularly when you're starting out and are corresponding with several people, so speed dating, other social events or an introduction agency might be a better fit for a busy lifestyle. On the other hand, the beauty of online dating is that you can do it from anywhere that has a computer, at any time of day, so it's fairly easy to fit around other obligations.
• What's your budget? Online dating gives you the greatest opportunities for the least outlay. Speed dating and other social events are a bit more expensive, costing about the same for one event as a month or two's membership of an online dating site, but the charges are still quite reasonable. Introduction agencies are by far the most expensive option, although the large initial outlay may prove a worthwhile investment in the long run.
• If you'd like some help with your search for a partner, an introduction agency is the best choice. Good agencies have highly experienced staff who can help you to get the most out of your search and save you time and disappointment by sorting the wheat from the chaff.
• Are you looking for a particular type of person? Both online dating and introduction agencies allow you to specify the characteristics of the person you'd like to meet. Speed dating and other events are more hit and miss - the only people you can meet are those who attend on a given night. However, remember that love is often surprising and you may find that you 'click' with someone you might not otherwise have considered.

Whichever type of dating service you choose, we hope that you have fun and meet that special someone. And if you do, why not drop us a line and tell us about it? We'd love to feature your stories on our site.