If you are looking for a soul mate, you may be considering trying Internet dating services. Online dating offers distinct advantages and contrary to misconceptions can be relatively safe if you take common sense precautions.

Online dating sites come in two basic versions: sites that charge a fee for their match-up services and free online dating sites. People have found success using both methods but in my books, it's a good idea to try a free site first before spending your money. You can get your feet wet, as it were, and determine whether the whole online dating scene is to your liking.

I can speak from experience because I joined a free online dating site--and was pleasantly surprised. I liked that I had control over what details I chose to reveal. I also found that I could specify the type of individual I was interested in meeting, which culled out "undesirables" or "incompatibles." Online dating sites often allow you to determine the range or distance of your search, so you aren't limited to a local area.

• I heard of one case where a woman living in the Trail, B.C. area starting writing to a fellow in Scotland. She found her match and the two are now happily married.

• My nephew tried a free online dating site after trying conventional routes and getting nowhere. He started writing and then chatting with a lady up in Nakusp, B.C. The two found they were a great combo
  and an unhappy former bachelor now has a life partner. The couple just had a baby boy.

A distinct advantage to free online dating sites is that you can take your time, writing to someone to determine whether you want to take things to the next level. In my case, I corresponded with a number of fellows, then narrowed it down to one, and later, when I felt comfortable, we started chatting on the phone. We met, with other people around (for safety), and found we had much in common. Now, we've been dating for a year. This all transpired via online dating and was one of the best moves I undertook. For me, this was preferable to meeting someone at a bar or club.

Who tries online dating?
Gone are the days when questionable individuals placed classified ads. in seedy newspapers. People from all walks of life utilize online dating sites. Many people have found success, finding a partner that they've screened for common interests--over just randomly meeting someone, finding a mutual attraction, and then later discovering that both parties didn't have that much in common.

Increasingly, consumers are turning to the Internet to meet their needs, whether for information, for products, or for services such as free online dating.

As with any dating scenario, a reasonable amount of caution is necessary--but if you are looking for a companion to share the good times with, online dating may be just the ticket to happiness and compatibility, leading to a brighter future.