Put that Credit Card Away! 100% Free Online Dating

Like many single people out there, my New Year's Resolution this year was to find that special someone. The conventional methods of finding a worthwhile suitor were not working. So after dealing with the bar scene, a speed dating fiasco, numerous blind dates, networking, flirting with any guy without a wedding ring on his finger, and even asking my mother for help, I decided to check out this whole online dating phenomenon. I was dismayed, however, to find out that there are literally thousands of websites promising to help you find the love of your life. Not only that, I was horrified to find out that most of these websites, who in my opinion prey on the vulnerability of the lovesick, have outrageous monthly fees. Even the sites that claim to have "free online dating" have a fee to upgrade to the premium subscription if you want to do anything but browse member profiles.

Through my exhaustive search, I actually did stumble upon some 100% free, "put-your-credit-card-away" websites that are definitely worth a look. The following is my review of some of the most popular. Happy Searching!

Plenty of Fish

Why it's worth a look: The webmaster claims that Plentyoffish.com generates over 300,000 relationships a year, with sites in the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Advantages:

1. After you complete your profile, every time you open your mailbox, a panel is displayed above your inbox containing the pictures of the last 10 guys (or girls if that's who you're looking for) that checked their mail, within a 50 mile radius from your zip code. This feature allows you to see which members have checked their e-mail and are active.

2. Has many of the same features of paying sites: the ability to instant message other members that are online, the option to have your matches e-mailed to you, and the ability to search within a 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile radius of your zip code.

3. The ability to upload more pictures than most dating sites.