what are the best value dating sites?

JustKeepSwimming_2

Maureen43 wrote: »

Anyone? I am thinking of trying singlewithkids dating. Are they reputable? Plus I am already on Match so there is no point doing singlewithkids if they are part of the same group - anyone know?

I was with SWK for around 3-6 months (I prefer to blot out my "online dating experience" so can't be sure ). They are part of White Label Dating" & "Global Personals" & have lots of sister sites. They were the only site I joined so I don't know if they are part of Match, sorry.

There were some people on there who had obviously joined through these other sites - I had men message me who were spcifically looking for big women/S&M etc. so not really what I was after.... But then they had most likely joined via an S&M portal, thinking they were only going to meet others into S&M - same as I had assumed I'd meet people who would be happy that I was a single mom.... There are a lot of confused people on there probably thinking they are signing up for something else.

Having said that, their website was easy to use & I did chat to some real men (& some idiots) but they were genuine members. Along with a lot who weren't.

Their search facility was very accurate - it must go by postcode as my location was pinpointed to a very small area of about 10 streets which was a shock as when I'd originally joined I'd put in my post town & I wasn't aware that my location had been updated until I logged on. I didn't want to be so easily identifiable at first, so I changed my post code to reflect a much larger area that was still close to where I live.

I doubt they are worse than anyone else - just don't think all the men on there will also be SWK!

Best of luck with it all. I've resigned myself to living with cats & drinking through my wine collection when (if) my 2 ever leave home :rotfl:

fordcortina

Hi everyone,

I'd really appreciate any ideas that you may be able to share (I appreciate the honesty of Ladyhawk et al).

I'm male, mid 40's, no kids... who has fairly recently (a few months ago) come out of a long term relationship with my now ex girlfriend. It ended when I discovered she'd been unfaithful (actually, more than once through the years).

As a way to really damage confidence, I have to add that I have had a similar experience in the past with another girl. The puzzling thing, that I'm sure women must have have encountered more than men (or maybe not in these 'modern times!), is that "they" usually claim a one off "worst mistake" of their lives... and spend ages trying to persuade you to take them back. Then why risk it in the first place?!! (I guess that's a rhetorical question!). On the subject of drained confidence, I have to admit to occasionally feeling that I'm "heading towards 50"... and that I can't afford to waste another decade (sorry for the sob story... just trying to paint a fuller picture).

Anyway, I digress. I hate to admit such weakness, but I was a bit... OK, a lot... of a mess for a while, but now I'm at the point where I'm finally quite happy "in my own skin", but would like to have some company to share life's experiences. I feel a bit past the 'clubbing scene' to be honest, so to quantify "life's experiences", I'd say... walking the dog in a beautiful place, enjoying a meal, perhaps going to a nice pub, or even just watching TV/movies... but most of all... finding that intelligent someone who I "click with" and we make each other smile... and sometimes laugh till we cry.

I'm certainly not looking for a marriage candidate, but equally would not rule out something blossoming from an initial friendship, if it were to happen. But that's where I need any help 'you' might be able to offer. I won't blame anyone if I don't succeed (!), but what are your tips about dating sites? (free, subscription, are there a lot of 'crazies' or people who are really just after a fling?). Or...if dating sites are a bit 'dubious'... are there any other tips that people have found helpful for meeting friends and... perhaps... that special someone.

Anyway, sorry to burden you all... and to try to steal your knowledge, particularly as I know I'm going to have to do the hard work, but if you can offer any advice, it will be very much appreciated!

SailorSam

I don't know if i'm the one to take advice from 'fordcortina' 'cos i'm still looking, but i think it's a numbers game, write to everyone; reply to everyone, meet as many as you can, and then maybe, just maybe one will work out

SailorSam

romanyunus wrote: »

You can check this site: new-ukr-dating.animoney.net

Why do i always get the feeling when we get a newie promoting a site that it's spam.

fordcortina

Thanks for the reply SailorSam.

It may not be the answer that we'd all like, but you've probably hit the nail on the head, so to speak, with "numbers game". Wouldn't it be nice though, if there were some divine power guiding us to our one true love?!

Meanwhile... back in the real world....:)

Ooh... before I forget... has anyone got any experience of "Smooch.com"? It's free, rather than the rather expensive Match & eHarmony... BUT... an internet search since my original post, indicates that there may be a few too many "players" etc on there (1 or 2 people seem to say it's OK though, to be fair).

SailorSam

I think you may find the same people are on Smooch and PoF, and probably any other free sites. 'Cos it's not costing you anything you may as well join them all and then get a feel for the layout which you like best. Smooch has just started a thing where you can record your voice if you feel more comfortable doing if you don't like writing. I'm not sure how it works probably a premium rate call thing, if it is lots of people may be put off getting in touch.

fordcortina

Thanks again SS!

I will pay attention to that (possible) premium rate telephone issue, but I think you're right, register with a few (particularly the free sites), then monitor the results.

I have also gone through the preliminary registration with both Match and eHarmony, but not 'properly' joined either yet, so obviously cannot see details of who is looking at your profile etc. Strangely, I have had emails already (only a couple of hours after 'registering') from match, telling me someone has viewed my profile... and from eH, where someone has sent me a "Photo Nudge", wanting to see a picture!

After such a short space of time, is this likely to be legit... or someone in the company trying to get another sale?!

One final question for anyone who might know... I see that both Match & eH can be accessed via topcashback! Has anyone done so? (Well this is MSE... I have to ask... I'm not a total cheapskate though... honestly! )

SailorSam

I've never been on any of the paid sites so can't speak from experience but there are threads here on Mse and all over the Internet with people complaining 'cos they have tried to close their accounts and Match has kept on taking the money. But then if you read the whole of this thread i'm sure some have met their partners there.
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews91184.html

Ladyhawk

Hi -

Yes I have received topcashback from my registrations fo dating. Otherwise it is sooooo expensive!

I hated E Harmony. Unless I was using it wrong, you could only see who they have selected for you... and if my experience was anything to go by they are not suitable!

Guardian Soulmates was fully of guardin readers (quel suprise)... not that I hae anything aganst Guardian readers but they all seemed to be very arty whereas I am very sciencey.

Match was relatively good a few years ago and I got regular dates through it but nothing developed much from them. I have to admit, like most people, I have been very badly hurt in the past which has made me wary of rushing things too much.

Oasis seemed to be full of perves. I met one guy from there... who told me during the course of our date about how he used prostitutes when he was in the navy... errr.... Ok, that wasn't the sites fault, however I was fairly bombarded by freaks.

PoF is ok, but I havent really gelled with anyone on it. To be fair not many men have contacted in on it either. I hae chatted to a few blokes but thats all.

I am considering going back to Match though as it is the only site which I have had any luck on with actually meeting men.

Can I just add... I am not desperate and my experience of these dating sites is over the course of the last 10 years.

Ladyhawk

I never had any issues with cancelling paid sites - you just have to follow their rules and you'll be fine