Online dating is the new singles bar. Find physical, intellectual, emotional or spiritual comfort while online dating. And if you choose to meet 'in real life', then the hard work is done while you've been online dating. All the small talk is out of the way and you can concentrate on getting to know the person.

Online dating is not a new phenomenon, but there are still things you need to know before you sign up to an online dating site and begin your search for a companion.

While online dating, you don't have the ability to see and interact with a person as you would face-to-face. You need to remember that subtle nuances when you're with a person physically can't be seen or felt. If someone you've met says he is an accountant and get weekly manicures, it doesn't automatically rule out the possibility that you're talking to an unemployed man living with his mother since. You can't see the facial expressions and body language that will tell you whether they're being truthful or not when you are online dating.

Be honest. If you want to meet someone you've met online and he is expecting a 23 year old blonde university student, it won't go well if a 43 year old mother of four turns up. Likewise, tell her if you're balding and overweight.

Don't rely on a photograph when dating online, those can be deceiving. Keep an open mind.

When you've decided to meet someone you've met while online dating, organise a phone call. Talking to someone over the phone is very different, and conversation can dry up quicker than online.

Online dating is different to real life dating. More external influences means less concentration, so meet somewhere you can both be heard, and with minimal distractions. Online dating allows you to focus, face-to-face dating is different to online dating.

Take time to get yourself ready, and make sure you feel as comfortable. If you don't normally wear makeup, don't plaster it over your face and spend your entire date worrying if you've smeared your lipstick: if you don't usually wear suits and ties, then jeans and a nice shirt would be better than fidgeting all night.