I have dated via the net and one thing I figured out is that the paid sites offer more quality people than the free sites. Also, just like with "land based" dating you must follow the "rules" and always meet for lunch, meet in a public place. I found that it helped to ask to see their driver's license. Then I knew they were not lying about who they were. If they did not want to show me, I just left.
But, I know it sounds weird but the best place to meet people is doing things you love. Get involved in something that you like doing, politically, socially, or religiously. Join a book club, do volunteer work, go to church. If you're not very religious there are still churches you can go to such as Unitarian Universalist Churches (uua.org)
If you have a business join the Chamber of Commerce, go to their business after hours, or business and breakfast meetings. If you are a single parent joining a single parent's group. Even if you join a group that is all your same sex, remember they have brothers, friends, etc.. that you may meet.
Having said that, tell your friends that you want to meet someone and before you know it, you'll be going on blind dates which really aren't that bad.
Also, one thing I think is very important is to have a "list".
The list should include what you want in a spouse. Yea not a date, a spouse.
Be realistic in the list but also make this your dream person too. Be specific to include height and weight requirements.
Then, when you meet someone, compare them to your list in your mind. If there are too many differences, move on.
Even if you go out with a lot of people who aren't right for you, you can still have fun, and each person just brings you that much closer to your dream.
Also, don't have sex with anyone until you believe you're in love. I know that sounds old fashioned, but it is still true that having sex too soon can really mess things up. For one thing when you lay down and get really close that way to a person, the chemicals in your body will play tricks on you and you will over look all their qualities that do not fit in with your list. You will start thinking you're in love, but it will really just be a sexual chemical thing. And that won't last. Even if you get married during this chemical rush, that can last for up to 7 years, you will end up divorced or unhappy. WAIT on sex until you're in love, and HE/SHE is also in love.
Don't necessarily wait till marriage if that is not your thing, but do wait until the love is there.
And, last but not least, no matter how many lies others tell, no matter how many airs others put on, you always be yourself. Even if yourself is a complete slob, or say you normally burp a lot or something, be yourself, because in order for the right person to fall in love with you and STAY in love with you, they must get to know the REAL you.
