Honesty is the best policy when it comes to online dating profiles; unfortunately, it is not always the most common policy. Both men and women are guilty of lying on their profiles in an attempt to appear more attractive to the opposite sex, but usually the types of lies they tell are quite different. The following are the five most common lies found on women’s dating profiles.

Weight. Weight is the single most common topic women lie about on their profiles. Most of them do it on their drivers license already, shaving off 10 or even 20 pounds. Dating sites make it even easier to fudge the truth, because instead of listing an exact weight, they simply offer boxes to check next to categories such as “thin”, “athletic”, “about average”, “a few extra pounds”, or “heavyset”. Given these types of descriptions, there are very few women who want to admit to a few extra pounds, and even fewer who will claim the “heavyset” category. Naturally, a phenomenon has emerged in online dating, in which it is commonly assumed that “average” actually does mean “a few extra pounds”, and “a few extra pounds” really means “heavyset”. Most men just go ahead and mentally add those pounds back on when picturing a woman by those descriptions.

Age. Women have lied about their ages for thousands of years, and online dating is no exception. To back up their lie, many will post photos taken years or even a decade before joining the site. Clues to look for are outdated clothing or hair styles, and grainy photos that appear to have been uploaded via a scanner. Naturally, the best way to figure out if a woman is lying about her age, is by meeting her in person. Usually it is quite noticeable that she looks significantly different from her profile picture.

Children. Some women will even lie about having children, knowing that man men wish to date women without kids. This seems a bit silly, since any man who sticks around beyond the first few dates is bound to learn the truth. Sometimes this lie can be understandable, if the woman simply wishes to protect her kids by not attracting men who look for single mothers. If she confesses the lie early on through emails, or on the first date, this can be forgivable.

The outdoors. There appear to be an unusually large number of women on dating sites who enjoy outdoor activities. Certainly, there are women who do love hiking, camping, and other such pursuits. However, a lot of women will simply make this claim to attract men. If you’re suspicious, take her on several outdoorsy dates in the beginning of the relationship. If she doesn’t complain about the heat, bugs, or “being dirty”, then she probably does genuinely enjoy the outdoors.

Money. Many women, particularly single mothers who feel stigmatized, may lie about their income or employment status. They are aware that men are fearful of “gold diggers” or women who just want a man to support them, so they may not admit to being unemployed at first. Keep in mind that being a mother is a full-time job, and her children’s father may pay enough child support that she doesn’t actually have to work outside the home. She may also have gone back to school after the divorce, in order to gain future employment. Under these circumstances, she is probably not after you for your money, and told the fib because she felt judged for her situation in the past. On the other hand, if you get the distinct feeling that she is lying for more underhanded reasons, then she probably is.

Most women join dating sites with hopes of finding the man of their dreams, a satisfying long-term relationship, and even the possibility of marriage. Unfortunately, what many find instead are men who pretend to be interested in pursuing a real relationship, but instead just want the thrill of quick and easy sex. Women who are new to online dating often find themselves tricked by these guys, but if they know the signs of a player, they can easily identify and avoid them.

His profile picture is the first clue. Men who are only interested in sex will usually try to attract women using the methods that would work on them – meaning, they will post sexually suggestive pictures. If he has removed his shirt and is flexing his muscles in every picture, and even going so far as to unzip his jeans, then he is most likely seeking a physical relationship only.

Many players will also advertise themselves in their profiles. If the “sexy” pictures are accompanied by a profile that is not even filled out, you can bet he is not wanting to share his hobbies and interests with you. He may even state in his profile that he is looking for a woman to experiment with – and you can be sure these experiments will not be done in lab while wearing white coats and goggles. Some of the more subtle players will list a few of their interests, but will mostly describe the woman they are looking for in physical terms. If he talking mostly about physical features, then he is mostly interested in a physical relationship as well.

If it isn’t evident in his profile, a player will often reveal himself in his first email to you, with a sexual remark or pickup line. Most of his talk with you will consist of talking about sex or asking for more pictures. If he asks you out, it is likely to be a meeting at a hotel or even inviting you to his home. Obviously, you don’t want to do this for safety reasons, but he is clearly not relationship material anyway.

Sometimes a player is more subtle, and these are the ones who cause the most harm. He will pretend to be interested in you or even fall in love with you. However, if you keep a few things in mind, you can protect yourself from heartache. If this man is truly interested in a relationship with you, he will be open about his life – you will be invited to his home (and not just for sex), introduced to his friends or family, and you will receive regular calls or texts from him (not just at night). If he is on a social networking site, he will “friend” you (be very suspicious if he resists this). Finally, the best way to protect yourself from a player is to follow your instincts, and don’t sleep with him until you feel confident that his intentions are honorable.

There are often scams and disappointments associated with foreign dating sites, but there can be benefits as well. If the distance and expense involved in dating someone from another country do not bother you, then foreign dating sites may be one option you wish to consider.

Dating someone from a foreign country can be exciting. You get to learn about a new country and culture from someone who actually lives there. If you visit your foreign love interest, you will have a personalized tour guide and perhaps even a place to stay. If learning about other cultures appeals to you, and you don’t mind the travel or expensive involved, foreign dating might be a unique experience that you truly enjoy.

Foreign dating also frees up your options. No longer are you bound to a 100-mile radius to find the love of your life. By opening your mind to the possibilities the entire world has to offer, you will find that you have many more options for finding a person who truly suits you. This option can be especially tempting for experienced daters who feel they have exhausted the options in their area, and want to try searching farther from home.

Let’s face it; dating is competitive. For men who are tired of competing endlessly with other men for the attention of the most desirable local women, foreign dating can be a way to get a leg up on the competition. Women in other countries may be motivated by the promise of immigrating to the United States or another country they consider more preferable than their native land. By joining a foreign dating site, you have the unique advantage of offering women something men in their own country cannot offer them: a better life in a new country. This may even give you the brand new experience of having women compete for you!

Finally, foreign dating may be a good option for the practical person who simply wants to find a motivated potential spouse. Certainly, anyone wants to at least make a good, compatible match with their life partner, but there are some people who are more concerned with convenience and practicality than with the elusive and often over-hyped concept of falling in love. For those who wish to find a suitable spouse without the frivolous and seemingly impossible concepts involved in romance, foreign dating sites may be a great place to meet motivated single women (and sometimes men) who also wish for a secure match with a greater potential for marriage.

As many women will tell you, the opportunities to be romantic are endless. In fact, ask your girlfriend right now to name a few, and she’ll no doubt rattle off at least a dozen. However, if you’re a guy, the thought of romance leaves you stressed out and overwhelmed- you don’t even know where to start! Luckily for you, almost anything that you take the foresight and time to plan for your date, or do based on her happiness alone, can be seen as romantic. If you’re trying to come up with a romantic idea for your date this weekend, why not plan an evening in the kitchen for the two of you? Learning something new together can always be fun and exciting, and your girlfriend will be impressed that you tried something out of your comfort zone.

When it comes to choosing a recipe, make sure you pick something that is on par with the skill level of both you and your date. Remember, cooking together is supposed to be fun- not require training from Le Cordon Bleu! Also, try to aim for at least two courses- that way you won’t be tripping over each other in the kitchen. While one of you is working on the main course, the other can be prepping the salad, and so on. If you’re at a complete loss over what recipe to choose (or don’t even have any in the first place!) enlist the help of your sister or mom in knowing what will be best. You can also try researching online cooking sites- many have recipe banks that are classified by skill level (one star, two stars, etc.)

Plan a shopping trip before the evening of your date to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Also, if you’re going to need to borrow any pots or pans from a neighbor or friend, make sure you arrange for that as well. Don’t worry about impressing your date with your culinary knowledge (imagined or otherwise)- giving her the chance to feel needed will only increase the bond the two of you are developing. Create a special playlist on your iPod that contains slow, romantic tunes to be playing in the background during your date. Make sure you cut down on any distractions that could take away from your time together- don’t have the ball game on the television, and turn your cell phone on silent.

When your date arrives, pour each of you a glass of wine and go over the menu together. Then throw her an apron and get busy cooking up a romantic feast for the two of you!

Before the explosion of internet commerce, mail-order brides were one option for single men looking for a wife. It was a practice that was the butt of many jokes; however, the reality was that many men did actually employ these services. Nowadays, we have the internet, and online dating sites have adapted this old theme into new specialty dating sites specifically aimed at matching Americans (usually men) with partners from other countries. This option can be tempting to some men, but there are pitfalls of which you should be aware as well.

First, remember that advertising can be deceptive. There are an abundance of ads for foreign dating sites, which showcase beautiful, scantily clad women. These ads give the impression that dating a woman from another country somehow guarantees that you will find love with someone far more beautiful and exotic than you would find in your own country. In reality, women in foreign countries are not much different than the local women you might meet through mainstream dating sites. The difference is that they might be desperate to immigrate to another country, and are using dating sites as a way to do so.

Since the women are using a dating site to immigrate to the United States (or perhaps Canada or the UK), remember that this is their primary goal. Sure, anything is possible, you the two of you might genuinely fall in love. However, it is more likely that you are being used for your citizenship. If you want to truly be loved for who you are, sticking with more mainstream sites would be a better idea.

Also remember that dating from such a long distance can be incredibly difficult and expensive. Even if you do feel as though you have fallen in love, and she has fallen in love with you, maintaining the relationship for a length of time may prove to be impossible. If you are able to keep the relationship going, it will most likely require frequent and expensive trips to visit one another. It also may lead you to marry sooner than you normally would, which could prove either beneficial or disastrous.

Finally, if you consider foreign dating sites, you must be aware of the con artists you will most likely meet. You could find yourself involved in what you think is a very promising relationship, only to lose a large amount of money and be hurt in the process. Do not, under any circumstances, send money to a someone in a foreign country, no matter how much you want to believe they are real. This is a very common scam, and it is usually impossible to get your money back, not to mention your time and emotional investment.

Anytime you and your boyfriend spend together can be romantic- even everyday, commonplace actions or words can turn an average date into an unforgettable one. So when it comes to planning the ultimate date for the two of you this weekend, there’s no need to think over the top grandeur. A great way to increase the bond between the two of you is to try something new outside of your comfort zone. This can be anything from training for a 10k, to sky diving. The point is to go through the new experience together, and have a special memory that you can share throughout the duration of your relationship.

Look into your local YMCA or recreational center for one day classes- many towns offer educational and athletic classes for a discounted rate, since it is partially funded through the taxpayer dollars. You’d be surprised at some of the variety that is offered- water aerobics, pottery making, tai chi, even seminars on how to go green. But make sure you’re looking into classes and activities that are new to the both of you- if you’re a yoga nut, but your boyfriend thinks down dog is a command for Rover, you’re clearly going to have the advantage.

Check out local rivers and lakes for classes on sailing or other water activities. Many lakes have sailing associations that offer instructional classes at least twice a year, which then gives you membership to rent a variety of small sailboats for a period of time. Kayaking is another fun water sport that you can do together- kayaks come in either single or double seated versions. You and your boyfriend can “race” each other, or work together to move your kayak down the water. Research nearby tubing or rafting opportunities- there is nothing more peaceful than lazily floating down a stream with the sun beating down your back.

Many culinary schools offer one session cooking classes on various types of food, such as Italian pasta or French pastry. For a more intimate setting, inquire about a chef coming to your house or apartment to give you and your boyfriend a private lesson- many students look for such opportunities as extra income or practice. Whatever you and your boyfriend choose to do together, remember romance is as much about body language and flirtation as it is about the setting. Pay attention to each other and show your man just how much he means to you- you’ll be cooking up romance in no time!

You love spending time with your boyfriend, but lately it seems like your activities are the same old thing every weekend- dinner and a movie. If you’re looking to put more romance into your relationship, put a little effort into planning activities that will bring the two of you closer together. One way to get out of your dating rut is by planning a romantic picnic for just the two of you.

First find the perfect location for your picnic, such as an overlook, local park, riverbank, or country field. You’ll want an area that is quiet and remote, where you can have a little privacy from families playing and loud children. You also want a place that is comfortable- look for a large tree that offers shade from the sun, or a flat area along the river where you can spread out.

Make an inventory of everything you will need for the perfect afternoon- there are many things that can be overlooked when planning for a picnic, as you have the natural tendency to focus on the food. You’ll need a large blanket (a flat bed sheet will also do the trick)- bring an extra in case the ground is wet and you need to double up. Remember the utensils- depending on what food you will be eating, you may want to bring “real” silverware instead of the disposable plastic ones. Also include a roll of paper towels, plates and napkins. Throw in a couple trash bags (or grocery store plastic bags)- one to use for your garbage, and one to hold the empty food containers, dirty utensils, etc.

When it comes to food, the options are endless. Try to keep in mind that you will most likely be eating on paper plates held in your lap, so don’t choose food items that are overly messy or difficult to eat. Sandwiches are always a great staple picnic food- make your own at home, or go to a local deli. Specialty markets like Whole Foods, Wegman’s and Trader Joe’s usually have a variety of small pre-made foods that are very picnic-friendly. Pick up some guacamole and chips, hummus and pita bread, or cold tortellini to share. Cut up fruit and/or veggies for a fresh snack to munch on before or after your main meal. As for dessert, include something that keeps easily, such as cookies. (Extra points if you make them yourself!)

After your picnic, don’t just pack up and leave. Take advantage of your time together to learn more about one another!

When you’re in a long term relationship, one of the things you have probably discussed is whether or not you would like to have children together, and if so, when. If the answer is “yes” but also “not now”, you have probably chose a method of birth control that works best for you and continued your relationship accordingly. However, accidents happen, and sometimes you find yourself in a situation that was completely unplanned for- being pregnant. There are no doubt many thoughts running through your head, such as “I can’t believe this is happening to me!” and “What am I going to do?”, all of which are only natural. An unexpected pregnancy can send you on a roller coaster ride of emotions that you never thought you would have to deal with.

It is never recommended to keep your pregnancy a secret from your significant other. Instead, remind yourself that they are a built in support system and resource center for you during this difficult and emotional time. Start the conversation with your partner and share your feelings honestly with one another about the news of your pregnancy and any implications it may have on both of your lives. Do not let feelings of guilt or selfishness inhibit you from saying what you really feel during these conversations. You should talk frankly about abortion, adoption, becoming a parent, and marriage. Extend the conversation to hear your partner’s religious views, how involved they would want to be in the baby’s life, and even the financial aspects of having a baby together. It is possible you may not have ever known how your partner felt about those issues until now, as it is can sometimes be a taboo topic that most people avoid whenever possible.

If you have only taken a home pregnancy test, you should make an appointment with your OB-GYN as soon as possible for confirmation. Consider bringing your significant partner along to the appointment, and using it as an opportunity to go over any questions and concerns you might have with your doctor. Your physician can also be a good resource for your unplanned pregnancy, supplying you with information about options that are available to you and places you can go for various services.

Ultimately, the choice of how to handle your pregnancy is one that should be made between you and your significant other. While friends and family may have good intentions, the final decision is yours alone.

Ending a relationship is always hard, no matter if you’ve been together for three months or three years. However, ending a long term relationship can be even more difficult, especially since you have such a significant period of time invested in the other person. No matter what, always approach the conversation with sensitivity- as hard as it is for you to have this conversation, it’s going to be even harder for your significant other to hear. Most likely, you have been broken up with before, so try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and remember what it was like.

It’s never good to beat around the bush, and most people can tell when you are stalling. Also, try as hard as possible to avoid infusing anger into the conversation, even if you are seething on the inside and have every right to do so. As civil and calm as possible, explain why you are no longer happy and that you want to end the relationship. Make sure you are clear on what your significant other did wrong. Avoid using phrases such as “I just need space right now” and “It’s not me, it’s you”- these lines leave a lot of room for interpretation and assumption, which can usually lead to the other person holding out hope the relationship isn’t truly over. Take responsibility for your feelings and give your partner enough respect to tell them the truth.

Even though you’ve made up your mind to end things, it doesn’t mean the conversation should be one-sided. Give your partner an opportunity to share their thoughts on the issue- you may find that he or she feels similarly, or even learn something about the way you behave in relationships that made it difficult for the other person. You should also offer up the possibility of staying friends, IF you genuinely mean it. Some people have difficulty stepping backwards from a romantic relationship to a platonic one, or it may be too painful for the other person to stay connected at all. Regardless, you should be respectful of their feelings on the issue.

Most importantly, stay true to your decision to break up. It’s not uncommon for couples to break up more than a few times before the break up sticks, which can be emotionally painful and unhealthy for both of you. Such behavior has the potential to give your significant other false hope regarding reuniting permanently, not to mention practically ruining the chance you will be able to maintain a friendship in the long run.

The abundance of dating sites on the internet has left many single people wondering which dating site they should choose – a smaller, specialty site, or one of the larger, more mainstream sites. There is certainly no right or wrong answer to this question, as what works for one person may not work for another. There are pros and cons to each type of site, and you should know about them before making a decision.

The large, mainstream sites have one very clear advantage in their high membership numbers. You literally have the option of choosing from millions of single people, and have a much higher chance of finding someone who is right for you. Clearly, however, you will also encounter a large number of people who are wrong for you, and even the exact opposite of what you seek. It can be frustrating for some people to receive dozens or even hundreds of emails from other singles who do not meet a basic criteria for dating. The excitement of receiving a new email, followed by the disappointment of reading the profile of a person who is clearly wrong for you, can be emotionally draining when it happens for weeks or months on end without finding a single date. It can make many singles wish there was a dating site geared toward one one very specific criteria that they consider a “must-have” in potential dates.

Luckily, there are such sites. Specialty, or niche, dating sites are designed with this goal in mind. Single people who are searching for a mate based on a very specific criteria can join a site aimed toward a particular demographic of people with the same goal. Whether it is a race, religion, lifestyle, body proportion, or some other requirement, there is probably a site for it. The drawback, naturally, is that these sites attract far fewer members than the larger sites. Also, some of them are relatively expensive, when you consider their lower membership numbers and the fact that you will most likely go on fewer dates with people you meet there. For some people, these factors won’t matter if their goal is not to go on a lot of dates, but only a few dates with the right type of people.

The bottom line in this debate is a matter of numbers. The odds of getting a date will be better on the mainstream sites, simply because they contain more members. The odds of getting a date with someone who meets your specific criteria may be better on a specialty site. The deciding factor in choosing a site should be how important this criteria really is to you. If it is an absolute must-have, and you feel you have exhausted your options with the more mainstream sites, then a niche dating site might work for you. If the criteria is more of a “nice to have” than a “must have” in your potential dates, and you are not too annoyed by receiving emails from the wrong type of people, then it is probably a good idea to stay on the mainstream sites. You can always use the advanced search features to narrow the field to the criteria of your choice, while still having access to a larger number of members.