If you have not tried Internet dating and want to do so before hiring a matchmaker, you probably should give it a try. Please be careful and remember: anyone can be anyone on the Internet.

The information you get is only as good as the information provided by the online member. And it's doubtful there is anything negative there. Their idea of themselves, as they perceive themselves to be, is presented best foot forward. Their photo is hopefully theirs, and hopefully current. And, if presented to be single, hopefully they are.

Incredibly, a high percentage of people on the Internet dating sites are married. I have heard countless horror stories ­ a woman who used her daughter's photo so she'd look young, a man who used someone else's photo because he was overweight and balding, a 65 year old woman who posed as 45... and the worst one, a friend of mine whose date's spouse called during dinner ­ and this was their third date. Needless to say, this is a waste of time and energy for the people involved and can lead to heartbreak.

There are many, many lonely people out there and some will stop at nothing for a few moments of attention and cyber-affection. It's meeting in-person that takes away the shield of the web. And there is no way to determine chemistry through a computer.

All that being said, the Internet does offer some advantages. Twenty-four hour access, and if you travel, you can meet people in various locations. It has global reach and enables you to access people from all over the world (be careful of people wanting to marry an American just to become a citizen of our wonderful country). And, it is relatively inexpensive.

If you do decide to meet someone, please remember you are meeting a stranger. Do it only in a public place and be sure someone close to you, a friend or relative, knows exactly where you're going, what time, and when you expect to be back. Always provide your own transportation, whether you drive or take a taxi, to ensure you have control over where you go and when. While "Googling" a person can provide you with information, do not rely on it to be valid. You could be meeting someone whose identity is totally different than what they've told you.

A recent article published by Reuters indicates people are becoming disenchanted with online dating services and more and more are turning to a personal matchmaker for help. To find out if LifeWorks Matchmaking is right for you, please contact us.