The Internet has become the ultimate haven for singles - without the drunks, the noise, and the exorbitant cost you pay to be in the bars desperately hoping to be noticed. Thanks to online dating sites, you don't have to ask your mother or friend to help you hook up with someone they think is perfect for you - which in most cases, isn't.

Online dating sites took a bite out of the classifieds business in newspapers and the pages of magazines, once the standard channel for finding love outside of going to swanky or popular bars or restaurants, or networking through friends and family. Dating sites were the No. 1 item paid for online for three years running, until last year, when purchases of music usurped that top spot.

The accuracy in finding you a good mate increases since the site has personal profiles for you to look at, personality tests, and image uploads. Some sites can even have audio and video capabilities in their personal ads. Do not ignore these opportunities in improving your personal ads. Unlike in traditional dating, you get to "know" various kinds of people in just a few minutes. You could sense someone's personality without the hassle of actually meeting that person first.