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Dating Triumphs and Tragedies
by Nicole Roberge

The New Trends in Online Dating

Okay Online Daters, I have some new updates for you that shows there are dating websites out there for everyone — and I mean everyone. 

While eHarmony, Match.com, Yahoo! Personals, Jdate, Chemistry.com and other dating sites have brought many couples together, sometimes people are looking for that truly perfect, and, let’s say, “unique” match;  someone who will truly understand them. 

I did a little research and came up with some sites that will bring together compatible people, those who share common interests, and well, some that were just bizarre.  Trust me, whoever, or whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it out there in the vast land called the Internet.

DarwinDating.com
“Online Dating for beautiful people only!”  They stress the only and say that they appeal to those who are sick of dating websites filled with ugly people.  Yikes, kind of harsh.  They say that they base their theory of dating on natural selection, like Charles Darwin, and even have a set of strict rules.  For example, the site only allows an age bracket of 18-35.  They prohibit anyone with a “cackly laugh,” nerdy glasses, mullets, acne, red hair, pasty skin, bad fashion, perms, and…the clincher, bright blue eye shadow.  There are many other things on the list and they say that if you have any of these attributes, to check out another dating site.  Seems pretty rough, but if this is what you’re looking for, then by all means, find your dream person.  Just leave your pocket protector at home. (Yes, that’s on the list.)

GamingPassions.com
For, who else?  Video game lovers.  It is a free dating and networking site for no matter what kind of video game you are obsessed with—Nintendo, Xbox, Playstation, it’s all there.  There are chat rooms, message boards and blogs with information about games.  Personally, my favorite is old-school Mario Bros.  Anybody else? ;)  Come on, it’s a classic.

DowntoEarth.com
This seems actually to be a good matchmaking site as it is deems itself “Accurate, Honest and Free,” and is the seventh largest free dating site out there.  They have a “Real Ratings” system to show that people are who they say they are, and it says directly on the main page:  “No married people allowed,” since that is one of the chief complains with some sites.  I agree, if you’re looking to date someone, it is a bummer when they put they are married in their profile.  I’m sure their wife doesn’t dig it either.

ScientificMatch.com
This one is interesting as they match you based on your DNA to heighten your chances of finding chemistry with someone.  DNA, wow, that’s…big stuff.  They claim to guard your DNA so it is never public and even you cannot see it.  It is analyzed in a lab and then destroyed.  Oh, and they look at your personal values too.  Super.

WomenBehindBars.com
The women on this site are incarcerated in prisons and looking for relationships, whether it be marriage, friendships or just a pen pal, and it can be men or women.  They have pictures and ages and desire a connection with someone, as most have been “abandoned by their friends and families.” 

GothicSoulMate.com
This claims to be the best and largest dating site for Gothic Singles in the World!  Besides meeting fellow Goths, there are Gothic videos, news, chats, and even Greeting Cards.  There is more to dating here, it’s basically a community for those alike to bond.

These are just some highlights of the new, the interesting and unusual.  There are also sites that meet other needs and interests, such as those for people with interests in gardening, boating, smokers (both cigarettes and marijuana), the terminally ill and those with mental illness—though it suggests you contact your psychiatrist first.  At one point, there was even a site for fellow clowns to connect.  There is truly something out there for anyone.  Are you a Martian?  Hey, there’s gotta be a site for you.  Instead of taking the time to get to know someone’s background and quirks, it’s all right there.  The question is, are you ready for it?

Dating Triumphs and Tragedies is published every Sunday by Online Dating Magazine columnist Nicole Roberge. She can be reached at NicoleMRoberge@hotmail.com.