Cyber-Dating Tips For Valentine's Day

It's official. February is finally here. The shortest month of the year has arrived, yet it can be the most exciting month for those in love as well as a lonely time for singles alone on Valentine's Day. To cheer up your spirits if you are single, I have come up with a list of ten tips for successful cyber-dating and for making February a month to remember for lovers and those in waiting.

Cyber-Dating Tip #1. If you are single, sign up for an online dating site. If you are already online, why not add a second or third site to your list. It is very common these days for singles to be active on 1-3 Internet dating sites at a time.

Cyber-Dating Tip #2. Find a singles party in your area. Many of the dating sites have dances and mixers scheduled all month long. Cupid.com has a Broken Arrow event on February 12th which is held in many cities nationwide and you can win a free trip to NY. NoWaitingDating.com has several events including the "Be My Valentine" dance/mixer in Studio City, CA where I will be personally signing my new book, launching on Valentine's week. Also in Los Angeles, Renee at RapidDating.com will be hosting a fabulous party on February 12th.

Cyber-Dating TIp #3. When in doubt, eat chocolate. Stop by and visit my favorite chocolatier, Madame Chocolat in Beverly Hills. On February 7th you can meet the Madame yourself. If you are not in Los Angeles, go to their site at madame-chocolat.com where you can order a Valentine's gift for yourself or your sweetheart.

Cyber-Dating Tip #4. Stop by Step Up Women's Network's co-ed Saint Valentine's Soiree on February 12th in Hollywood where you can celebrate or find cupid or at least a cocktail for a cause. The event is for those married, dating, single and/or ready to mingle. DJ Shy will be spinning the tunes and I will be on-site signing my book at this fun event. Check out their site at suwn.org

Cyber-Dating Tip #5. Be proactive in the month of May and initiate contact with potential mates online. If you are a woman who doesn't usually contact men, jump out of your comfort zone and just send five emails to men who pique your interest. You will be surprised to see how flattered they will be to receive your introductory note. If you are a man and normally send five emails a week, double it up to ten. Women will be more open to receiving your email as February can be a lonely month.

Cyber-Dating Tip #6. Dress in red or pink on every cyber-date for the month of February. Even if it isn't your color, it will be noticed by your Internet date and show that you could be in the mood for love.

Cyber-Dating Tip #7. Are you a pet person? Try signing up for doggydate.com where every doggy has their date. Even if you aren't attached on Valentine's Day, why should your puppy have to suffer? Take it a step further and stop by Sky Bark, a bar/lounge in downtown Los Angeles designed for dog owners who want to enjoy the city's nightlife without leaving their puppies at home.

Cyber-Dating Tip #8. If you are female, buy yourself some sexy lingerie in pink or red for the month. Even if you are going solo, you will feel better about yourself at night time napping in your new nightie instead of your old winter flannels. If you are officially dating someone you met online, surprise her with something sexy to wear that you both can enjoy.

Cyber-Dating Tip #9. Check out one of the many Meetup group events scheduled on February 14th and expand your social network. Perhaps an afternoon event can lead into an evening date. Check out their calendar at meetup.com.

Cyber-Dating Tip #10. Support Step Up Women's Network and buy my new book, The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online as a gift for a friend for Valentine's Day. A portion of the proceeds from all book sales will benefit this wonderful non-profit organization. Curl up by the fire and learn more about being successful as an online dater so perhaps next year you won't be solo on February 14th.