We feel that Lavalife is probably the best place to start if you are new to online dating.

It is a safe environment, friendly and quite easy to use. Many of the facilities can be used for free and when you do pay, you pay only for what you use.

Lavalife is the same as many other dating sites in that you have to create a personal profile. Lavalife does offer you help and tips to do this effectively.

How much do you pay ?

In Lavalife, you actually buy credits which you then use to send messages by mail or instant messenger. Other things like searching or viewing profiles are free.

$15 will get you 60 credits $40 will get you 200 credits.

As soon as you buy any credits, you become a full member, even if you later run out of credits! Of course, you can 'top up' your credits at any time.

Most people will use a few credits to make contact with another person and then suggest using MSN messenger or ICQ to carry on a conversation, which, of course, is free.

So do give Lavalife a go. You'll find it fun.

Oh, and if you do want to go into the intimate section, remember the conversation is likely to be a bit more spicey. - You have been warned !