Single on the dating circuit

You've tried it all: lavalife, singles parties, church socials, even your grandmother's cousin who claims she's the best matchmaker this side of the St. Lawrence. So you've resolved to give up dating for good. No more annoying profiles to fill out, no more embarrassing pictures to download, no more creepy men to fend off or pricey membership fees. But before you put away that adorable dating outfit for good, take heed: There are other options.

If you're still a fan of online dating but tired of the traditional offerings, you can try relatively new fish in the sea, Plentyoffish.com. Started in 2003 by young entrepreneur, Markus Frind -- who still operates the service single-handedly from his Vancouver apartment -- the site's biggest selling point lies in its subscription fees: there are none. Just sign-up, create a simple profile and you're literally free to browse one of the most popular dating sites in Canada today, with 250,000 to 320,000 users logging in daily. Other bonus features, unique to the online dating world, include behavioral matchmaking and the ability to block messages from whole groups of people. So, say goodbye to "HotPants", the 60-year-old husband and father of two with a seemingly tireless libido.

Interested in some active socializing? How about Meet Market Adventures? Priding itself on being the antithesis of a dating service, the company organizes singles events and trips to satisfy all interests. Whether you want to cycle Ireland's Burren region, get jiggy with it on a ballroom dancing cruise, or enjoy a leisurely Saturday afternoon on a Beer Tasting Tour, you can join over 55,000 energetic singles looking for the same. What's so enticing about this service is that its focus on travel and having fun makes the process of meeting someone feel less pressured and contrived. Plus, the pay-as-you-go structure means no membership fees, a definite bonus for those who feel their pockets are as empty as their social calendars.

If you'd prefer help in your search and have money to burn, turn to It's Just Lunch. The service opened its matchmaking doors in 1991 and has already grown to 85 locations worldwide, 30,000 members and 50,000 organized dates per month. Your IJL journey begins with a confidential discussion of your likes, dislikes, varied interests -- and desire for a man who's a cross between Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Based on your detailed criteria, someone will sift through the roster -- computerized matchmaking is eschewed here -- and hand-select Mr. First Date. A lunch, post-work dinner or drinks will then be arranged. And don't fret if the first prospect is a no-go. The service, priced at approximately $1,500, guarantees you 14 other first attempts at love. The beauty of this service lies not only in the hand-picking of mates but in the fact that everything is organized for you. All you have to do is show up, looking pretty, wearing those Jimmy Choos you chastised yourself for buying, claiming they were overpriced and squished your big toe. (But I digress.)

Find out more ways to meet new dates on the next page ...
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