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Complete guide to online dating, personals sites and matchmaking services on the web. |
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Review of eHarmony.com
Home Page: www.eharmony.com
Overall
Among the online dating sites that mostly follow the tried and true formula of post profile -> search profiles -> make contact, eHarmony stands out due to its unique approach.
It is based on a theory that there are 29 key dimensions of compatibility in a relationship, and that by analyzing those 29 dimensions in a person one can find matches for relationships that are more succesfull and last a lifetime.
In the words of Dr. Neil Clark Warren, founder of eHarmony, "The results are matches unlike anything you will find anywhere else. The process may take longer, and cost a little bit more than dating services, but eHarmony isn't about dating. Our goal is to help you find your soul mate."
Features
When you sign up with eHarmony, you will need to fill in an indepth personality survey. There are over 500 questions, and it is the key to the whole process, so make sure you take your time to do it properly. While time consuming, this survey serves at least two usefull purposes. It filters out a lot of people who are not that serious about finding a relationship, and it could be a worthwile learning experience about yourself, since questions are both interesting and probing. The survey will be your first contact with those 29 dimensions of compatibility.
eHarmony - dimensions of compatibility
Based on your answers in the survey, eHarmony will prepare a Personality Profile for you. This is the profile that will be seen by other members. Then, at least in theory, you can relax and let eHarmony find the matches that are perfect for you.
Finaly, once you are presented with a potential match, you can contact them. However, eHarmony is different in this respect too. You don't just email your match, you chose from a list of multiple choice questions that will be presented to your match to answer, and they can do the same. If you are still on the same page, you can start openly communicating with them.
Pricing
At $49.95 per month, it is the most expensive of the dating services we reviewed. You can get discounts if you sign up for more than a month though, so for example 3 months membership costs $99.95.
eHarmony offers to find a perfect soulmate for the rest of your life so, in that light, $49.95 may not be a high price to pay.
Pros
High quality of members, and a high quality of service to help you find a perfect match, especially for a long term relationship.
Cons
Pricey, and the approach may not be suitable for those looking for casual dating.
Verdict
There is no doubt that eHarmony is aimed squarely at people looking for a serious relationship, and, if this is what you are looking for, it is highly recommended. It requires some work and self-analysis which helps explain why it is perhaps the only dating service that has more female than male members.
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