When Are Dating Sites Appropriate?

Sure, why not? If you want people in your life you got to be open and put yourself out there. I know plenty of people your age who scour dating sites, for example people who spend a lot of time around computers and social media and feel comfortable getting to know potential dates in that way. You got to ask yourself if there's a chance that in X years you would regret waiting, and if you'll realize that by then you could have used the experience.

About interests, it's cool to share interests with a partner, but don't concentrate too much on it, it's more important to have interests and activities and a social life through them than to share them with your partner, so you both can have your alone time. So keep in mind you are looking for someone you feel comfortable with, rather than expecting it to happen because you both like star wars. Join dating sites, try out a few clubs on campus (to make friends, more than to find a partner, be wary of going there and let everyone notice you only speak to attractive girls), enjoy yourself and your options.

I'm 20 and say go for a dating site. I'm dealing with a similar problem although I have someone in mind to date. I have WAY too many interests and hobbies for someone to keep up. However, I suggest just finding someone you can talk to normally and for a long time. Meetme seems to work for some people I know. Theres a bunch of mobile apps too. I know, personally, I like to meet people in person more to decided if they're a suitable match. Chemistry is a biggie for me. You seem like a great person to talk to. Just keep an open mind and try to show how unique you are while enjoying the traits of someone you think you could see as a partner. positive vibes your way!

I am speaking from my own experiences from dating websites when I say that most of us young people on there between the ages of 18 and 25ish are mainly looking for a sexual partner. A lot of people on those sites wont be looking for a committed relationship and if they are, it will be a rare thing. I am also through my first year of college and tried it out but it wasn't really a thing I would try again unless I am close to my 30's and still haven't found anyone. If you do choose to go on a site, the ones that most young people are on are either Plenty of Fish or Okcupid. Hopefully you have some luck if you join them!!

I think dating websites are appropriate for everyone! I live in a rural area and know several people who met their spouses online. I also know people who live in the city and have used it to meet people. I think for a lot of us it's hard to find people we have something in common with and that we "click" with, and a good dating site can help narrow that down. There will probably even be people from your college on there.

I found my current boyfriend on a dating site. A lot of people I know who are in college use sites like Tinder. I joined a site called Plenty of Fish last July, and after a while of chatting and meeting guys I found my better half. By the way I'm 21, so I joined when I was 20! It's appropriate and is becoming more and more common. Best of luck!

Are the free sites reliable?

I say totally! Be careful on any dating website. You don't know who's behind that screen until you meet them face-to-face. You can also talk to people around campus, get in some clubs, etc. Just by talking to 1 person, from that one person, you'll meet five more, then so on. I know that special person will come around! And I wouldn't trust any free dating websites because tons of bad people can make an account and hack, scam, or just try to get your information. Be safe and good luck!