"Separated" people do not seem single to many other singles--so, that will reduce your responses. But everyone knows that there are "separated" and "separated." Some people are just in a fight with their spouses, and they go on a singles site in some sort of anger, but others are, seriously, moving towards singlehood. So don't let that deter you, and, yes, you should put something that shows that you are, really, almost single.

The fact that anyone can put up a profile, not join the site, and just deal with winks, which don't go anywhere, is problematic. That is a marketing ploy to get them to join: we all wish that every singles site just had real members on it, who can communicate. Something MUST be done about it, but we can't do it.

Most profiles are real: most of us, lonely people, are real. You can sift through the chaff, with a positive attitude, and meet some nice people. But singles sites are, mostly, dating sites. You can get dates, but, finding a real mate will take time and devotion.

It's not match's fault that old guys communicate with younger women--it's the men. They are fat and bald, but want to date slim and attractive women. The internet enables them to "reach" for things that they cannot grasp. Just let these guys know that "no, we are not a match, but thanks for the attention."

The point is that men are, still, expected to be providers, and women are expected to be attractive. Pity the low-earning guy who is hoping to, somehow, find a gorgeous woman to achieve his dream. Pity the fluffy woman who hides her real appearance behind photos that are either out of date or concealing. These people will get dates but not mates, and not many second dates.

It sure is a jungle out there. But you can, with some effort and care, meet some nice people, and, who knows?