Ah, Jdate.....I've had a love/hate relationship with it for years. OK, well....more hate than love. I have made an amazing friend this past summer on it (you know who you are!), so for that reason alone I can say it was worth it. Other than that pleasant surprise, I wonder what my life would have been like over this soon to be concluded decade had I not ever tried JDate. I wonder....

I've been on and off of JDate for nearly 10 years. I've met people, had endless first dates, and several relationships, one even went as far as an engagement. I even had a relationship this year. Yet, the simple fact that I am here, writing this mostly negative review should be an indication of my opinion of the website. People on there are not what they seem, and carry alot of baggage.

A friend of mine refers to online dating as a "dumpster for the un-marriage-able." I'm not sure I'd go that far, but he's not totally off in that assumption. Sure, there are "diamonds in the rough" on every dating website, but, as a JDate veteran, I can say the quality has diminished sharply over the years. It used to be less expensive, and with a dating pool of people like me, single, down to earth, just all around decent people looking to see what's out in the world. Not so in the past several years. The quality of single people on JDate has dropped sharply in my opinion. Humble, decent, nice women have made way to nasty, demanding, full of themselves caricatures who think an "about me" essay means a list of demands in a potential mate. Not to mention it's usually the same people. Whenever I go back on after some time away, I find it amazing how it's always like a reunion. The same women, a little older, a little more bitter, is it that hard for them to find someone? This is why, for the first time, I am not blindly going back to JDate thinking it's my only option. I am trying other avenues, and cutting my losses with JDate. I will not give them another penny. It's been 10 years, it's no longer worth the investment. There are other sites, it's time for me to try them, and get out in the real world more! I have that same friend to thank for that!

For the JDate veterans, you all know what I'm talking about. For the new person, looking at it for the first time (such a concept astounds me, but it can be true), let me give you some pointers from someone who's been there.

-It's all about the picture. They'll either find you good looking or not. If they don't, nothing you say will ever matter. You will be ignored.
-It's also about the income. Amazingly enough, women over 30, still living at home, and unemployed think it's totally fair to demand that you make 6 figures and drive an expensive car. Seems fair, right?
-Nothing you write really matters. No one reads what you write. I have tweaked my essay countless times, have had friends read it, and it's the same thing. I'd say one out of every 100 profiles who looks at me must read the essay. So, keep it simple, funny, and sweet. Don't write your life story or they will move on.
-You will meet people, you will go out on dates, but buyer beware. Most people that are on there are single for a reason. Not all, but most, take it from me. Take it slow, be cautious, keep your wits about you, and don't "give away the store" so easily. Dishonesty is the rule it seems. If you're interested in someone, and they are in you, however honest they seem, do your homework. It will save you aggravation in the long run.
-Don't take it personally. You will get ignored, rejected, and told "you're not my type" or "good luck in your search." You will send an IM that will the person will "choose not to respond." Let it roll off of you, take a deep breath, and dive back in.

Good luck, as they say in the lotto commercials, you never know! Date safe!