People are so obsessed with their friends and families relationships, or more often than not, the lack of relationships that matchmaking has almost become a national past time. Who hasn't thought that they knew the "perfect" person for Cousin Joe or best friend Faith? We love to see if we are right, if we know what they are looking for in a companion. Therefore, we set our trusting friend up with Ken from work and cross our fingers that they won't hate us in the morning.

Matchmaking is not just a pastime; it is a huge business, with some matchmaking services claiming up to $1 million a month in revenue. These services offer their clients the chance to meet Mr. or Mrs. Right. In exchange for a fee and a filled out personality profile these matchmaking, or dating services promise to find compatible singles for you to date. They may not hit the mark every time, but the times they do are well advertised. This advertisement makes their successes well known to people who are seeking a relationship, whether for life or for a shorter time.

One of the fastest growing types of matchmaking services are the ones that are online. Online dating services allows one to post their likes and dislikes, wants and needs in the hands of multiple matchmakers. With the aid of the internet, this information is transmitted quickly to every eligible single that meets the set criteria. Then the magic begins. First pictures and emails are exchanged, then perhaps a phone call, or not. Online matchmaking is a great way to weed through any undesirable would be suitors.

Although matchmaking services gives one the opportunity to find that perfect someone, it is not without its drawbacks. The most notable being safety, more accurately, your safety. Whether you are a man or a woman, it is wise to focus on your well-being at all times. Keep in mind that you don't know anything about this woman or man that you have agreed to date, even if you have been conversing online or over the phone for sometime. Absolutely DO NOT let this person know where you live! There aren't many more things that you can do to make yourself more vulnerable to a predator.

When arranging a first face-to-face meeting, keep it in a public place. This will allow you to be seen by other people, while severely limiting the chances of an unscrupulous date to take advantage of an unsafe situation. The chances that your date turns out to be a murderer or other unsavory character are slim, but it just isn't worth the gamble.

If you strike gold and find the person you have been looking for all of your life, congratulations! You are now one of the many of millions of people who can credit the industry or past time of matchmaking to your happiness.

The pace at which online dating is growing would suggest that even with the dangers that may be involved, the potential for finding someone to start a relationship with is enormous. Everyday there are a multitude of people who have just signed up and every one of them brings with them a hope that the search is finally over.