I must confess, it was extremely exciting in the beginning to wink, hotlist and chat to the various men (online) that I had chosen, and to those who had chosen me, by our profiles and photographs. (Actually, I have to admit that the profiles without photographs did not have the same impact or power of attention as those that did.Call me shallow if you like, but there simply has to be an initial chemistry and there is nothing more of a turn on than the power of attraction!) However, the hours spent trawling through the hundreds of ‘prospective single studs’ (some not so available as they had intimated in their profiles) soon became boring and actually almost tedious.

My search would generally result with just a handful of hopefuls, one of which I hoped just might be ‘the one’. The game was then on. Emails would be exchanged via the match-making website, after which we would exchange personal email details and swap telephone numbers, not wanting to waste anymore valuable laptop keyboard time. Who would be first to text (who would crack first)? Well, one needs to know one’s been given the correct details, doesn’t one? Finally, there was really no avoiding it any longer, a first date would be set. Deal or no deal? Hmmm, chances were they were never quite the age stated, nor the height stated. I am 6'2 in my glam heals and require a tall (as my profile clearly stated) man, whilst those 5' 4” gentlemen who had stretched not only the truth, but their imaginations, would only be able (given half a chance) to nestle their noses into my cleavage, rather than look me directly in my eyes. And as for looks, well, let’s just say many were ‘very creative’ with the photographs they supplied.

For instance, very often their photo’s were by no means recent, after which far too many pies had obviously been consumed, making them a rather large shadow of their former selves. For all that, it was fun, yet extremely frustrating. Compelling, yet tedious. But I confess, I was totally excited by the unknown and it all became very, very addictive. Those who have done some online dating trawling for themselves and been successful and found love generally have enormous grins on their faces, whilst those who haven't simply keep on looking. And those who haven't yet tried it? Why not have a go? What have you got to lose? Only believe me when I say that I have been there, done it and now wear the (successful) tshirt, although not without many amusing and exciting experiences along the way.

You can read more about me - and, hopefully (for this is where you Edge readers come in) your own online dating experiences in my up and coming book, which really does need your input. Or, if you would like some advice on which companies I think would suit your needs best, safety tips, profile writing, or you are simply in a position where you don't know what to do next, drop me a line. I can be your very own Online Dating Doctor! This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Let’s be hearing your ‘looking for lurve’ stories...

Melanie is currently writing two books. An Insight into Online Dating and Cabin Crew Stories. If you are experienced and have stories to tell in one or both of these areas and would like to appear in one or both books, she’d definitely love to hear from you. So please contact Melanie A.S.A.P., readers.