Match.com, the global leader in online dating, today launched its 15-day "workout" program to help singles simplify their search for love in 2005. The "15-Day Love Challenge" offers fun and realistic advice and tips for taking a proactive approach to dating in the New Year, and it provides a convenient starting point for the thousands of single men and women who will log on to Match.com just after the holidays.
"We call it the New Year's resolution phenomenon -- it's a time when single people take stock and make a conscious decision to focus on finding a successful, emotionally rewarding relationship," said Kristin Kelly, Match.com's Vice President of Love.
The 15-Day Love Challenge takes the insights that Match.com has gathered from 10 years of dealing with the joys and frustrations, the ups and downs of millions of single people, and turns them into action.
"While we can't take the mystery out of love and romance, we can do our part to help millions start the New Year off right by offering them a simple, step-by-step guide to dating and finding relationships that will add depth and meaning to their lives," Kelly added.
The complete 15-Day Love Challenge can be found on the Match.com website at www.match.com/lovechallenge. Highlights include:
Make a list, check it twice
The New Year is a time to reflect on what you really want out of 2005, including the qualities you are looking for in a mate. Make a list of your "must haves." Now read it. If you were limited to only two choices, what would they be? The fact is that many of us artificially limit our search for love based on arbitrary criteria that change from date to date. By understanding the one or two qualities that really matter to you, and not obsessing about the rest, you'll expand your universe of potential great dates.
Jump in with both feet
Being proactive about your dating life is essential and also the most fun. There are several ways to throw your hat into the ring, from letting friends know you are okay with being set up (if you are okay with being set up) to posting or updating your profile on Match.com.
Fate happens
Call it fate or karma or kismet; but you can meet someone anytime, anywhere -- in line at the supermarket, on the train to work or having lunch with a friend. It's important to remember that people are attracted to and feel more comfortable approaching those who are enjoying themselves. So smile, relax, even flirt a little ... you never know what fate might have in store.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice makes perfect. And sparkling conversation makes great dates. Take time to practice your conversation skills on a co-worker or acquaintance. Instead of matching someone story for story, practice listening, asking questions and showing genuine curiosity in their answers.
Have fun -- it's dating
Dating is supposed to be a fun process. While imperfect dates may seem like torture as they are happening, they tell you more about who you are -- and what you want in a match -- which will bring you one step closer to finding true love.
For Match.com's day-by-day love shape-up tips, go to www.match.com/lovechallenge.
About Match
Match.com is the world's biggest online dating and personals property, according to the November 2004 global ranking of the Personals category by industry-leading independent measurement firm comScore Media Metrix. Match.com operates leading subscription-based online dating sites in 32 countries, in 18 languages and spanning six continents. The site has more than 15 million members globally. Since its launch in 1995, Match.com has led the way in providing adults worldwide with a fun, private and secure environment for meeting each other and finding meaningful relationships. Based on resignation survey data, Match.com calculates that more than 200,000 Match.com members met the person they were seeking on the site in 2003 alone. Match.com powers online dating on MSN across Europe, Asia, the United States, Australia (NineMSN) and Latin America and is the premier provider of personals for Love@AOL, offering the Match.com service across AOL.com and AOL.co.uk. Match.com is an operating business of IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ: IACI).
SOURCE: Match.com
CONTACT: Liz Entwistle of Match.com, +1-214-576-9321,
liz.entwistle@match.com
Web site: http://www.match.com/
http://www.match.com/lovechallenge