If you've joined an Internet dating service, or are thinking of joining one, the following tips will help you have a positive and successful experience in your online quest for love.

Tip #1: Be honest

No matter how tempted you may be to make yourself look better by fudging information about your profession, income, relationship status, etc. - don't do it!  Eventually, the truth will come out, and you might lose your chance with that special someone.

Tip #2: Be modest

Although honesty is the best policy, there is something to be said for the little white lies we tell to maintain social decorum. There are some things you simply shouldn't mention in your profile. For example, you'll want to avoid crude humor and stories about that time you ‘got really drunk and sick' at your cousin's wedding.

Tip #3: Be upbeat

Everyone has baggage from past relationships. However, you'll want to avoid discussing anything to do with past relationships when it comes time to write your profile. This is especially true if you've got any amount of negativity or bitterness built up.

For example, instead of saying "no liars or cheaters", it is much better to say something like: "I'm looking for an honest, committed relationship with someone of integrity."

Tip #4: Be safe

It's never a good idea to meet someone offline without first taking the time to get to know them. You should make an effort to correspond with your matches for at least a week or more so that you can get a feel for what kind of person they are.

When you do finally decide to meet them, meet in a public place and make sure you let a couple of friends know exactly where you're going, what time you'll be there, and what time you intend to leave. It's also helpful to set up some kind of "out" in case the date isn't going well. This can be as simple as texting a friend to call you away with an "emergency".

Tip #5: Be patient

You might get lucky and meet someone special much sooner than you expect. If this happens, take it for the blessing that it is. In general, though, you should go in with the awareness that you'll have to meet more than a few "almost right" matches before you finally find the one.  The wait will be worth it, though!