As Internet dating becomes more and more popular, a select number of online matchmaking services truly stand out. eHarmony, www.eharmony.com, is one such service. The objective researchers at Consumer Research, www.consumerresearch.com, name this popular website the best 'serious' online dating service available today. They report that eHarmony is more targeted than many of its competitors and specifically helps singles looking for 'long-term relationships and marriage partners.' Before choosing whether or not to join any online dating service, however, make sure you know as much as possible about how it works, how much it costs, who it caters to, and what makes it unique from other, similar services.

eHarmony, like other online dating services, makes signing up and connecting with other people easy. The site reports there are six steps to prospective bliss: taking a complex relationship questionnaire, receiving a free personality profile, having one's profile matched with millions of other profiles to identify the most hopeful matches, signing up for the eHarmony membership program, communicating with other members who catch your attention, and, with a little luck, falling in love. Consumer Research reports that while joining the service is easy, however, the process is actually quite complex. It notes that eHarmony uses an 'exhaustive personality questionnaire' meant to match singles based on 29 key criteria. It also says that communicating with another member is a process in itself, requiring several steps.

eHarmony allows prospective members to take the relationship questionnaire, sending them in-depth relationship profiles at no cost. One who decides to take the plunge can choose from four types of membership plans: one-month, three-months, six-months and one year. As of 2005, these plans cost $49.95, $99.95, $159.95 and $249.95 respectively. Those still undecided can participate in a seven-day free trial period before committing to anything.

Still, eHarmony is a truly unique dating website. One of the things that make this service so unique is it dedication to the idea that romance really can be achieved through the 29 dimensions of compatibility measured by its survey. The site even has an extensive profile patented Compatibility Matching System TM for eHarmony's exclusive use.

While Consumer Research notes that eHarmony serves about 5 million members, it is somewhat limited in scope. It only allows heterosexual mate searches, for instance, so those looking for same-sex partners should look elsewhere. Also, because the 29 criteria addressed in the questionnaire are somewhat limited, dating hopefuls cannot indicate an age range or other variables when searching for potential matches.

Overall, eHarmony totes tremendous success. Those hoping to meet serious singles of the opposite sex may appreciate the complexity by which this service matches potential mates, finding that the extra effort means that only the best matches are paired. Those looking for alternative or less serious relationships or a simpler platform might consider using other popular services, such as Match.com or Yahoo! Personals, personals.yahoo.com.