We go through our lives trying to find that perfect half of us -- "The One." It's as natural as breathing because we weren't designed to live alone. We tend to naturally seek companionship and intimacy. This search starts with dating.

However, finding a date may not be as easy as you think. For some, asking or getting asked for a date can be a bit of a challenge. Think back to the time you wanted to ask a girl out; or you wanted to go out with a guy you really liked. How hard was it for you to ask someone out?

Thanks to technology, specifically the Internet, dating has become easier. Online dating makes it possible for you to meet even more people who share your interests. And if you tend to not do so well during face-to-face meetings, online dating can help you build up your confidence and make yourself comfortable before actually meeting up.

So how do you get started in online dating? First, you need to create an account with an online dating site. Online dating sites abound, but don't sign up with an online dating site without doing any research about the site. Go with an online dating site that is recognized and has received good feedback from its members.

Keep in mind that most online dating sites charge a fee for access, so this is another reason you should go with an online dating site that has established a good reputation for itself. In addition, well-reputed online dating sites have measures in place to protect its members.

Once you've picked the online dating site to join, you will be asked to create your profile. Your online profile is what other members of the site will see. Think of your online profile as your "store front." In order to attract prospective dates, you need to "market" yourself in your profile. Thus, use your best photo, and be clear about what you like and what you are looking for in a date.

After you've set up your online profile, you can start browsing through the online dating site's database and find people who match your dating criteria. Use the site's search feature to locate possible dates who share your interests or hobbies.

You can find as many prospective dates as you can and start communicating with them. It's all done online so apart from the online dating membership fee you paid, you don't have any other expenses. You can begin getting to know prospective dates via the site before deciding to meet them personally.

While you may know what prospective dates look like through the photo they provide in their profile, you still don't have an overall picture of who they are. The online dating site thus becomes a safe place for you to get to know prospective dates better.

When you are ready to meet a date in person, you still need to take some precautions. It is best to meet in a public place or to have someone tag along with you. The Internet can be a wonderful place to meet like-minded individuals, but it is also a place where predators and perverts lurk. This is one more reason to join an online dating site that charges for membership. Perverts and predators often hang out in online dating sites that don't charge any fees for access.

Take all the necessary precautions before you go abroad to meet someone whom you've met on a dating site. Keep in mind, too, that should you choose someone who lives in another country or continent, there are more serious things you need to consider before you let your relationship go any deeper with this person. There will be cultural and social issues that need to be dealt with. Ask yourself: Are you prepared to leave everything -- your friends, family, job -- and move to another country with a completely different culture?

Don't lose heart if a few of your online dates are a no-show when it's time to personally meet up. This is one of the disadvantages of online dating with which you have to put up. It takes time to build a relationship online and then taking that relationship to the next level -- face-to-face. But take it as a given that there will be times when an online date just won't show up when it's time to meet. When this happens, just get right back up and try again.

Even if you don't find that perfect someone, being a member of an online dating site can still benefit you. Many have made great friendships through online dating sites. They start out as people looking for dating partners and eventually find out they are better off as friends.