This is not a new hot topic as one thinks. There are many websites with the intention of hitching up strangers from all over the world. Not enough with that, bricks and mortar agencies have set up with lots of printed advertisements everyday in local dailies, magazines and periodicals.

Many years ago, for the sake of a research, I did ask for the service of a dating agency. I was more interested in the cost of the whole process. I was rather shocked as the agent threw ugly remarks on me. I was so aghasted but I did not walk out as I needed to write a report about the process.

Later I received a bill and an agreement. I had to cancel it as I did not have the money to pay. By then I had my assignment done.

Some friends were complaining about meeting strangers through the dating agencies. They even have sleepless nights over them. Some had to attend slimming classes and some even did expensive remakes of themselves. Just for the first meeting!

I would hear lots of complaints after that. It would be worst if the stranger-daters turned up differently from the pictures provided!

So, never just believe what an introducer tells you about the other person. Always check him or her out. Do that through some mutual friends. If you are not getting any favourable feedback, be at the date with a close friend. If you do not have a good impression of the other person, then... forget about it. Take it as an investment and you have just made a loss!

These days, people meet each other online.... a not so new phenomenum. However, after some time, they will meet.......... and all what I mentioned just now do apply.

Strangers or 'singles' datings need careful planning. Whatever, just be careful and good luck!