Dating as a single parent is fraught with challenges. Life for the single mom or dad is not easy, even with social life kept at minimum. Indeed, dating can be a complex issue when children are in the mix. But it can still be done.

One challenge for single parent dating is when both have children. It may appear like it is easier since both have the “feel” for what the other may be experiencing. It is not that simple.

More on Dating As a Single Parent – Some Common and Not-So-Common Landmines

Life isn't fair. Men, it seems, get all the breaks. You've devoted all of your 20's to getting your career off the ground. Not that you haven't been dating… you have, but not seriously.

Now here you are… 30 something and there is no long term relationship in sight. You can actually hear your biological clock ticking. You have a precious few years to find a man to fall in love with, make him fall in love with you, get married, and have a baby or its lights out. You already know all of the men in your social circle. Not that they aren't nice guys - some of them are - but none of them is your soul mate. What's a girl to do?

Consider online dating. You have the opportunity to read hundreds of profiles and look at hundreds of pictures in search of that "someone" that will be right for you. Maybe he will live in the same city you do…maybe he will live across the country or even in another country altogether. You aren't limited to only those men that you come in contact with personally. The possibilities are almost endless.

"Is online dating safe", you ask. "Aren't the online dating sites made up entirely of perverts, sexual predators and weirdoes in assorted shapes and sizes?"  The answer is, no they aren't. Not anymore anyway. That was true when online dating first came on the scene but now it is mainstream. It's as safe as you make it using common sense and sound judgment.

Use the same caution that you would when meeting any stranger. Don't give out your real name, address or phone number until you feel safe doing so. Don't rush into a face-to-face meeting until you are confident and then make the first meeting in a public place and during daylight hours. Give it a try. Mr. Right might be a few mouse clicks away.

The sooner you realize this sad but true fact, the sooner you can get on with finding Mr. Close-Enough-To-Perfect. Prince Charming, riding on a white stallion, lost his way or found Princess Charming and got married on his way to your castle.

Get over it and get on with it. You ARE going to have to actively seek the man of your dreams and you won't find him hiding under your bed. You already know that he isn't among the men that you are acquainted with so, now what? Online dating is "what".

More on Sorry, Mr. Perfect Does Not Exist

Remember the words from an old song...

"Be sure it's true when you say I love you, it's a sin to tell a lie".

The concept of "sin" has lost its meaning for most in our modern era, and even "love" has lost its importance.

If you still believe in "falling in love" then you will realize how difficult it is to say, "I love you" in a meaningful way. Three little words that could change your life forever. The words, themselves, have lost their meaning because of overuse especially when it's not really true. Virtually everybody says them often without meaning it.

More on How to Say I Love You?

Dating Part I explained how everyone has his/her own views of dating and the mad rush to find Mr. & Mrs. Right. Part II looks at the various concepts of dating.

There are various types of dating and no right or wrong way, just personal preference. We choose whatever works best for our lifestyles.

Standard Date – Date among a guy and a girl who know each other.

Blind Date – A date where you’re not sure if there is any interest because you haven’t met the other person yet. Usually set up by a match-making friend or family member.

Long Distance Date – You met someone and they live a ways away so you decide to have a long distance relationship via internet or letters. Usually do not work in the end.

Online Dating – These dating systems uses websites to meet people. You register and choose from multiple profiles.

Speed Dating – Groups of people gather at a public place and spend a certain amount of time getting to know each other. At intervals, each person switches seats with another person. Dating musical chairs until to you meet each available suitor in the room.

Virtual dating – You meet available suitors via Virtual Reality websites. Create a profile, an avatar and spend time in this dating virtual world attempting to spark an interest and develop a virtual relationship.

Singles Events – Attend an event with groups of single people with hopes of meeting Mr. or Ms. Right. These are casual parties with no time limits, no guidelines, just meet and greets.

To be successful and find the right person for you must realize there are no perfect people. Define what qualities are most important to you and come to the realization that you might not find all those exact qualities but you may come close. Don’t rush. Certain dating concepts might not be right for you. Sticking with your beliefs on how and why to date will help you find your Mr. or Mrs. Right.