So you're sitting in front of your computer on a Friday night with nothing to do. You're not on the town looking for a date, but you'd sure like to have one, right?

Well, why don't you take advantage of that computer you're looking at and check out one of the many free online dating services out there? Don't feel strange, there are a lot of people who are into online dating these days and who have fund a bunch of new friends and new romances.

These dating services have a lot of good qualities and you will get out of them what you put into them, whether that's a date, a fling or maybe more.

What makes online dating work? Well, it's best to first look at some of the ways the service is better than going out to the bars to find a date.

The first advantage is that you are able to find dating prospects as it works on your schedule. If you want to post to these sites at night after work you can, or you can look for friends first thing in the morning. Matchmaking won't be on anyone's schedule but yours.

You will also be able to screen the people that you want to meet and have a neutral place to talk to them. That is the purpose of the initial personal ads to find out just what kind of qualities someone else has to offer and how they may fit in with what you're searching for. Are you looking for a redhead, a blonde or brunette?

Another benefit of free dating on the internet at places like ebony is that the decision of whether or not to meet someone you have connected with is entirely up to you. If you feel comfortable about dating them, then you can meet in real life. If not, you can pass.

There's some other basic savings you can use through the dating service. For one, free online dating is a lot cheaper (obviously) than going out on a bunch of real dates. No dinner, no movies to pay for.

There's also a lack of pretense because of the service of online personal ads. These ads outline what you are interested in, so you can go ahead and dive into conversation, instead of feeling awkward with your date. When using this service, you will be sure to have something in common with whomever you've met on a free dating service.

Where you take your relationship after you've met someone through an online matchmaking service is up to you. If it works out like you want it to, you should be able to find someone you are looking for (who meets the physical characteristics you are looking for be they white, ebony, latin, tall or short) and have the same idea of a relationship as you do (be it long-term, a fling or a booty call). Whatever you want out of your dating life, you'll be able to find it, and quick, online.