Read the true story of how Trish, a single mom in Delaware, found love online. Then, discover her four best online dating tips, so you can strike gold yourself.

Trish's story
I never thought it was possible to meet someone I have this much in common with, someone I could click with so well.

Going to bars to meet people just doesn't appeal to me. Also, with my work and children -- I'm a working mother with three children, two at home -- getting out to meet people just takes a lot of time. Personals seemed like a good alternative.

Easy to get started
I had been using Yahoo! Personals for about four years, on and off (I already had a Yahoo! Mail account so it was easy to get started). Then I sort of gave it up and didn't use it.

A little later, I became engaged to someone, but it ended very badly. At this point, I thought I was going to be alone for good -- maybe that was the way it was meant to be.

Expanded her search
Then, I figured I would give online dating one more try. I paid for a month and started searching the ads. At first I found no one within 15 miles that interested me... then 25... and so on. I talked to a few, but they must not have liked what they read in my ad because they never answered back -- until I met Brian.

Seeing Brian's profile, I knew he was special. He listed things I was also interested in. I sent him an instant message and introduced myself.

Exchanged emails
He was cautious. He insisted that we exchange emails first, for at least 30 days. And then we met, at a mall about halfway between where each of us lived. I was nervous. So was he.

But I just knew when I saw him; he was the man of my dreams. We've been together just a few months now, but think we could spend the rest of our lives together. It's a great time for us. He's 41 and I'm 38. Things just couldn't be more wonderful.

Thank you, Yahoo! I think I've met the man of my dreams.

Tips from Trish

Profile Creation: When I created my profile, I just wrote sort of a stream-of-consciousness description of myself and what I wanted. I was very specific and honest.

Getting Started: If you're just getting started with personals, do what's comfortable for you. Represent yourself as honestly as you can. Even in bars, people can say they're one thing and later turn out to be something completely different.

Look Farther: Don't be afraid to search beyond your preferred mileage range.

Talk: Talk for a long time before you meet. It makes a difference