Last year most of us took a direct hit economy wise. The recession not only took a toll on individuals but many businesses saw their doors closed because they were unable to withstand the severe economic downturn. Online or off more than a few companies felt the squeeze.

Not online dating. The once ridiculed industry has turned into a billion dollar a year money machine. By all indications they will sail well past that mark by the end of this year.

Still it is not all gravy for everyone involved in online dating. Many people who have used the service are understandably frustrated at their lack of success. Online dating is a wonderful tool but the reality is for many people it takes time as well as trial and error to meet that special someone.

To avoid getting stressed out about the whole process it is important to know:

1. Who Do You Want?

Some people want to meet their soulmate but they are not quite sure what that means. So they wind up wasting a considerable amount of time on prospects that while certain aspects of their profile might make them curious they know in their heart the person is not for them.

Other people get online without any type of goal and then get frustrated when they start meeting a number of people who are not to their liking. Therefore it is essential to have a clear sense of what you are looking for before you seriously get going in online dating.

2. Be Realistic

You may have drawn up a list of ten things you would like in your online dating partners. That's good as long as you accept the fact that few if anyone is going to be able to meet all of those requirements. If possible see how much of your criteria the person matches and see if you can get pass the ones they do not meet. A lot of people complain they are not meeting the right person. That's because they are not looking for a partner; instead they want perfection and will not settle for anything less.

3. Time Is On Your Side

Do yourself a favor and do not turn online dating into an episode of "The Amazing Race." Since it is doubtful you will meet that special someone on the first go round the best thing you can do for yourself is enjoy the ride. Hang out and meet some new people who very well may become good friends. The support from your online community can be as real as anything in the offline world. Take your time and treat it like a fun marathon. Doing that alone can lower your stress level considerably.