When you find someone you love and care about, it can be tempting to jump into a more long-term commitment: marriage. However, many believe that getting engaged or eloping after a short period of time could potentially harm your chances of thriving as a couple. What might seem like a romantic fairytale could possibly prove to lack a happy ending (think TLC’s “90-Day Fiance” or worse, the real-life horror story of “Dirty John.”)

If you’re planning to explore (or re-enter) the world of dating apps, you’re in luck, because early January is the height of online dating season. However, that doesn’t mean you should dive in head-first without a plan. Here are a few online dating resolutions that might help you find what you’re looking for in the new year.

Finding “the one” can be hard enough, but as a single parent, the search seems even more difficult. Whether you’ve been raising your child or children on your own since the beginning, you’ve been widowed, or you went through a nasty public divorce, jumping back into the dating scene might seem intimidating.

Getting Out There

It may seem like you’re surrounded by all things kid-related and you’ll never meet Ms. or Mr. Right, but you can increase your odds of finding love if you choose the right places. Bookstores, farmer’s markets and street fairs are all great places for you and your little ones – and for potentially making a connection.

Like any other goal, choosing the right person to date requires a strategic approach. There are a few tactics that can make you stand out from the sea of profiles and attract the kind of partner you’king for. On the flip side, making some rookie mistakes can hurt your chances of finding quality matches – or worse, put you in serious danger.