Regardless of what your profile says, you probably didn't sign up for online dating because you were looking for friendship, right? If you're like most people, you dutifully filled out your profile and carefully selected your most flattering photos for your page. You send out messages to the men or women you're interested in, crafting your words to ensure that they convey equal parts normal and awesome.

However, if you're only looking at online dating as a way to meet a love interest, you could be missing out on some great friends. Keep reading to find out more on why Love2Date Singles can do more than spice up your love life.

Walking into the Room of Online Dating

Hopefully, if you walk into a room of people you don't know, you don't automatically hone in on those with whom you could fantasise about a future with. Not only would that be strange and off-putting, but you would risk missing out on the people with whom you could share a real connection and a wonderful friendship.

Obviously the rules of what is socially acceptable are a little different in the realm of online dating, but the same principle holds true. By focusing in on the small group of those whom you believe you could be romantically interested in, you may miss out on some great friends. Friends who, by the way, may be able to set you up with their very cute and very single cousin.

Don't Be Afraid If the Chemistry Isn't There

Maybe you've just enjoyed a great date with someone you met in your online dating community. The conversation was comfortable, you had a lot in common and you both had a genuinely good time.

The only problem? You've spent hours talking and you definitely want to see them again, but it just wasn't romantic. As strong as your connection may have been, neither you nor your date felt like it was going to turn into a long term romantic relationship.

Instead of being discouraged by the lack of chemistry, take joy in the fact that you've made a new friend.

Friendship is a Great Foundation for Love

As you're browsing through the profiles of other singles in your online community, you're bound to come across at least a few people who you think sound pretty interesting. Maybe they don't fit your "type" (although that shouldn't matter), but they do share your passion for humanitarian work, your love for Star Wars or your favourite book genre.

Connect with those people. Send them a message, letting them know that you're not necessarily looking for romance, but that they seem like someone you'd like to meet. Find out if they're interested in getting together for a casual meeting, such as a painting class or a visit to a local museum. The absolute worst thing that could happen would be for them to decline the invitation.

But maybe they agree to meeting, and the both of you enjoy a wonderful afternoon. While you still don't feel an attraction to that person, you schedule a time to get together again.

Common ground is a great starting point for any friendship, and friendship is a great foundation for love. As your relationship evolves, you may discover that the person who isn't your "type" may end up being your perfect match.

Being Part of an Online Community

We get it; you're here because you want to find love and romance. It's wonderful that you've taken control of your love life by joining an online community of other singles. But don't miss out on building great friendships with other members, just because you don't want to pursue a romantic relationship with them.

Still haven't found an online dating community that's the right fit for you? At Love2Date Singles, we make it easier than ever to connect with other singles who share your interests, background and aspirations. Whether you've recently relocated and you're looking for friends or you're hoping to find love and romance, our lifestyle sites are filled with people who are ready to meet you. Signing up is free and easy, so create your online profile today to begin meeting singles in your area.