Tales from the Dating Scene, by readers who’ve tried agencies, sites, and meet-up groups:

Reader #1 - I joined a dating agency in 2007, paid my fee, and signed an agreement for a set number of matches with no specific time frame. To date, I have no luck, no success.

I learned that dating agencies don’t work for me because the best person to represent me in the dating environment is me.

Also, dating requires time, commitment, and a genuine interest in people and relationships. I cannot get quick results by pumping funds into an agency to find my match.

I believe that dating and finding true love, or everlasting love, is not a destination but a worthwhile journey and process. The ride’s sweet and wonderful with opportunities for self-discovery while expanding my network.

Reader #2 - I recently was left by my girlfriend of six years.

I was devastated for a while, but I’m over her now and glad of my newfound me. However, my life had been subsumed into hers, and when she left so did most of her friends. I was very lonely at age 57.

What I found so helpful was an organization called meetup.com. I joined the Tuesday movie group in my city and went to a budget movie with 10–to-20 people interested in the movie plus being social.

It helped tremendously in developing a new social circle. There’s no agenda other than the affinity of the circle. For me, it was a healing strategy after a breakup.

Ellie – Wikipedia describes Meetup as an online social networking portal that facilitates offline group meetings in various localities around the world. Members find and join groups unified by a common interest, such as politics, books, games, movies, health, pets, careers, or hobbies.

Meetup, Inc. was originally formed in New York after 9/11 to continue community connections in the manner that Americans came together in that tragedy.

Google meetup.com and your city, and you’ll find groups listed by age-appeal, interest topic, Zip code, etc.

Reader #3 - My husband of 11 years and I met through a dating service before online dating sites became commonplace. Fees ranged from $1000 to $3000 depending on your age and sex as some demographics have disproportionate numbers.

I’d been with the service a year before meeting my husband. His experience was faster; I was the first person he was introduced to.

The appeal was the pre-screening the agency performs. We were both able to be fairly specific about what/whom we were looking for. You can tweak your preferences as you go.

Still, you need to go into the process with an open mind, and remember that there’s no guarantee of attraction and chemistry.

Reader #4 - It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or billionaire, it’s about love, and meeting someone who’ll respect and appreciate you.

The gentleman who wrote to you regarding high-profile dating sites should ask himself: Does he want a gold-digger, or someone who’ll love him for who he is and not his money?

If the latter, he can try one of the less expensive dating sites, and not share personal information until he’s sure the girl falls for him, not his bank account.

Reader #5 - It’s well known that many relationships today start on a dating site. My friend from work met her partner this way. They’ve been together for over five years and have a baby girl. Happily ever after is what she lives now.

I met my own partner of three-plus years through a popular dating site, and did not have to pay a huge price for it.

Recently I had sex with a female escort. I used a condom throughout intercourse.

Not even 24 hours later, I noticed a slight itch/minor burning sensation on the tip of my penis. What, if any, STI/STD could I have gotten and what risk am I at?

Whenever I start thinking about the itch/burn I can feel it, but if I focus on something else it goes away. Could this be guilt and psychological on my part? Everything looks normal, no bumps or discharge.

Get tested. Go to your family doctor or a clinic and say exactly what occurred, with and without a condom. I give advice, not medical diagnoses, although I do sometimes point out what possibilities exist.

You already know that sexual touching without a condom, along with condom use that’s not foolproof during some sexual activities, has risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections. Especially with someone who has multiple partners.