Finding love in the 21st century (Neww Africa / Shutterstock.com)
If there’s one defining characteristic of the 21st century dating scene, it’s online dating. From OkCupid to Tinder, online dating sites play matchmaker 24/7 for men and women of all walks of life every day - sparking fun dates, relationships, and ultimately lots of love. But it’s not just the larger, mainstream sites out there that are setting people up - hundreds of niche sites provide a platform for people looking for love to get super specific about exactly what (or who!) they’re seeking.
This list is for the good doers. From animal lovers to greenies, vegetarians to social activists, these four sites are all about setting people up - and changing the world at the same time.
1. THE DATING SITE FOR ENVIRONMENTALISTS
WHAT: Cause Date
WHO: Los Angelenos who care about sustainability, green living and eco-volunteering. Cause Date is the dating site for people who care about action - having fun while making a positive impact on the planet.
FEELING THE SPARKS FLY: Cause Date also organizes group meetups for like-minded people - such as harvesting orange groves for those in need in Carmarillo, California. Now, that would be a story for the grandkids!
The couple that recycles together, stays together (voir / Shutterstock.com)
2. THE DATING SITE FOR VEGETARIANS
WHAT: VeggieConnection.com
WHO: Vegetarians, vegans, raw-foodists, fruitarians, and macrobiotics. VeggieConnection.com lets members search by diet - so picking the restaurant for that all-important first date as easy as can be.
FEELING THE SPARKS FLY: As might be expected of a food-based site, VeggieConnection.com features a compendium of veggie resources, including recipes, menus and restaurant reviews.
The way to a man's heart is through is stomach, right? (Duet PandG / Shutterstock.com)
3. THE DATING SITE FOR SOCIAL ACTIVISTS
WHAT: Your Cause or Mine
WHO: People with cause-related interests - from education and social justice to community engagement and youth advocacy.
FEELING THE SPARKS FLY: Instead of the usual dinner and drinks date combo, Your Cause or Mine suggests local volunteer events - a wholesome way to meet someone special for the first time.
What's better than going out for dinner? Serving dinner (Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com)
4. THE DATING SITE FOR ANIMAL LOVERS
WHAT: Animal People Personals
WHO: People who love animals, and have a sense of humor. This site’s About Us page features a list of cats and dogs on the Board of Directors, with impressive titles such as Demander in Chief and Director of Licks.
FEELING THE SPARKS FLY: Animal People Personals recently joined forces with formidable dating site Match.com, to bring even more relevant animal loving profiles to this cuddly site.
Love is the best common interest (CREATISTA / Shutterstock.com)
