While most online sites cater for those seeking long term relationships this is usually just another option to select from a list when you sign up. There are fewer sites specifically geared towards those seeking long term relationships. What sets matchmaking sites apart from other online dating sites is their approach - personality assessment, profiling and other matchmaking techniques.
We pick three of the best... PerfectMatch, Yahoo! Personals, and MatchMaker.

They say: "Perfectmatch offers you what other dating sites can't - highly compatible matches and advanced search tools, while we actively work with you to find the person right for you."

Rather than just being an online dating site, Perfectmatch.com is a community online matchmaking site of like-minded adults seeking long-term relationships.

Perfectmatch is based on the Duet® Total Compatibility System, the Compatibility Profile test developed by Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington. The test allows you to choose your matches based on similarity and complementary factors. The approach is more refined, resulting in fewer, but more qualified matches, and the only online matchmaking system that tells you which traits your partner should share and which should be different. Use the Profiler results as a search tool and configure the Profiler any way you want, to experiment with other personality types. Millions of members, primarily between 24-55 years old.

Basic membership is free which includes the Duet® Total Compatibility System, ($50.00 value), comprehensive profile and up to eight photos, relationship advice written by Dr. Schwartz, Level 1 IceBreakers, Lifetime Connections monthly newsletter, love and relationship quizzes.

Full functionality with Premium membership includes Guaranteed perfect matches, generated by the Duet® Total Compatibility System, unlimited email, searches, Icebreakers (Level 1 and 2), unlimited access to member profiles, content and photos. There's also exclusive access to Dr. Pepper Schwartz herself, through the "Ask Pepper" feature.

Age groups - 18+
Established - 2002
Male/female ratio - 50% male, 50% female
Members - 4,000,000+
Membership - Free, Premium

They say: "The Yahoo! Personals Internet dating service is for singles who want to add romance to their lives. Join the Yahoo! Personals site, meet local singles, and start having the kind of first dates that lead to second dates... and beyond."

One of the biggest dating sites on the net, with millions of members. Choose between Yahoo! Personals for casual dating, and Personals Premier for serious relationships.

Join for free and post a profile with as many as five photos, search for singles, flirt with a free Icebreaker message, and send Quick Replies as a one-time response to Yahoo! Personals profiles that might interest you. Sign up for Yahoo! Personals to send emails and instant messages.

With Yahoo! Personals safety is a priority. Their approach to safety comprises five key elements: Member-Controlled Privacy, Profile Screening, Mandatory Membership, Community Reporting, and Member Education. For more details visit Yahoo! Personals and click the link "5-Star Safety Program"

All membershp plans include a 7 day FREE trial, billing commences AFTER this trial period.

They say: "Matchmaker.com has been operating since 1985 and is considered to be the oldest online dating site. We have been responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages and our stories have been included in print, radio, and TV."

Matchmaker.com has been redesigned and improved. Matchmaker used to be divided into smaller communities based on geography, religion, age and interest, and is now part of a much larger, global network of singles. In addition, because Matchmaker is powered by online dating leader, Date.com, you have the ability to interact with millions of singles from Matchmaker and the millions more from Date.

Singles who subscribe to Matchmaker.com are professional, educated, and are serious about finding a healthy relationship.

Create a free profile, upload your photo, and write an attention grabbing headline and essay. Other members can then email you. Once inside Matchmaker.com, you can search the database of millions of singles by location, age, interests, and 100 other personal preferences. Show interest in other members by using the "Show Interest" feature.

Chat Rooms equipped with Video Chat, Advanced Search, Email and Instant Messaging, see who is online and who is looking to IM are all available with Gold membership.

Matchmaker.com is a member of the Better Business Bureau and have a strong commitment to making sure that all members on the site are of the highest quality so that you have a superior dating experience.

Gold Membership fees vary in price starting as low as 25 cents a day.