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What makes America what it is

Curator Matt Morris’s “In the United States there is more space where nobody is than where anybody is,” up at Loyola University’s Ralph Arnold Gallery, is a full-hearted and generous analysis of Kim Krause, Morgan, and Sabina Ott’s bodies of work. The exhibition is strikingly expansive, explicitly positioned within the histories of modernism and postmodernism. Morris centers each artist’s work as an educator to present abstract art, specifically abstract painting, as a pathway to freedom for the individual and collective.

“In the United States . . .”Through 1/25/23: Sat noon-4 PM, Ralph Arnold Gallery, 1131 W. Sheridan, luc.edu/ralpharnoldgallery

With an exhibition title taken from Gertrude Stein’s thoughts on the possibilities of an American character, Morris explicitly situates each artist within the midwest in order to constructively interrogate art making, art labor, and artistic expression throughout the 20th and 21st century. The work itself is lusciously rendered and touches on everything from America’s post-WWII expansionism to the dot-com boom, a cornucopia of references and touch points that serve as guideposts. A radical sense of play and joyful mess creates a through line from which viewers consider how visual abstraction defies reductive definition. Such freedom in turn presents compelling possibilities for art making and community in a region that has suffered uniquely from economic despair, racism, queerphobia, and sexism due to its derisive status as “flyover country” and all attendant material disadvantages such a moniker implies. 

Installation view, “In the United States…” Ralph Arnold Gallery 2022. Credit: Courtesy Ralph Arnold Gallery

An exhibition formed by and through a compelling hybridity of thought defies rote analysis but does depend on a generosity of spirit, a willingness to teach possibility and openness. Morris accomplishes just this in a show that opens eyes and horizons. 

related stories


Exploring the Terrain

The fall art season has been underway since the beginning of September, but some Chicago art lovers have been waiting for a recent tradition to kick off to mark the start of their autumnal art appreciation. This year marks the fifth iteration of the Terrain Biennial, a (mostly) outdoor and multisite exhibition of artist projects…


See it now: ‘The Many Hats of Ralph Arnold’

There’s time to catch “The Many Hats of Ralph Arnold” at the Museum of Contemporary Photography


Michelle Grabner does it again

A compact solo exhibition at MICKEY presents the remarkable range of Michelle Grabner’s three-decade career. A celebrated figure in local and national art scenes, Grabner has done it all. Adjacent to her dedicated studio practice, Grabner’s pioneering curatorial platform The Suburban—an experimental gallery established in Oak Park in 1999 with her husband Brad Killam—has championed…

Read More

What makes America what it is Read More »

What makes America what it isAnnette LePiqueon January 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm

Curator Matt Morris’s “In the United States there is more space where nobody is than where anybody is,” up at Loyola University’s Ralph Arnold Gallery, is a full-hearted and generous analysis of Kim Krause, Morgan, and Sabina Ott’s bodies of work. The exhibition is strikingly expansive, explicitly positioned within the histories of modernism and postmodernism. Morris centers each artist’s work as an educator to present abstract art, specifically abstract painting, as a pathway to freedom for the individual and collective.

“In the United States . . .”Through 1/25/23: Sat noon-4 PM, Ralph Arnold Gallery, 1131 W. Sheridan, luc.edu/ralpharnoldgallery

With an exhibition title taken from Gertrude Stein’s thoughts on the possibilities of an American character, Morris explicitly situates each artist within the midwest in order to constructively interrogate art making, art labor, and artistic expression throughout the 20th and 21st century. The work itself is lusciously rendered and touches on everything from America’s post-WWII expansionism to the dot-com boom, a cornucopia of references and touch points that serve as guideposts. A radical sense of play and joyful mess creates a through line from which viewers consider how visual abstraction defies reductive definition. Such freedom in turn presents compelling possibilities for art making and community in a region that has suffered uniquely from economic despair, racism, queerphobia, and sexism due to its derisive status as “flyover country” and all attendant material disadvantages such a moniker implies. 

Installation view, “In the United States…” Ralph Arnold Gallery 2022. Credit: Courtesy Ralph Arnold Gallery

An exhibition formed by and through a compelling hybridity of thought defies rote analysis but does depend on a generosity of spirit, a willingness to teach possibility and openness. Morris accomplishes just this in a show that opens eyes and horizons. 

related stories


Exploring the Terrain

The fall art season has been underway since the beginning of September, but some Chicago art lovers have been waiting for a recent tradition to kick off to mark the start of their autumnal art appreciation. This year marks the fifth iteration of the Terrain Biennial, a (mostly) outdoor and multisite exhibition of artist projects…


See it now: ‘The Many Hats of Ralph Arnold’

There’s time to catch “The Many Hats of Ralph Arnold” at the Museum of Contemporary Photography


Michelle Grabner does it again

A compact solo exhibition at MICKEY presents the remarkable range of Michelle Grabner’s three-decade career. A celebrated figure in local and national art scenes, Grabner has done it all. Adjacent to her dedicated studio practice, Grabner’s pioneering curatorial platform The Suburban—an experimental gallery established in Oak Park in 1999 with her husband Brad Killam—has championed…

Read More

What makes America what it isAnnette LePiqueon January 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm Read More »

TruthFinder Review: Is It Legit? We Tried It (2023)

There are seemingly hundreds of websites offering background checks, but not all of them are worth your time or money. Some don’t provide comprehensive information, while others have outdated or inaccurate information. Some also don’t meet the necessary legalities to let you use the data they provide. 

We took a closer look at TruthFinder to see whether it is one of the reputable background check websites or if it is one that you should skip. 

Given that TruthFinder is among the most popular background check services, it came as no surprise that we liked what we saw. 

Overview and Background on TruthFinder

TruthFinder dates back to 2014 and was founded in San Diego, California. Over the years, it has performed tens of thousands of background checks. 

During background checks, TruthFinder scans hundreds of millions of records, including social network data and public records. All of this happens in a matter of minutes. The important part here is that some of the data TruthFinder looks at is confidential or private. In other words, it gives customers access to more than just public records. 

TruthFinder then displays the relevant information that it finds in a series of reports. It helps customers find hard to find social media profiles, arrest records, or unknown contact information, among other info. 

The big difference between TruthFinder and some of the other similar services is the fact that it looks at private records in addition to public ones. Few services offer this, as it makes their services more complicated and potentially more expensive. That means that the information you can get from most competitors is something you could likely find if you had enough time to search yourself. 

Running a background check with TruthFinder may give you additional details and a more in-depth look about someone than if you simply searched their name online. You may get access to extra information about past locations, police reports, or photos. 

Pros and Cons of TruthFinder

No service is perfect, and TruthFinder is no exception. There are some limitations and caveats to be aware of before you use TruthFinder, but there are also many features and characteristics that make it worth using.

Pros of TruthFinder

Android app available 
Monthly membership plan provides unlimited reports
Filters and advanced search options let you refine results 
You can use it to self-monitor
Up-to-date information in the reports 
Includes a dark web scan to see if your personal data has been compromised
Transparent information about the Fair Credit Reporting Act so you know how to legally use the reports 

Cons of TruthFinder 

You must get a monthly subscription; you can’t buy a single report
You must pay extra to download the reports as PDFs
It only has information on people in the United States
There are pop-up ads (but those keep prices down)

Key Features of TruthFinder

While TruthFinder offers background checks, it provides so much more than this. The website has the following directories: 

Background checks
Criminal records search
Dark web scan
Family tree
People search 
Phone book 
Public records 
Reverse phone lookup 

We’ll explore some of these features in more detail. 

Background Checks – What You’ll Find

Background checks are among the most popular services from TruthFinder. They are the primary service that the company is known for. 

As mentioned earlier, TruthFinder scans private records in addition to public records, meaning that you can get more detailed information from them than you would from competitors. 

But what type of information can you expect to find? This will help you gauge whether TruthFinder’s services fit your needs. 

Remember that TruthFinder may not always find information in all of the following categories for everyone. The results in your report will depend on what information is available. With that in mind, you may see the following information. 

You may get personal information such as: 

First and last name
Age
Date of birth
Contact information

Expect to see some location history, including: 

Past and current addresses
Whether those addresses were residential or commercial 
Census data
Local demographic data
Possible neighbors 

This report may include information on assets such as:

Mortgages 
Property tax
Sale amount
Rental properties
Liens
Bankruptcies

You will likely get a list of online profiles such as: 

Blogs
Personal websites
Social media profiles
News stories 

You can see information on education and employment like:

Educational background
Any degrees in higher education
A full employment history

You may see a range of types of relationships, including: 

Marriage records
Divorce records
Possible neighbors
Business partners
Relatives
Acquaintances and friends
Anyone who shares or shared an address (business or residential)

In terms of criminal records, you will see the following information: 

Location of both the crime and the arrest
The charge category
A description of the offense
The date of the offense
The court name and case number 

In the case of sexual offenders, you will see the following: 

Their sex offender status
Any registered sex offenders who live close to the person’s address

Dark Web Scan

This particular scan from TruthFinder checks to see if your personal information is for sale on the dark web. It is designed to help you find out if you are a victim of identity theft or if your information is compromised. 

While online identity theft hasn’t always been a serious risk, it has become an increasing concern in recent years, especially as we digitize more aspects of our life. 

You also get to customize TruthFinder’s dark web scan. This is done by choosing what pieces of your personal information it will look for and monitor for you. The full list of options includes:

Contact information
Bank account numbers
Debit and credit cards
Driver’s license
Phone number
Passport number
Social security number
Medical identification numbers 
Membership or retail cards 

To complete this service, TruthFinder looks at a range of websites and servers on the dark web. These include social media feeds, chat rooms, web services, peer-to-peer file-sharing networks, file transmissions, bulletin boards, and forums. 

Reverse Phone Lookup

This service lets you enter a phone number in the search field and find out the potential owner of the phone number. It is a particularly popular feature for those times that you get a call from a number you don’t recognize. 

TruthFinder offers this particular service by scanning public records for the number. Conveniently, you don’t have to input any information other than the phone number. 

The results will include the name of the phone number’s owner as well as any known aliases. You can use these aliases to figure out their nickname, married name, or former name. You may also see a photo of the person. 

This search will also give you a list of other people who may be linked to the phone number, such as people who previously had the number. 

How to Use TruthFinder to Run a Background Check

This website purposely makes it simple to run background checks and get detailed reports. This is one of their big selling points. 

To do so, follow these steps: 

From the home page, enter the person’s first and last name (or a former name, such as their maiden name).
Enter the person’s city and state (or a former address—if you don’t know the answer, you can skip this step, but it will be harder to narrow down your search results).
As you wait for results, the system may ask you additional questions about the person. Examples include if they have lived in the same location their whole life or if they are an only child. This helps narrow down the results. 
Look at the list of potential candidates. Find the listing that corresponds to the person you want to search for. 
Request the background check. 

If you don’t already have a TruthFinder account, you will be asked to create one and pay for your subscription before getting the background check. 

TruthFinder Costs

As mentioned in the pros and cons earlier, TruthFinder only offers a subscription payment model. There is no option to pay for reports individually. 

The basic membership includes most features and costs $28.05 at a one month recurring rate. However, there is a two-month discount of $23.28 per month if you pay those months in advance. After two months, the price goes back up. 

Keep in mind that there is a separate membership for reverse phone lookups. This membership costs $4.99 per month. 

You can purchase either membership separately or get both together. 

You should also be aware that if you want to download a background check report, you will have to pay $2.99. This applies to each report you choose to download. That being said, you can view the reports without downloading them as part of your membership. 

Customer Support From TruthFinder

TruthFinder has good customer support, although its hours of support could be more extensive. You can only chat with a live representative on weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific time. While this is less than ideal, that is still a full 12 hours of support every weekday, which is more than some similar services offer. 

While there is no weekend or late-night support, TruthFinder also has an FAQ section with truly helpful information and answers. There is a very good chance that you will find answers to your questions there and not even need to contact support. 

Reviews of TruthFinder

Our research found that a significant amount of TruthFinder reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Most reviews confirm that the information TruthFinder provides is accurate and up-to-date. 

Safety and Security With TruthFinder

With a website like TruthFinder that has access to so much personal information, safety and security are of the utmost concern. The good news is that TruthFinder does well in this respect. They encrypt all of the data they transmit. This helps ensure that your information as their customer is safe. 

Additionally, because of the amount of information that they have access to, TruthFinder constantly monitors the website for potential criminal activity, like hackers. This not only protects the security of client data, but it also helps ensure that cybercriminals can’t change information. In other words, TruthFinder takes measures to keep your data secure and the data it provides secure and accurate. 

Is TruthFinder Safe?

Yes. As mentioned, TruthFinder has multiple safety measures in place to protect your information as well as the information you search for. The person you run a background check on will not even know that you did so. 

Is TruthFinder Legit?

Yes. In addition to multiple online reviews, we can confirm that TruthFinder is a legit background check service. The results are accurate and up-to-date. 

Additionally, TruthFinder is transparent about how you can use the information it provides. 

Is TruthFinder Legal?

TruthFinder is legal, depending on how you plan to use the information. As mentioned, the company clearly outlines how you can legally use the information you get from it. 

As long as you use TruthFinder to satisfy personal curiosity or ensure you, your kids, or your family are safe, it is legal. So, you can use it to find a long-lost relative, check up on your neighbor, or vet a blind date. 

Only for Personal Reasons

The important caveat here is that you cannot use the information on TruthFinder for any business decisions. You cannot use it to make decisions related to consumer credit, tenant screening, or employment. 

All of these business-related decisions are covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. According to that act, you can only get information for those decisions from a Consumer Reporting Agency. TruthFinder is not one of those. 

Other Questions You May Have About Background Checks

Whether you plan on using TruthFinder or another background check service, you may have a few questions about what these background checks involve. 

What Are Background Checks?

To start, background checks are a process of verifying that someone is who they say they are. It lets you confirm their identity by looking at records for education, employment, social media, phone numbers, addresses, any criminal records, and more. 

Why Do People Run Background Checks?

There are several reasons someone may decide to run a background check. 

One classic example is a company running a background check on an employee before they hire them. However, it is important to note that there are regulations in place as to the types of services that companies can use for this type of background check. The service they use must be accredited as a Consumer Reporting Agency. TruthFinder does not have this accreditation. 

More common examples of why someone would use a service like TruthFinder for background checks is to feel safe and secure. For example, they may check a new neighbor or a significant other before taking the next step in their relationship, or someone who doesn’t trust their friend or family member’s significant other may check that person’s background. 

How Can I Run a Background Check?

At the most basic level, running a background check is as simple as choosing a service, paying for it, and providing the basic information of the person you want to run the check on. 

Background checks are designed to search through the various public records and other available information so you don’t have to spend days doing the same thing. Some services, like TruthFinder, also look at sources you would not have access to, such as private sources. 

The Bottom Line

TruthFinder is among the most popular background check websites. You can also use it for reverse phone lookups or to check if your information is being sold on the dark web. The website is trustworthy and safe to use. The only thing to keep in mind is that you need to pay for a monthly membership, which gives you unlimited searches. If you only want a single search, a different service that offers pricing by report may make more sense.

Read More

TruthFinder Review: Is It Legit? We Tried It (2023) Read More »

TruthFinder Review: Is It Legit? We Tried It (2023)Corvelay Mediaon January 1, 2023 at 4:33 pm

There are seemingly hundreds of websites offering background checks, but not all of them are worth your time or money. Some don’t provide comprehensive information, while others have outdated or inaccurate information. Some also don’t meet the necessary legalities to let you use the data they provide. 

We took a closer look at TruthFinder to see whether it is one of the reputable background check websites or if it is one that you should skip. 

Given that TruthFinder is among the most popular background check services, it came as no surprise that we liked what we saw. 

Overview and Background on TruthFinder

TruthFinder dates back to 2014 and was founded in San Diego, California. Over the years, it has performed tens of thousands of background checks. 

During background checks, TruthFinder scans hundreds of millions of records, including social network data and public records. All of this happens in a matter of minutes. The important part here is that some of the data TruthFinder looks at is confidential or private. In other words, it gives customers access to more than just public records. 

TruthFinder then displays the relevant information that it finds in a series of reports. It helps customers find hard to find social media profiles, arrest records, or unknown contact information, among other info. 

The big difference between TruthFinder and some of the other similar services is the fact that it looks at private records in addition to public ones. Few services offer this, as it makes their services more complicated and potentially more expensive. That means that the information you can get from most competitors is something you could likely find if you had enough time to search yourself. 

Running a background check with TruthFinder may give you additional details and a more in-depth look about someone than if you simply searched their name online. You may get access to extra information about past locations, police reports, or photos. 

Pros and Cons of TruthFinder

No service is perfect, and TruthFinder is no exception. There are some limitations and caveats to be aware of before you use TruthFinder, but there are also many features and characteristics that make it worth using.

Pros of TruthFinder

Android app available 
Monthly membership plan provides unlimited reports
Filters and advanced search options let you refine results 
You can use it to self-monitor
Up-to-date information in the reports 
Includes a dark web scan to see if your personal data has been compromised
Transparent information about the Fair Credit Reporting Act so you know how to legally use the reports 

Cons of TruthFinder 

You must get a monthly subscription; you can’t buy a single report
You must pay extra to download the reports as PDFs
It only has information on people in the United States
There are pop-up ads (but those keep prices down)

Key Features of TruthFinder

While TruthFinder offers background checks, it provides so much more than this. The website has the following directories: 

Background checks
Criminal records search
Dark web scan
Family tree
People search 
Phone book 
Public records 
Reverse phone lookup 

We’ll explore some of these features in more detail. 

Background Checks – What You’ll Find

Background checks are among the most popular services from TruthFinder. They are the primary service that the company is known for. 

As mentioned earlier, TruthFinder scans private records in addition to public records, meaning that you can get more detailed information from them than you would from competitors. 

But what type of information can you expect to find? This will help you gauge whether TruthFinder’s services fit your needs. 

Remember that TruthFinder may not always find information in all of the following categories for everyone. The results in your report will depend on what information is available. With that in mind, you may see the following information. 

You may get personal information such as: 

First and last name
Age
Date of birth
Contact information

Expect to see some location history, including: 

Past and current addresses
Whether those addresses were residential or commercial 
Census data
Local demographic data
Possible neighbors 

This report may include information on assets such as:

Mortgages 
Property tax
Sale amount
Rental properties
Liens
Bankruptcies

You will likely get a list of online profiles such as: 

Blogs
Personal websites
Social media profiles
News stories 

You can see information on education and employment like:

Educational background
Any degrees in higher education
A full employment history

You may see a range of types of relationships, including: 

Marriage records
Divorce records
Possible neighbors
Business partners
Relatives
Acquaintances and friends
Anyone who shares or shared an address (business or residential)

In terms of criminal records, you will see the following information: 

Location of both the crime and the arrest
The charge category
A description of the offense
The date of the offense
The court name and case number 

In the case of sexual offenders, you will see the following: 

Their sex offender status
Any registered sex offenders who live close to the person’s address

Dark Web Scan

This particular scan from TruthFinder checks to see if your personal information is for sale on the dark web. It is designed to help you find out if you are a victim of identity theft or if your information is compromised. 

While online identity theft hasn’t always been a serious risk, it has become an increasing concern in recent years, especially as we digitize more aspects of our life. 

You also get to customize TruthFinder’s dark web scan. This is done by choosing what pieces of your personal information it will look for and monitor for you. The full list of options includes:

Contact information
Bank account numbers
Debit and credit cards
Driver’s license
Phone number
Passport number
Social security number
Medical identification numbers 
Membership or retail cards 

To complete this service, TruthFinder looks at a range of websites and servers on the dark web. These include social media feeds, chat rooms, web services, peer-to-peer file-sharing networks, file transmissions, bulletin boards, and forums. 

Reverse Phone Lookup

This service lets you enter a phone number in the search field and find out the potential owner of the phone number. It is a particularly popular feature for those times that you get a call from a number you don’t recognize. 

TruthFinder offers this particular service by scanning public records for the number. Conveniently, you don’t have to input any information other than the phone number. 

The results will include the name of the phone number’s owner as well as any known aliases. You can use these aliases to figure out their nickname, married name, or former name. You may also see a photo of the person. 

This search will also give you a list of other people who may be linked to the phone number, such as people who previously had the number. 

How to Use TruthFinder to Run a Background Check

This website purposely makes it simple to run background checks and get detailed reports. This is one of their big selling points. 

To do so, follow these steps: 

From the home page, enter the person’s first and last name (or a former name, such as their maiden name).
Enter the person’s city and state (or a former address—if you don’t know the answer, you can skip this step, but it will be harder to narrow down your search results).
As you wait for results, the system may ask you additional questions about the person. Examples include if they have lived in the same location their whole life or if they are an only child. This helps narrow down the results. 
Look at the list of potential candidates. Find the listing that corresponds to the person you want to search for. 
Request the background check. 

If you don’t already have a TruthFinder account, you will be asked to create one and pay for your subscription before getting the background check. 

TruthFinder Costs

As mentioned in the pros and cons earlier, TruthFinder only offers a subscription payment model. There is no option to pay for reports individually. 

The basic membership includes most features and costs $28.05 at a one month recurring rate. However, there is a two-month discount of $23.28 per month if you pay those months in advance. After two months, the price goes back up. 

Keep in mind that there is a separate membership for reverse phone lookups. This membership costs $4.99 per month. 

You can purchase either membership separately or get both together. 

You should also be aware that if you want to download a background check report, you will have to pay $2.99. This applies to each report you choose to download. That being said, you can view the reports without downloading them as part of your membership. 

Customer Support From TruthFinder

TruthFinder has good customer support, although its hours of support could be more extensive. You can only chat with a live representative on weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific time. While this is less than ideal, that is still a full 12 hours of support every weekday, which is more than some similar services offer. 

While there is no weekend or late-night support, TruthFinder also has an FAQ section with truly helpful information and answers. There is a very good chance that you will find answers to your questions there and not even need to contact support. 

Reviews of TruthFinder

Our research found that a significant amount of TruthFinder reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Most reviews confirm that the information TruthFinder provides is accurate and up-to-date. 

Safety and Security With TruthFinder

With a website like TruthFinder that has access to so much personal information, safety and security are of the utmost concern. The good news is that TruthFinder does well in this respect. They encrypt all of the data they transmit. This helps ensure that your information as their customer is safe. 

Additionally, because of the amount of information that they have access to, TruthFinder constantly monitors the website for potential criminal activity, like hackers. This not only protects the security of client data, but it also helps ensure that cybercriminals can’t change information. In other words, TruthFinder takes measures to keep your data secure and the data it provides secure and accurate. 

Is TruthFinder Safe?

Yes. As mentioned, TruthFinder has multiple safety measures in place to protect your information as well as the information you search for. The person you run a background check on will not even know that you did so. 

Is TruthFinder Legit?

Yes. In addition to multiple online reviews, we can confirm that TruthFinder is a legit background check service. The results are accurate and up-to-date. 

Additionally, TruthFinder is transparent about how you can use the information it provides. 

Is TruthFinder Legal?

TruthFinder is legal, depending on how you plan to use the information. As mentioned, the company clearly outlines how you can legally use the information you get from it. 

As long as you use TruthFinder to satisfy personal curiosity or ensure you, your kids, or your family are safe, it is legal. So, you can use it to find a long-lost relative, check up on your neighbor, or vet a blind date. 

Only for Personal Reasons

The important caveat here is that you cannot use the information on TruthFinder for any business decisions. You cannot use it to make decisions related to consumer credit, tenant screening, or employment. 

All of these business-related decisions are covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. According to that act, you can only get information for those decisions from a Consumer Reporting Agency. TruthFinder is not one of those. 

Other Questions You May Have About Background Checks

Whether you plan on using TruthFinder or another background check service, you may have a few questions about what these background checks involve. 

What Are Background Checks?

To start, background checks are a process of verifying that someone is who they say they are. It lets you confirm their identity by looking at records for education, employment, social media, phone numbers, addresses, any criminal records, and more. 

Why Do People Run Background Checks?

There are several reasons someone may decide to run a background check. 

One classic example is a company running a background check on an employee before they hire them. However, it is important to note that there are regulations in place as to the types of services that companies can use for this type of background check. The service they use must be accredited as a Consumer Reporting Agency. TruthFinder does not have this accreditation. 

More common examples of why someone would use a service like TruthFinder for background checks is to feel safe and secure. For example, they may check a new neighbor or a significant other before taking the next step in their relationship, or someone who doesn’t trust their friend or family member’s significant other may check that person’s background. 

How Can I Run a Background Check?

At the most basic level, running a background check is as simple as choosing a service, paying for it, and providing the basic information of the person you want to run the check on. 

Background checks are designed to search through the various public records and other available information so you don’t have to spend days doing the same thing. Some services, like TruthFinder, also look at sources you would not have access to, such as private sources. 

The Bottom Line

TruthFinder is among the most popular background check websites. You can also use it for reverse phone lookups or to check if your information is being sold on the dark web. The website is trustworthy and safe to use. The only thing to keep in mind is that you need to pay for a monthly membership, which gives you unlimited searches. If you only want a single search, a different service that offers pricing by report may make more sense.

Read More

TruthFinder Review: Is It Legit? We Tried It (2023)Corvelay Mediaon January 1, 2023 at 4:33 pm Read More »

15 Best BDSM Dating Sites and Apps for Fetish Dating in 2023

Whether you’ve never tried BDSM (which stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism) before, or you’re experienced in engaging in all kinds of fetishes, there’s a site or app out there for you!

Yes, thanks to the internet, you can pursue your wildest fantasies—or even just relatively mild ones—and connect with strangers from all over the world to get your kink on. 

There are numerous BDSM social network-type sites as well as more conventional online dating apps. So, keep reading to learn more about our top fetish and kink positive dating site recommendations and figure out which one makes the most sense for you!

Best BDSM Dating Sites and Apps in 2023

RankSiteBest For1.ALT Best overall BDSM dating site2.Fetish.comOld school kink positive experience3.FetLifeBest BDSM community4.AdultFriendFinderLargest alt user base5.SeekingBest sugar/kink combination6.TinderKink dating with a mainstream veneer7.Ashley MadisonBest for polyamorous8.Pure AppBest for fantasies9.BDSM.comBest for first-timers10.BuddyBang Most open-minded11.Reddit BDSMFree option12.BDSM SinglesBest female-to-male ratio13.FetsterBest for discretion14.Bondage PalBest bondage kink site15.FeeldBest poly/kink hybrid

1.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM 

ALT is short for alternative, meaning that you’ll be right at home here if you like to get your kink and your freak on. No matter what your fetish, you can likely find a person (or people!) for you on ALT. 

It’s truly liberating using ALT since you can really just be yourself. It boasts a huge community of alt-minded people, so finding other like-minded individuals is a breeze.

Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out with BDSM and kink culture, then ALT may be a little bit intense. 

Pros:

Sorting by kink
NSFW content to peruse (e.g. cam shows)

Cons:

There are some fake profiles, bots, scammers, etc.
Limited use without premium account 

2.  Fetish.com  – The original fetish community

Fetish.com is all about being “the kink-positive BDSM community for fetish dating.” You pretty much have the whole idea right there. Like FetLife and other platforms reviewed here, they basically want to be the go-to social network for kinky types.

If you really want to just let loose and be yourself and find like-minded individuals, then fetish.com is definitely worth checking out. 

Pro Tip: Fetish.com also has regional sites, which can be handy if you’re looking to make local connections. 

Pros:

All about fetishes and kinks
Friendly online community 

Cons:

Some old and deactivated accounts
Less than intuitive site

3. FetLife – Best BDSM community

FetLife isn’t just a fetish dating site, it also wants to be the world’s best BDSM community. And we have to say, with 10 million members, they’re doing a pretty damn good job. 

Selling themselves as “Like Facebook, but run yb kinksters like you and me,” FetLife competes with sites such as Fetish.com and BDSM.com in trying to offer a way for like-minded individuals to not just date but also casually socialize.

Since FetLife has a niche purpose and a large userbase, your chances of finding people you can jive with are pretty great. 

Pro Tip: Use the variety of handy filters and groups on FetLife for best results! 

Pros:

Many filters and group options
Socially focused

Cons:

Not everyone will be looking for dating and romantic situations
Large userbase but a fair amount of inactive and bot profiles 

4. Adult FriendFinder – Largest alt community

Although it isn’t necessarily only focused on BDSM, AdultFriendFinder is a top choice for many kinksters out there. That’s because it’s one of the best overall alternative communities in the world!

You see, AdultFriendFinder has been around for quite some time and grown a massive alt community thanks to that being their primary focus. Now, you can count on finding just about any type of BDSM kink or fetish you can think of. 

So, whatever you might be looking for, there’s a good chance AdultFriendFinder has it.

Pro Tip: AdultFriendFinder’s userbase is so large that you’ll want to be perfectly open about what you’re looking for. This will keep from wasting anyone’s time (including your own). 

Pros:

Perfect for kinks and fetishes
Huge alt community 

Cons:

Somewhat pricey
Limited free membership with lots of ads

5.  Seeking – Best for sugar/kink hybrid

While Seeking has traditionally been focused on sugar relationships, it’s been branching out to try to get more mainstream appeal.

It also just so happens that many older sugar daddy/mommy types tend to be heavy into kinky stuff like BDSM.

So, whether you’re looking for a sugar relationship or not, Seeking might be worth your time. It’s one of the fastest growing online dating communities around. 

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that Seeking has historically focused on sugar relationships, so the site may generally skew in that direction.  

Pros:

Women can sign up free
Men have a nice woman-to-man ratio
Good way for BDSM lovers to find a partner

Cons:

Pricey (for men)
May not be a good bet if you don’t want a sugar relationship

6.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

Tinder as a BDSM app? Yes, actually.

This app doesn’t need much introduction as it’s pretty much the biggest dating app in the world at this point. The good thing is that means that there’s basically someone for everyone on here.

That said, you’ll have to keep your eye out for specific details (or very honest people) to find other BDSM and kinky types.

Pro Tip: It’s important to realize that not everyone on Tinder is looking for BDSM or even casual hook-ups. So, be clear about your expectations to avoid disappointment.

Pros:

Ridiculously high number of users
Many people looking for alternative connections 

Cons:

Tons of bots and scammers 
Almost too big of a userbase

7.  Ashley Madison – Best for kink polyamory

Ashley Madison is well known as the site that proposes you have an affair (their motto is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.”).

So, you know what you’re getting with Ashley Madison. And it just so happens that lots of people want to find kink and BDSM relationships with other people, maybe because they’re in a marriage or relationship where they can’t get that.

In any case, Ashley Madison is all about discretion and there are many types of people on there. So, it’s probably worth a shot! 

Pro Tip: Choose to get more credits at once if you want a better cost-per-credit ratio. (This style of credit system is pretty popular on BDSM and hookup sites.) 

Pros:

Women sign up free
Discretion is highly prioritized
People tend to not cast judgment 

Cons:

Ethically dubious site
Can get pricey (for men) 

8.  Pure App – Best for fantasy fetishes

Pure is not too unlike Ashley Madison in that they really emphasize the idea of “shameless dating.” So, you definitely don’t have to worry about whatever kink or fetish you might be into here.

What this means is that Pure can be a great option for people who are into BDSM and other kinks and fetishes that aren’t so mainstream. 

The Pure app also has some nice features built in that help promote security and safety.

Pro Tip: If you’re not in a major urban area, then you may have trouble finding people who you can meet up with locally, since Pure doesn’t have nearly the userbase that a Tinder or AdultFriendFinder has.  

Pros:

Privacy prioritized
Easy to get started
Good for kinks and fetishes

Cons:

Not great for people in small communities
Fair amount of scammers and bots

9.  BDSM.com – Best for beginners 

BDSM.com boasts nearly 900,000 active members, giving it a solid claim to being one of the top kink community and personals sites around.

Unfortunately, it’s competing with quite a lot of these sites (see below), and it doesn’t quite do anything particularly well to stand out from the pack. It does have groups for different kinks, though, which can speed things along nicely. 

Pro Tip: Make good use of the groups feature so you can find like-minded people right away and save yourself some time. 

Pros:

Kink social network
Groups feature speeds things along 

Cons:

Watch for scammers and bot profiles
Doesn’t have quite the userbase of other sites reviewed here

10.  BuddyBang – Most open-minded community

BuddyBang’s name didn’t require a team of rocket scientists to come up with. But you get the point right away, and this site aims to be just as easy to use.

If you’re after a casual hookup, BuddyBang is one of the best places to do it. And since many people who don’t mind a one-night-stand are also kinky, you’ve got a good shot of finding someone who can take you to kinky heaven. 

Pro Tip: People on BuddyBang can be downright thirsty, so be prepared for that. 

Pros:

Enthusiastic userbase
Intuitive to use

Cons:

Free tier is loaded with ads
People can be excessively thirsty 

11.  Reddit r/BDSMpersonals – Best free option

Reddit is not just home to cat forums and endless “Am I the Asshole?” posts. It’s also got a lot of NSFW sites, including r/BDSMpersonals.

If you’re looking for a low-risk way to find other BDSM people, then give this a try. After all, it will cost you absolutely nothing. So, simply make a post or browse others to find people to DM. 

Pro Tip: When you post here, you’re making a virtual first impression, so take some time and do a good job of it.  

Pros:

100% free
Low-risk way of finding other BDSM-minded people

Cons:

Not the most active community on Reddit
May have trouble finding people in your area

12.  BDSM Singles – Best female-to-male ratio

BDSM singles is pretty much as advertised, a dating site for people into BDSM. So, if that’s you, then you’ll definitely feel like you’re in the right place.

BDSM wins points for its niche focus, since that’s what you’re here for, right? That said, it also means that it has a relatively small community at the moment, which can mean it’s harder to find dates (particularly in your area). 

Pro Tip: With a small community, BDSM Singles may not yield a lot of local results for you, particularly if you’re in a small community. 

Pros:

Unique tools
BDSM focused

Cons:

Relatively small userbase so far
May have trouble finding people in your area

13.  Fetster – Best for discretion

Fetster may have an old-school site, but it’s a great community for fetish-minded individuals. It also wins points for prioritizing discretion, which is usually welcomed by most people pursuing BDSM and fetish relationships online.

While not one of the largest BDSM communities online, it’s still sizable enough that it could very well be worth your time to check out. 

Pro Tip: Don’t get turned off by the old-school site. While it could use a tuning up, it still has everything you need to find other people with your fetishes and kinks.  

Pros:

Big community
100% focused on fetishes

Cons:

Site could use some updating

14.  Bondage Pal – Best for bondage

Bondage Pal is pretty straightforward: it’s your pal if you’re into bondage. Although it features a rather small community at present, it would appear to be growing quickly.

So, if you’re into bondage, then you should definitely give Bondage Pal a try. It’s really nice having a platform dedicated to your specific kink, and not always available, so take advantage of it!

Pro Tip: Bondage Pal is all about bondage, so if you’re not into bondage, then look elsewhere. 

Pros:

Perfect if you’re into the “B” of BDSM
Some unique features 

Cons:

Super specific niche
Site could use some work 

15.  Feeld – Best polyamory/kink hybrid platform

Feeld specifically focuses on allowing people to find a partner or partners for a threesome. But guess what? The kind of people who are more likely to go for a threesome are more adventurous sexually in general, meaning that they’re also more likely to be into BDSM and other kinky stuff.

So, while you do need to be looking for a threesome on Feeld, you might also meet people with your same fetishes or kinks. In any case, it’s worth a shot! This is a judgment-free zone with a very modern app. 

Pro Tip: Unfortunately, the sign-up process requires Facebook, so keep that in mind. 

Pros:

Very open-minded platform
Sex-positive all the way around 

Cons:

Facebook required to sign up
Apple users only for premium version 

BDSM Dating Site FAQ

Is it safe to use BDSM apps?

Yes, it’s safe to use BDSM sites and apps. You just have to use common sense and remember to never share personal information with strangers online. That’s just a good way to get scammed or have your identity stolen. 

How do you stay safe using BDSM apps?

Staying safe when using a BDSM app is basically the same as staying safe when using any online dating site or app. You have to use common sense, trust your gut instinct, and follow some basic safety procedures. For example, meet in public the first time, tell someone you trust where you’re going, etc. 

Are there any free BDSM sites?

Yes, there are a number of free BDSM sites, particularly if you are a woman. There’s also Reddit’s r/BDSMpersonals, which is free for everyone. 

Can women use BDSM sites for free?

Yes, actually. On a number of BDSM sites, including some of those reviewed above, women can sign up for free.  

Final Takeaway

BDSM may have become a bit more mainstream thanks to 50 Shades of Grey, but it’s still not the easiest thing in the world to find in your own romantic life.

That said, it’s never been easier thanks to the internet. The BDSM sites and apps that we’ve reviewed above make it a breeze to get your kink and freak on with people from your local community and around the world.

So, what are you waiting for? Find the kink dating site or app that works best for you and enjoy!

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15 Best Swinger Sites To Find Local Swingers in 2023

Have you ever wanted to explore swinging? For the uninitiated, “swinging” is when you engage in group sex and/or swap sexual partners within a group. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, you’re in the right place!

Thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to find other swingers. There are dozens and dozens of sites out there that you can use, and we’ve put together the top fifteen for your convenience.

So, read on to learn more about fifteen of the best swinger sites around!

Best Swinger Sites For Casual Swinging in 2023

RankSiteBest For1.AdultFriendFinder Best overall2.SDCThe original swinging site3.SeekingBest for sugar swinging4.Ashley MadisonBest for polyamorous5.TinderBest mainstream app6.BuddyBang Most open-minded7.Pure AppBest for fantasies8.ALT Best for alternative swinging9.SwingLifeStyleBest for long term options10.FabSwingersBest pure swinging site11.3FunBest for threesomes12.FeeldMost judgement free users13.SwapfinderBest wife swap14.KasidieBest swinging camaraderie15.Reddit R4RBest completely free option

1.  AdultFriendFinder – Best overall swinging site

When it comes to swinging, AdultFriendFinder is our #1 pick. It’s simply the best overall, and we’ll tell you why.

AdultFriendFinder has been around for a while, and they also focus on the niche of swinging and open relationships. This means that you can go to the AFF site knowing full well that you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Want a threesome? Want a wife swap? Whatever you might want, AdultFriendFinder is one of the best bets around. 

Swinging Tip: AdultFriendFinder has a huge community, so be sure to be transparent about what you want. This will help prevent you from wasting your time (or anyone else’s). 

Pros:

Straightforward sex-oriented site
Makes finding like-minded people an easy process

Cons:

Relatively expensive compared to some sites/apps
The free membership is heavy on the ads

2.  SDC – The original swinging site 

SDC, or Swinger Dating Club, may be able to lay the claim to the original swinging site. That’s how long they’ve been around and, like SwingLifestyle, don’t let the site fool you. This is a large community dedicated to swinging.

Swinging Tip: SDC has been around for a while, and while it might not have the bells and whistles of newer sites, it still maintains a large swinging community. 

Pros:

Various communities to explore
Open-minded and swinger-focused

Cons:

Some old and deactivated accounts
Less than intuitive site

3.  Seeking – Best for sugar swingers

Some swingers also like sugar relationships, which is when a (typically) older person will lavish money and attention on a younger person in exchange for their company, dates, and anything else they agree to.

If you’re looking for a sugar baby or daddy to join in on your swinging fun, then Seeking is the best place for you. It’s got a huge community and is one of the fastest growing sites around. While the site has tried to go a bit more mainstream lately, they still have a niche focus on sugar relationships, which can definitely include swinging.

Swinging Tip: You may have better luck using Seeking as a sugar couple, because there’s a lot of competition among would-be sugar babies. 

Pros:

Free signups for women
Favorable woman-to-man ratio for men
Relatively safe way for swingers to find a sugar baby or daddy 

Cons:

Fairly expensive 
Hookups may feel somewhat transactional

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for poly-curious

Ashley Madison is notorious for its slogan that encourages affairs (“Life is short. Have an affair”). So, you know what you’re getting with this site.

That said, it can also be a great option for finding swingers, whether or not it involves cheating. Ashley Madison simply attracts the kind of people who are more likely to get down with swinging and other fun. 

Another nice thing about Ashley Madison is that it really prioritizes discretion, meaning you can have your fun without blowing up your whole life (or at least have less of a chance of doing so). 

Swinging Tip: Buy more credits if you want a lower cost-per-credit ratio. (This system is fairly common for hookup and swinging sites.) 

Pros:

Women can use it for free
Discretion prioritized 
Judgment-free space

Cons:

Site actively advocates cheating
Can get expensive for men

5.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

Pretty much everyone and their mom knows Tinder at this point, so you probably don’t need much of an explanation from us. That said, not many people realize that a mainstream app like Tinder can also be a great avenue for swinging. 

You may have to wade through a lot of people, but there are definitely people on Tinder who are looking for swinging and other “no-holds-barred” type action. 

Swinging Tip: It’s important to realize that not everyone on Tinder is looking for swinging or even casual hook-ups. To avoid wasting time, be super transparent about what you’re looking for.

Pros:

Crazy huge userbase
Many people looking for non-committal arrangements

Cons:

Lots of fake profiles and spammers
Almost too many people to wade through

6.  BuddyBang – Most open-minded community

BuddyBang isn’t a difficult concept to grasp, thanks to its very evocative name. The nice thing with BuddyBang is that it’s all about casual hookups, and many of the people in that boat are down to try swinging.

So, while BuddyBang isn’t a “pure” swinger site, it’s worth a shot to find other swingers there. 

Swinging Tip: Be prepared for people who are super ready to get down to business. If that isn’t what you’re after, then you may want to look elsewhere. 

Pros:

Active users
Super direct vibe

Cons:

Annoying ads on the free tier
People may be too direct

7. Pure App – Best for fantasies

Pure is similar to Ashley Madison in that it’s all about “shameless dating.” You don’t have to worry about being too kinky or anything like that here.

This makes Pure a great option for people who are into swinging and other non-mainstream sexual activities. 

The app also has some solid features that help improve safety and security, meaning you can rest easier when using it. 

Swinging Tip: You may not have much success with Pure if you are in a small rural area, as it hasn’t quite taken off as much as some of the other sites reviewed here. 

Pros:

Focus on privacy 
Easy to join and get going
Good for fantasy fulfillment

Cons:

Relatively small user base
Better if you’re in an urban center

8.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM swinging

ALT is for the kinky ones out there, and we mean the really kinky ones. If you’re into swinging and also alternative and BDSM stuff, then ALT is probably your best bet.

The great thing about this site is you can be completely yourself. No matter what you’re into, you’re likely to find someone who shares your kink or fetish. 

Plus, there are plenty of people looking to find other swingers on here, making it a great all-around option. 

Swinging Tip: If you’re into swinging but not necessarily BDSM and other kinky stuff, ALT may be a little bit too much for your taste. 

Pros:

Sort by kinks
Browse NSFW content
Watch cam shows

Cons:

Bots and scammers
Premium account required to really get the most out of the site

9. SwingLifestyle – Best for long term swinging

SwingLifestyle may have a super basic looking site, one that you will recognize if you used to hang out on internet forums back in the day, but it’s a legit swinger site.

People have been flocking to SwingLifestyle for years, and you really know what you get with this community: an unabashed desire to find other swingers.

Most users join this site for long-term swinging options, not just a one night stand.

Swinging Tip: Don’t be turned off by SwingLifestyle’s old-school look. Give it a try and you may be pleasantly surprised.  

Pros:

Large swinger-focused community
Various groups and forums to join

Cons:

Unappealing, old-school site
May not have the size of community it once did

10. FabSwingers – Best for pure swinging

FabSwingers has actually gotten quite a bit of press, but not necessarily for the best reasons. That’s because it’s caused quite a stir in the UK due to various public figures (politicians, policemen, etc.) getting caught up while using the site.

For the average Joe, however, you’re not likely to run the risk of much trouble, so feel free to take advantage of the big swinger community going on at Fabswingers. (As always though you should be mindful of your privacy and image.) 

Swinging Tip: Don’t get turned off by the old-school site. While it could use a tuning up, it still has everything you need to find other swingers and get swinging. 

Pros:

Large community
100% focused on swinging

Cons:

Has a bit of a negative reputation
Site could use an update

11. 3Fun – Best for threesomes  

If you’re into swinging, chances are you’re open to threesomes. If so, 3Fun is a site that’s all about that one thing—threesomes. So, you have a great chance here to find other people looking for casual hook-ups. 

There’s also a nice feature that lets you sign up as a “couple,” meaning your account can be used from two different phones simultaneously, helping make it easier to find a third person for your threesome.

Swinging Tip: 3Fun is threesome specific, so if you’re looking for bigger group sex groups, then you may need to look elsewhere.  

Pros:

Oriented toward swinging via threesomes
Cool features

Cons:

Narrow niche 
Messaging feature could use work

12. Feeld – Most judgement free site

Feeld is similar to 3Fun in that it’s all about connecting open-minded people who may be looking for threesomes and other group sex activities.

One nice feature with Feeld is its all about a sex-positive vibe and inclusivity, meaning that everyone is welcome and no one is judged. It’s definitely a good place to check for other swingers. 

Swinging Tip: As a heads up, the sign-up process requires Facebook, and the site’s premium version doesn’t currently function with Android. 

Pros:

Super sex-positive platform 
Open-minded user community 

Cons:

Android users locked out of premium version
To verify your profile, you need a Facebook account

13. Swapfinder – Best wife swap

SwapFinder is another site dedicated specifically to swinging and swaps. This means that you’ll be embraced by a community with the same desires as you, which is always a comfort.

SwapFinder may not have the household name status as a Tinder or even AdultFriendFinder, but it has a streamlined site and a growing community, making it worth your while. 

Swinging Tip: Use the array of filtering features on SwapFinder for optimal results! 

Pros:

Many filtering options
Intuitive site

Cons:

Free tier not super robust
Relatively small userbase

14. Kasidie – Best camaraderie

Kasidie is unique among this list—actually, it’s kind of like Reddit—in that it’s a dating platform but also a social networking site/app. The cool thing about that is you might find more than just other swingers, you might even end up with some super cool new friends! (Or even both?).

Kasidie has a pretty intuitive site and it’s been growing well in recent years. Since people there are generally open-midned adults and swingers, you’ll be in good company! 

Swinging Tip: Keep in mind that Kasidie isn’t purely about swinging. It may be what has brought you all to the site, but you can also have non-sexual discussions as well. 

Pros:

Unique platform
Swinger focused

Cons:

Relatively small userbase so far
Might end up finding more friends than swingers

15.  Reddit R4R – Best 100% free option

If you’re after someone to join your swinging group, or hoping to find one yourself, you might as well give Reddit’s personals forum a try. That’s because it will cost you absolutely nothing to give it a shot and make a post (or respond to others).

This isn’t really a swinging site or app, just a subforum of a popular site. You will find a good number of people on here, though, so you just might get lucky. 

Swinging Tip: This Reddit subforum is all about making a good first impression, so take your time in putting together a good post to communicate who you are and what you’re looking for. 

Pros:

Totally free
No subscriptions or memberships necessary

Cons:

Fairly competitive
Every man for himself (no priority membership or anything like that)

FAQs About Swinging Sites

Is it safe to use swinging apps?

Overall, it’s perfectly safe to use swinging apps. It’s not really any different from using Tinder or Hinge or Bumble or any other dating app. That said, you should always be careful to avoid getting scammed online or, even worse, getting harmed by someone in-person. 

How do you stay safe using swinging apps?

It’s vital to trust your instincts and proceed with caution. The first time you meet someone it’s best to meet in a well-lit public spot (like a coffee shop). You can also let a friend or family member know that you’re meeting someone new and give them your location. These are little things that can make a big difference in keeping you safe. 

Are there any free swinging apps?

There are more free swinging apps if you’re a woman, because many of them provide free memberships to women. If you’re a man, you will have less luck in finding free sites, though some platforms do exist (like the r/R4R subreddit). 

Can women use swinging apps for free?

Yes, in fact, women can use many different swinging apps for free. 

Final Takeaway

Swinging may have gotten particularly famous in Western culture in the 1970s during that era of “free love,” but it’s more popular than ever.

Helping swinging grow in popularity is the fact that millions of people can find each other easily over the internet. With niche sites like the ones reviewed above, you don’t have to waste any time in finding a community with like-minded individuals.

So, what are you waiting for? If you want to get swinging, simply check out the sites reviewed above. Whether you’re a swinging couple looking for others or all on your own, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for!

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7 Best Love Spells That Work and How To Cast Them in 2023

Throughout history, witchcraft has had a notoriously bad image. Most of the world links witches to Satanism and pure evil, and just looking into the past tells you how much of a bad rep witches have had, with the fatal witch-hunting and numerous trials where witches burned at the stake.

But in recent years, witchcraft has become popularized and romanticized through pop culture, like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and everyone’s favorite movie series, Harry Potter.

Wicca is a modern Pagan religion that incorporates witchcraft and has become an alluring belief system to many. Wicca has links to magic and nature, but not the wands and demon-fighting you see on TV. A key element of modern-day witchcraft is spellcasting, and one of the most popular spells is love spells.

Love spells are used to attract – you guessed it – love! These spells (and curses) come in the form of potions, written text, rituals, or using objects like candles or even dolls.

Intrigued? Keep reading to discover seven love spells and how to cast them. And on top of that, get ready to learn some tips about casting love spells and answers to frequently asked questions.

If you’d like to get a love spell cast for free, click here.

7 Best and Most Powerful Love Spells

Honey JarPink CandleGet an Ex BackMarriageNo-ingredientPoppetUsing Photography

1. Honey Jar Spell

The honey jar spell is probably the most common love spell people use to improve their relationship, intimacy, and connection with others. This spell is for couples already in a relationship to strengthen their bond and bring them even closer.

It earned its name because it represents something sweet. The honey jar spell uses the attraction between two people and grounds the love spell on this positive energy. This spell is said to create more sweetness, intimacy, and affection between two people.

How to Cast a Honey Jar Spell

Write the name of the other person on a piece of blank paper three times.
Turn the paper 90 degrees and write your name three times, overlapping the other person’s name.
Close your eyes and focus on what you want out of the spell.
Next, while thinking hard about the goal, write the wish on the paper so that it circles both the names.
When you’re done, fold the paper and place it in a jar filled with honey.
Dip your fingers into the honey as you place the paper inside.
Remove your fingers from the jar and say the following chant out loud: Just like this honey is sweet, that’s how he/she will be for me.
Now, lick the honey off your fingers and seal the jar with the paper inside.
Light a candle on top of the jar, but make sure you choose the right one. The candle color will vary according to your specific wish:

White: general purposes

Red: passionate love

Pink: loving love

Once the candle finishes burning, store the jar away where no one will be able to find it.
Wait seven days, and light another candle on the same day of the week.
Repeat, lighting a new candle once a week on the same day to truly get what you desire.

Final ThoughtThe honey jar spell is a basic love spell, but it only works if you release negative energy and thoughts. Stay focused on your goal, and use your purest intention to attract what you desire.

Try getting a Honey Jar spell cast by a professional for free by clicking here.

2. Pink Candle Spell

Candles are a crucial feature of love spells. They act as a medium driving strong attraction between two people.

In love spells, pink candles symbolize spirituality and love. They don’t generate any negative energy, which is the perfect reason to use a pink candle during a love spell. Pink candle spells make for very strong magic when the intentions behind the spell are pure and dedicated. If your love is pure and intentions are clear, the pink candle spell will get you the results you want.

How to Cast a Pink Candle Spell

Light a new and unused pink candle, preferably on a Friday night.
Write your first name and the last name of the other person on a white piece of paper.
Draw one circle around both names.
Close your eyes firmly and envision the two of you together. Focus on the image. Get deep and visualize the love and happiness you will share.
Repeat the following chant three times: Our fate is sealed. We are one so mote it be. It is done.
Watch the pink candle until it burns out. (Don’t buy a large one.)
Make sure you fully extinguish the candle before leaving it. You can pat the candle to put out the fire, but don’t blow it out, or you will break the love spell.
If you want to invoke the strongest love magic, repeat the spell for seven consecutive nights.

Final Thought

Pink candle spells are very potent magic, and witches have used them for centuries. Have pure intention, and you will see your desired result bloom in front of your eyes!

Suggestion: Professionals can cast pink candle spells (or curses) for free.

3. Spell to Get An Ex Back

This spell is popular for those who regret breaking up with their lovers or want to rekindle a past romance. To perform this spell, seek the help of a professional instead of doing it yourself. Professionals can drive out any negative energy that could tear the two of you apart.

Casting a spell to get an ex back is meant to give you the energy and confidence to help you get it done. The most important thing to remember when rekindling a romance is to ensure that it isn’t forced. Love should never be authoritative – it should be mutual and emotionally accepted by both sides.

How to Cast a Spell to Get An Ex Back

Light a red candle and stare at the flame for two to three minutes. 
Look at a photo of your ex and visualize making up.
Write your name and your ex’s name on a piece of paper and draw a circle around them.
Drop honey on the names and chant the following incantation: I wish you come back to me with this spell to tighten up our connection forever.
Meditate for a few minutes to calm your mind and let go of any resentment or negativity you hold.
Blow out the candle.
Tear the paper into small pieces and bury them somewhere in your garden.
Repeat the rituals the next night with new paper and honey, but with the same candle.
Repeat the spell for a third night.

Final Thoughts 

Getting an ex back is tricky business, especially if there’s negative energy and bitterness from either party. With the help of a professional practitioner, you can guarantee that the love spell will be gentle and accurate. For added potency, don’t let anyone know that you are casting this spell!

Kasamba offers professional love spell casting with a free trial and 50% off.

4. Marriage Spells

Marriage spells are for those looking for strength in their marriage or someone looking to get married. They reduce tension in existing relationships and allow two partners to reinforce their sacred bond, adding harmony and love between the spell caster and their partner.

While marriage spells may work for couples experiencing a rough patch, seek a professional practitioner’s help if you are on the verge of a legal separation, divorce, or annulment. White magic simply does not force others to love or have feelings that aren’t there. Going ahead without a professional and forcing it can cause the caster to experience a negative energy backlash.

How to Cast Marriage Spells

There are many marriage spells, ranging in intensity and power. Get professional help when casting powerful marriage spells.

Here is a beginner marriage spell for someone wanting their partner to propose or talk about marriage:

Get a plant called spathiphyllum – it should have white flowers to symbolize a white wedding dress.
Replant the spathiphyllum in a new pot when you bring it home. The soil used to replant should be from a place where you and your partner have fond memories together.
Place stones at the bottom of the pot for stronger magic.
Write your desire on a piece of paper. Roll the paper up, tie it with a white string, and place it at the bottom of the pot. The paper should be under the stones and soil.
After re-potting the plant, place it in a room where your partner spends a lot of time.
Take a photo of yourself and another of your partner.
Roll them up and wrap them separately in foil to protect your relationship.
Place your photo on the right side of the plant and your partner’s on the left.
Water the plant until it grows at least one new flower.
Cut the flower off when it blooms, place it on a paper towel, and dry it.
Divide the dry flower into three equal-sized parts.
Place 1/3 of the flower in a cup, add sugar and natural tea, then stir the tea clockwise.
Then, lean over the cup while chanting the following words: Be my husband! Be my husband! Be my husband! Or, if using the spell on a woman, chant, Be my wife! Be my wife! Be my wife!
Offer the tea to your partner and make sure they drink every last drop.
Repeat the ritual for the next two days for maximum potency.
If your partner doesn’t start discussing marriage, wait until a new moon and begin the process again. Use one of the new flowers that bloomed while you waited.

Final Thought

Although this marriage spell is effective, some things can prevent it from working. It won’t work if you don’t see your partner every day, fight frequently, or have no respect for them and think you are above them. The spell works best when both partners truly love each other.

Spellcaster Special: 3 Free Minutes + 50% Off Your First Spell

5. No-ingredient Love Spell

Some love spells are easy with absolutely no ingredients involved. They use words, chants, imagination, and focus. These no-ingredient love spells are not restrictive, which means the spell caster has the ultimate freedom to choose how they cast the spell and its outcome.

You can cast these love spells for various reasons, whether to improve or spice up an existing relationship, attract a new partner, or improve self-love. They are simple and work effectively, putting positive energy out into the universe.

How to Cast a No-ingredient Love Spell

There are many no-ingredient love spells that all use the power of energy and manifestation. This particular love spell is to attract someone you already have a connection to:

Relax in a quiet room on a Friday night or during the full moon.
Be open-minded, clear, and receptive – have faith in your energy and the energy of the universe.
Sincerely think about someone particular you want to attract into your life.
Imagine yourself with the person and visualize the love and happiness you wish to have between you two.
Relax your mind, visualize you two together, and believe in the power of your love and energy.
Once a month during the full moon, repeat the spell and you will soon see positive results.

Final Thought

You must love yourself before you can truly love another person. This love spell works beautifully to boost your self-confidence and self-esteem to attract the right person and relationship into your life.

6. Poppet Magic

Poppets are dolls that represent someone when casting spells. Creating a poppet of a person means you do to the poppet will affect the person it represents. A poppet typically uses cloth or fabric, but you can make it from any other material, such as wax, wood, or clay. Fill your poppet with magical items, such as herbs and stones, but include some paper and cotton as well.

Once you create the poppet, you need to connect it to the person it is supposed to represent. Use a magical link, such as hair, nail clippings, body fluids, or a photograph. Once you place the magical link inside, sew up the poppet and customize the outside to look like the person it represents. Add any defining features, scars, or tattoos for maximum accuracy.

How to Cast A Love Spell with Poppets

Have two dolls – one to represent yourself and the other to represent your love interest.
If you can, fill the dolls with rose petals, rose quartz crystals, and love artifacts, transforming them into beacons of love energy.
Chant something along the lines of, “I have made you, and you are (insert your love interest’s name).”
Chant the same to label the doll symbolizing yourself.
Use a pink ribbon to wrap around both dolls to tie them together.
Envision the both of you together and happy.
Let your love energy be put up into the universe, and let the magic happen.

Final Thought

Poppets can be used for love spells as long as you can consciously imagine it happening. Having a clear goal and the means to achieve it, your poppet’s energy combined with yours will give you results.

Kasamba can professionally cast Poppet Magic with 50% off.

7. Love Spell with Photography

Love spells with a photograph are effective ways to bind two lovers or spouses together. It strengthens the bond between a couple or reignites passion between spouses when one has lost interest in the relationship.

Using photography is a powerful binding spell, but it will only work on people who already have an established connection. You cannot use this spell on someone you have never met or do not have a connection with. Seeking help from a professional is recommended to make the love spell truly potent, but you can try this at home if you want to.

How to Cast a Love Spell with a Photograph

Wait until the clock hits midnight to perform this ritual.
Take the photo of your partner/spouse and place it in front of you. Behind the photo, place a red candle.
The red candle must be the only source of light in the entire room.
Next, take a pen and paper and write down the following: Sadness, go to my lover (name of your lover). Go inside his head, so all he could think was me (your name), hugging me, kissing me, loving me. My words are strong and sticky.
Take the paper and burn it with the candle flame. Make sure the smoke passes through the photo.
As the piece of paper burns, chant the following incantation: The blood’s boiling, unable to keep still. What goes over the head comes into the head, when the fire appears behind the back, the heart of God’s servant (your lover’s name) excites.
After the paper is fully burned and there is no smoke left, you have finished your love spell using a photograph!

Final Thought 

For your spell to work, the universe and the person you love must agree with your desire. Love spells with photographs are strong in that you can visualize your partner and the life you have in front of your eyes. If both the universe and your person are willing, your spell will succeed in bringing them into your life.

Love Spell Casting Tips

Now that you familiarized yourself with the most powerful love spells, here are some tips about casting them. These tips will help all beginners perform spell rituals effectively, without the fear of it backfiring.

You have to believe in the magicLove spells are powerful, but the key to making them work to their full potential is to believe in love magic. It’s easier said than done because most beginners have little faith in what they are doing.

Try focusing all your energy on your intention and desired outcome – don’t let yourself be bothered by any negative thoughts or distractions. Since magic is based on faith and spirit, you need to keep strong faith that you will see the results you expect.

Have realistic expectationsWhile you can believe in your magic and have faith in the spell casting, your love spell won’t work in unrealistic expectations. Love spells simply cannot make your celebrity crush fall madly in love with you – spells don’t work like that! If you are focusing your love spell on a specific individual, you need to have an established connection to that person.
Have clear intent and be open-minded to possibilitiesAll effective love spells require clearly stated intentions, intense mental concentration, and, most times, physical materials. For your love spell to manifest accurately, you must be specific and have a clear intent.Love is a choice and should never be forced onto someone. When casting a love spell, focus on the qualities and values you want in a lover instead of stating someone’s name. Open your heart to possibilities, even if it’s someone other than your crush who doesn’t know you exist. Casting powerful love spells can potentially bring you closer to finding the love you deserve, sometimes in places you don’t expect!
Know the limitations of love magicThere are indeed limitations to love magic. You can’t use white magic as love spells for negative intent. Spells should always be used for positive reasons, to enrich the caster and their love interest with blessings. Using black magic to break apart a marriage or strong union will backfire, inflict negative energy, and cause bad karma for yourself.
Familiarize yourself with the best time to cast spellsThe best time to cast love spells is on Friday nights because Venus Day (Venus symbolizes adoration, love, and courtship) is a Friday. Another good time to try spell casting is during the New Moon because a new moon symbolizes turning new opportunities into reality.

FAQs about Love Spells

Q: Can I cast magic spells at home?There are numerous spells you can do at home for love, luck, and finance. But some may require professional help because of the complexity of the spell or desired result. Just do your research first!

Q: Do love spells work?Love spells work when you focus clearly on your pure intention and believe in the magic you are performing. You can only cast a great love spell when you have a strong mental focus and the physical materials or tools to help focus you on your goal.

Most magic spells do not work immediately. Not even the most powerful love spell is going to make someone fall into your lap! After performing a love spell and putting your intention into the universe, reach out to someone you’re interested in or join a dating app to hurry the magic along!

Q: Can love spells backfire?Love spells can backfire if there is any lingering negative energy. If you have any negative thoughts or bad intentions when casting a spell, expect them to come back to you and not in a good way! Consider hiring a professional practitioner to cast spells.

Q: Are there magic spells to break up a couple?Black magic spells to break up couples in relationships are notoriously negative and will give you bad karma. Some spellcasters claim to have spells or curses to end relationships, but these spells only work for lust and will not build true love, no matter how hard you try. Simply put, you can’t destroy true love, just like you can’t force love between two people.

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20 Best Craigslist Personals Alternative Websites For Dating and Casual Encounters in 2023

You may or may not be aware that Craigslist closed its Personals section after the passage of SESTA in 2018. 

Contrary to lawmakers’ assumptions, people used Craigslist for totally legitimate reasons, including meeting people in their area, whether for friendship, casual hookups, or dating. 

Now that Craigslist Personals are no more, you may find yourself looking for alternatives in 2023. Well, look no further, as we’re about to share twenty of the best Craigslist Personals alternative websites so you can still meet people in your area online. 

There’s quite a large variety here, so you’ll want to be sure to read through to find out which site or app may be the best choice for you. Also, you should be aware that some of these pages may have similar issues to the ones that plagued Craigslist (and ended up getting them taken down). So, please take into account the following disclaimer.

While most of these sites are perfectly legitimate, there are a few that may have scams and/or ads for illegal activities. In general, you should always exercise extreme caution. Remember to meet in a public place and always trust your gut.

That said, many of these sites can be a perfectly safe and easy way to meet people, so let’s get right into it!

1.) Reddit Personals

You’ve probably heard of Reddit. If not, it’s one of the largest communities online where people can post about anything and everything on what’s known as “subreddits.” One popular subreddit, which can serve as a Craigslist alternative, is r/r4r. Known as “Reddit Personals,” the subheading is “Activity Partners, Groups, Dating, Hanging Out, Soulmates, FWBs.” So, you can simply make your own ad here, let people know about yourself and what you’re looking for, and see if you get any kind of response. As Reddit is free, it’s pretty much a no-lose option. 

2.) Adult Friend Finder 

When it comes to Craigslist Personals alternatives for casual hookups, Adult Friend Finder is definitely a top choice. Self-billed as “The World’s Largest Sex Dating Site & Swinger Community,” this might very well be true as they have more than 100 million people with accounts. Similar to Ashley Madison, there’s a limited free option as well as paid tiers. With a paid subscription you can get access to features such as “Stories,” which gives you a chance to discuss your ideal dating life so that other people can easily see if you might be a match based on your goals or general vibes. 

Want more info about Adult Friend Finder? Check out our full review.

3.) Ashley Madison

It’s highly likely you’ve seen ads for Ashley Madison at some point, at least if you frequent *ahem* certain websites. That’s because Ashley Madison is bold about its purpose, as evidenced by its motto: “Life is short. Have an affair.” In essence, this is a site for connecting adults who are after casual hookups in a discreet fashion. For example, if you’re a paying subscriber, your credit card bill will simply read “Online services.” If you’re intent on taking advantage of all the features offered on the site, then you may want to be subscribe. There’s a handy feature, for example, called “Traveling Man” that lets you reach out to people from an area you’ll be visiting before you actually get there.

Need some more info about Ashley Madison before making a decision? Check out our full review here.

4.) Locanto

Locanto is very similar to Oodle and many other Craigslist lookalikes. For example, you have a category called “Casual Encounters” with a number of subcategories. There, you can post a personal ad to let people know what it is exactly that you’re hoping to find. As with Oodle, it appears to be mainly men posting in my area, with some of the female postings looking fairly suspicious. Be sure to use your best judgment, and Locanto could end up being a decent option for you to meet people. 

5.) Tinder 

Tinder likely doesn’t need a whole lot of introduction, as it’s become one of the most popular “dating” apps around. I put dating in scare quotes because, let’s face it, pretty much everyone knows Tinder’s reputation as an app for casual flings rather than serious dating. Not that that can’t happen, of course. Super popular with millennials and gen Z’ers in particular, Tinder is a fairly simple app. You see profiles of people in your area, then you swipe right if you’re interested or left if you aren’t. Then you’ll get matched up with people who you swiped right on who also swiped right on you. From there, you can start messaging and see what happens. There’s a basic free version as well as a paid tier called Tinder Gold that gives you extra features and unlimited swiping. 

6.) Kasual (fka Yumi)

Formerly known as Yumi, Kasual is a nice alternative to Craigslist and the other sites mentioned here because it has a pretty unique premise. Instead of being matched up with other people by swiping or algorithms, Kasual connects you with other people randomly and you can just start chatting right away to see if you might be a fit. Available for iOS (iPhone) and Android, the app comes with a free version that’s pretty complete as is. You can always go for the Premium membership, of course, if you want to unlock more features. All in all, Kasual is kind of a cool alternative compared to Tinder and other dating sites because it’s primarily focused on casual hookups (hence the rebrand) and pairing people randomly. 

7.) Plenty of Fish 

POF, or Plenty of Fish, is a reference to the classic idea that there are “plenty of fish in the sea”—put differently, don’t worry about being single or getting broken up with because there are tons of other people out there to meet. POF works as both a website or app, which is nice as some of these are only available as one or the other. As a dating site, it’s pretty typical in that you get matched up based on shared interests. You can also use a video-date feature, which is a nice way to get a feel for someone before you take the plunge with an in-person date. 

8.) Pernals

Logo

This is a great Craigslist substitute because it’s all about personal ads. Pernals gives you the opportunity to create your own personal ad for free. This means you can put exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a serious relationship, casual hookup, even a friend, etc. Pernals advertises itself as a Craigslist alternative, which is relatively uncommon among many of these alternatives reviewed here. Just like Craigslist you have the same types of categories: women seeking women, women seeking men, men seeking women, etc. As of now it’s only available as an app, and you can download it for both iOS or Android. 

9.) Bedpage

Bedpage, as you might guess from the name, is more of a direct Backpage alternative. That said, it also has the same types of categories as Craigslist Personals had: women seeking women, men seeking women, etc. For casual encounters, you’ll want to check out the “Dating” and “Adult” categories. Just be careful, though, because a quick browse in my area revealed some people posting who are definitely scammers. 

10.) Doublelist

Doublelist is quite similar to Craigslist. One thing that’s a little frustrating is that you have to sign up to browse the site. Their motto is “Connect with straight, gay, bi and curious,” so it isn’t super hard to figure out what most people using this site are looking for. With more than three million users in the U.S., though, there’s a solid chance you might just find someone who’s a good match for you. As always, take care to watch out for scammers. 

11.) Oodle

Oodle is in many ways very close to Craigslist’s old personals page, with the usual categories like “Men Seeking Men,” “Men Seeking Women,” etc. You can use some handy filters on this site, which can help you easily narrow your options down. At least in my area there don’t appear to be a ton of people using Oodle, so it might not be your best bet. Depending on what you’re into, there were more men posting than women, so it might be worth your time or it might not be. 

12.) Ebackpage

Once again, Ebackpage is a clear Backpage/Craigslist copy. You can post and browse personal ads, with all the usual categories under “Dating” and “Adult” for people who are interested in casual encounters. The site doesn’t seem to have a large body of active users, however, so this might not be one of your best options. As with Bedpage and some of these other sites, you’ll need to be careful as there are some scammy looking postings on it. 

13.) Classified Ads

Classified Ads is, well, exactly what it sounds like. This is a solid Craigslist alternative because it’s super similar. Simply select “Personals” on the front page and you’ll see the classic categories: “Men Seeking Women,” “Missed Connections,” etc. There’s not a whole lot to tell you about this site—it’s quite straightforward and either you’ll find some options in your area or you won’t. 

14.) Grindr

Grindr is basically Tinder but specifically for gay men. In other words, there’s a focus primarily on hookups, but that doesn’t mean that that’s the only possibility. If you’re a gay man after casual encounters, this might very well be the only app or site that you need. If you’re not a gay man, however, Grindr won’t be of much use to you. 

15.) HealthyFling

HealthyFling, like Ashley Madison, emphasizes discretion. As you can see on their website, their tagline is “Discreet Hook-Ups.” Like many of these sites, you have the option to post a personal ad so that you can get yourself out there and see if other people respond. You can also browse and see if anyone appeals to you. Unfortunately, you have to sign up in order to browse or post an ad. All in all, this is a decent option and has some positive reviews going for it online. 

16.) OkCupid

OkCupid has been around for ages and it’s survived until today, so it must be doing something right. You can download it for iOS or Android, which is always nice. Another solid aspect of OkCupid is that it doesn’t require a paid membership in order to look for matches or message people. That said, like most dating sites nowadays, you may be tempted to pay in order to unlock certain features. Another plus is that OkCupid tries to be as inclusive as possible, meaning there’s pretty much something for everyone on there. 

17.) FetLife Classifieds

With over 10 million members, FetLife might very well be the biggest social network out there for kinky people. This is a nice draw as many people may feel insecure or ostracized by their kinks. Well, you can pretty much count on finding at least one other person who shares your interests on FetLife, which works as solid Craigslist ad if you want to find your freaky soulmate. 

18.) Kijiji

If you’re in Canada, you likely already know about Kijiji. It’s a platform where you can find just about anything, from pets and cars to services and vacation rentals. That said, it also works as a Craigslist alternative if you go to their “Community” section. There, you can check categories like “Friendship & Networking” and “Missed Connections” to post an ad or see if there are any there. That said, it doesn’t appear that these categories are nearly as active as others, so it might not be your best bet. 

19.) Alt.com

Alt.com is similar to FetLife in that it’s a site specifically for people who are into BDSM and kinks/fetishes. That said, its site has a kind of old-school vibe to it, and not in a good way. It looks rather clunky and the kind of thing you would see advertised on a porn site rather than the more elegant looking FetLife. It also looks like they take random fake profiles and put your city’s name underneath them on the home page in order to entice you (much like porn site ads often do). So, while you’re free to explore Alt, I would try FetLife first if you’re looking for people to get kinky with. 

20.) Craigslist

Wait, what? Didn’t Craigslist ban the Personals section? Yes. Nonetheless, people are always adept at bending the rules and finding workarounds. So, although there’s no “Personals” section per se, you can still find people posting in order to meet up on Craigslist. For example, you can try the “Activities” section or the “Missed Connections” section in your area and you might very well see postings by people looking to meet up for casual encounters. 

Final Thoughts 

Although Craigslist Personals were banned, luckily there are plenty of alternatives available. That said, there’s a lot of variety to these options (as you can tell if you read all the reviews above). So, ultimately, whatever you end up choosing to use will depend on what you’re looking for, where you are, etc.

For the most part, if you’re in the U.S. you may want to stick with one of the major dating or hookup apps—Tinder, Adult Friend Finder, AshleyMadison, etc. If you’re in Canada, then you can try Kijiji, but it doesn’t necessarily have a lot going for it as a casual hookup site. 

The main thing is that you use good judgment and stay safe. A lot of Craigslist alternatives are loaded with scammers looking to take advantage of lonely people. It’s sad, yes, but true. Remember to follow basic common sense and never send anyone personal information or money before you’ve actually met them and verified that everything is legitimate. If you’re ever in doubt, you should probably recognize that and listen to your gut!

Ultimately, there are still plenty of ways for people to meet other people online via social media and the above sites. So long as you’re careful, there’s plenty of fun to be had. 

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AdultFriendFinder review: Is it real? Does it work in 2023? We paid for a membership and can tell you

AdultFriendFinder: Scam or real? This is always the question to ask when signing up for a new hookup site. The goal is to find a legit hookup, not spend hours talking to bots.

Gather round kids, because here’s the tea: Thanks to AdultFriendFinder, also known as AFF, I now have two stable friends-with-benefits who I see on a regular basis. Both are babes and really open-minded. You could say I’ve tried some new things in the bedroom thanks to these women.

But that doesn’t mean that AdultFriendFinder is all rainbows and butterflies. I signed up for a premium membership to take it for a real test drive, and there were a few things to watch out for.

This review will show you all the good and bad that comes along with an AdultFriendFinder membership, and if it’s worth signing up for.

For the people who don’t want to read the full review, I’ve broken down some pros and cons. Keep reading to find out more details about these!

Pros

There are millions of users.
24/7 customer support
Registration is free.
The premium price is not bad.
Fetishes, kinks, and alt lifestyles are all welcome.
People are extremely willing and eager to meet up.
Due to the huge user base, there are lots of locals no matter your location.
Users are extremely open-minded.
You will find someone who wants to hang out immediately, even among some fake profiles.
You can enjoy the app version on your mobile divide.

Cons

Bots, fakes, inactive profiles, and scammers exist.
There are tons of ads.
You won’t get much out of the free version.
Some pages redirect to other companies.
There are plenty of users who aren’t easy on the eyes.
There was a security breach in 2015, but it’s been resolved.
Some argue that it was more effective when it first launched.

Ok, now for the real review…

What’s A Free AdultFriendFinder Membership Like?

I’m going to be honest here, you’re not going to be able to hook up with anyone by registering for a free membership. But because AdultFriendFinder is so much more than just a hookup site, there’s still a lot you can do.

For instance, you can join adult chat rooms or watch live sex cam girls. Just be advised that some of these “extra features” that AdultFriendFinder provides will just lead you to another website.

As a free member, you will also get a feel for the lay of the land and be able to receive messages. Find out who is online, who lives nearby, and who some of AdultFriendFinder’s hottest members are. You can also get detailed information from everyone’s profile and narrow your search by the age and gender filters.

I remained a free member for an hour and got some messages. Most of the women who sent the messages weren’t that hot. With 80 million members and counting, it’s no surprise that the users aren’t all supermodels. I’m not much of a looker either, though. Plus, I’d rather meet a DTF woman than one who isn’t but is walking down the runway. That’s where AdultFriendFinder can really deliver.

But there were a few profiles that really piqued my interest. I received messages like, “All I want is a nice bang and I’ll be on my way.” In order to message back, I had to upgrade my membership.

What’s A Gold Membership Like?

Yes, I bit the bullet and went Gold. Several friends told me it was a good idea because they actually found hookups through the site. For that reason, I bought the entire year because it was the best value. $14.95 per month comes to as little as $0.50 per day. It’s way less than a cup of joe and totally worth it. AdultFriendFinder doesn’t accept Paypal or cryptocurrency. You can use Mastercard, Discover, or Visa. Here’s the pricing breakdown:

$14.95 a month for 12 months or $180
$19.95 a month for six months or $90
$24.95 a month

The moment I signed up for AdultFriendFinder’s membership plan, I was introduced to hundreds of women who were nearby, online, and wanted some action. Again, they weren’t all gorgeous, but that’s OK with me. I started getting messages almost immediately.

Some also felt suspiciously like bots. You can tell that someone is a bot if they don’t speak naturally or respond insanely fast. But others were from actual real women who genuinely wanted to get off with a nearby stranger, and I wanted to be that stranger.

I have a pretty unique type. I love women who have a large bust, are thick, and have blue eyes. Ok, so not that unique. Luckily AdultFriendFinder has a very specific advanced search that makes finding someone who is your type very easy. You can also use it to find couples and groups to meet up with.

Here’s a snippet of how detailed you can get. . . and that’s not even half of it.

After selecting the traits that turned me on, I began my hunt for the perfect friend-with-benefits. This might come as a shock, but I’m not a one-night-stand type of guy. Don’t get me wrong, I love casual sex as much as the next person. But I like to have an ongoing sexual relationship because I like getting really comfortable with another person and experimenting with kinkier sex as time goes on. I hoped and prayed that AdultFriendFinder would grant me a compatible friend-with-benefits.

Guess what? Within a couple of days, I got two.

Using AdultFriendFinder To Actually Hook UpI’ll explain to you how it went down for me. I got a ton of messages from horny locals who weren’t really turning me on. There were some swingers thrown into the mix as well, but nothing that was really making me sweat (AFF does a double as a swingers site, but it’s not my thing). Until I came across a message from Jessica.

Before I could even meet up with her, I spotted another blue-eyed beauty named Whitegirldtfsum1. Spoiler alert: we hooked up the day after I had sex with Jessica.

Now I see Jessica and Whitegirldtfsum1 regularly. I am currently working towards getting them in bed with me at the same time. Fingers crossed!

So, Is It Legit?

I’m not surprised that some folks on the Internet are quick to call AdultFriendFinder a scam. With millions of members and new people joining by the minute, there are bound to be some unhappy customers. Not everyone knows how to use the Internet to get laid, or what to look out for from people who actually do use AdultFriendFinder to scam people.

There are certainly some misgivings and some people who use AdultFriendFinder for their own sick schemes. But if you’re smart, the site will get you laid. Again, AdultFriendFinder is not the holy grail of hookup sites, but it’s pretty darn close.

To get the most out of AdultFriendFinder, keep the following things in mind:

Look Out For Scammers: There will always be people on the Internet who want your money or information. They will try to take advantage of you when you are at your most vulnerable. . . like looking for a hookup. Don’t ever give personal information out to people on AdultFriendFinder. They have no use for it—unless they are trying to scam! If a match says any of the following, they are probably trying to scam you:
“I need money because I am sick.”
“I have legal issues, can you help me with those?”
“I have a ton of money in a secure account overseas, but I need a bit of money to get it out.”
“My friend died and I don’t know how to pay for the funeral.”
Beware Of Bots: The truth is, you’ll encounter a lot of bots with the free membership on AdultFriendFinder. They are easy to identify, but you want to stay away from them. They are a total waste of time. They will send you a generic opener like, “Hey big boy, looking for a good time?” It might be tempting, but there’s no point in entertaining this.
Ditch Dead Profiles: Dead profiles are abandoned or inactive profiles. AdultFriendFinder isn’t that good at getting rid of these, so keep that in mind when you’re fishing for a hottie.
Ignore The Ads: There are ads on AdultFriendFinder. If you ignore them and don’t click on them, you’ll have a smooth ride on the website!
Know What You Want: If what you want from AdultFriendFinder is a hookup, you’re in good hands. That’s what AdultFriendFinder does best—hook up two horny users! There are so many people using the site that finding a partner, companion, or quickie is as easy as stealing candy from a baby.
Educate Yourself On Catfishes: There are so many people who hop onto AdultFriendFinder regularly. There’s no major way to verify who is catfishing you and who isn’t. AdultFriendFinder does its best by requesting photo verification. That’s awesome! But people are smart. Through photoshop or sheer photo theft, someone can pretend to be much more attractive than they are in real life. We’ll be honest, not everyone who uses AdultFriendFinder is a supermodel, so keep an eye out for the catfishes. They are frequent on almost every dating site and hookup app. Also beware that adult sites like these can actually hire their own staff to act as models that live nearby. This is another form of a catfish. AdultFriendFinder has been known to do this in the past, but now they have so many users that they don’t have to. Here are some ways to tell if someone is a catfish:
They won’t video chat
Their photos are of different people
Their photos look fake or photoshopped
Understand Who The Models Are On AdultFriendFinder: If what you’re looking for is a model, then visit the Live-Action section of the site! This is where you can watch hot models perform for you in real time using their webcams.

Is AdultFriendFinder Safe?Back in 2015, AdultFriendFinder got into some trouble due to a large data breach. They have since implemented some of the best security systems offered and there have not been any privacy or security issues since that one in 2015. In fact, due to the stress caused by the 2015 breach, AdultFriendFinder has gone out of its way to make itself one of the safest and most secure hookup sites on the web, implementing the most secure encryption systems.

Final Thoughts About AdultFriendFinderHere’s the thing—no hookup site is perfect. AdultFriendFinder is almost there, but not quite. There are ads, there are some bots, and the users aren’t all smoke shows. But AdultFriendFinder is one of the best hookup sites because it works! Plus, it’s so quick and easy. The Gold membership is definitely worth two quarters a day for me. I am reminded of this with each casual hookup session that was brought to me by AdultFriendFinder.

What’s The Live-Action Section?

The Live-Action section on AdultFriendFinder is a whole lot of fun, but it won’t actually get you laid. This section is for webcam models who want to show you the goods, hoping you’ll pay so they can get a Chanel bag or pay their student loans. Many of the rooms are near empty, so you can definitely get the model’s attention without fighting through a ton of horny users, but these girls aren’t going to meet up with you.

The only chance you have at meeting any of these models in person is by following their social media pages that they’ve got outside of AdultFriendFinder. This is easy to do as many of the models list their socials right there on the page. If you aren’t a total ogre, you may as well try your luck!

The Live-Action section also doesn’t discriminate. You can view men, women, trans people, pansexual people, couples, threesomes, solo sessions, and more. The shows are of pretty high quality with a nice set and great production value.

The bottom line with webcam models is that they want to be paid, but they also love being showered with attention. If you play your cards right, you could get the webcam models to perform all sorts of seductive acts without dropping major stacks on the performance itself. But, it’s always worth paying the webcam model. They will work harder, utilize their skillset to the fullest potential, and it’s just the right thing to do.

How To Use AdultFriendFinder To Find A HookupFinding The Right Partner on AFF:

When you get your membership, you’ll be led through a series of questions that help AdultFriendFinder assess your personality and match you. It’s ideal for both short-term hookups and long-term partners. From there, you can make selections about your preference in a partner. Again, so many people use AdultFriendFinder, so narrowing down will help you save tremendous amounts of time. You will be shown profiles of folks who live in your area, so that you don’t have to buy a plane ticket or spend money on gas just to get your freak on.

AdultFriendFinder also has a Purity Test. This is a test that determines how “pure” (or prude) you are. It might seem like a lot of hooey, but this test will help you figure out how far you’ve gone sexually and how far you’re willing to go. It will then introduce you to folks who can satisfy your sexual urges.

Adult Dating Tips:Your hookup journey starts with a good conversation starter. If you aren’t sure what to talk about, take a look at our infographic helping you figure out what to say to actually get a sexy person in the bed with you! Don’t be too eager or creepy. The key is to find the balance between casual and sexual. If you’re too nervous to make the first chat or consider yourself an introvert, you can use AdultFriendFinder’s icebreaker messages or send a virtual gift! These can come in the form of everything from emojis to real gifts.

How To Meet In Person:Ok, so you’ve finally met someone who doesn’t look like a gremlin, who is horny, and who doesn’t have a personality that resembles stale toast. Congratulations! Now you’ve got to master that first date or first meetup. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of a first-time meet up!

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Ashley Madison review: Does it work in 2023? Is it real? We tried it and paid for a membership

Ashley Madison has developed a notorious reputation over the years. As the first popular dating site for extra-marital affairs, it has generated its share of press. But regardless of what people say, it’s a popular dating site full of people looking to broaden their horizons. In this review, we’ll let you know whether it’s for you.

Whether you’re single, attached, or looking to experiment, Ashley Madison might have just what you’re looking for. With its wealth of “available” candidates, you’ll have no trouble finding hookups if you approach the site the right way. We’ll cover everything you need to know with our brand new 2023 Ashley Madison review, starting with a comprehensive outline of how the site works, and then jumping into detailed first-hand accounts of Ashley Madison users. 

But if you want a brief synopsis, check out the pros and cons of Ashley Madison:

Pros

–Very active community: Ashley Madison claims to have more female users than male.

–Easy to find a consistent hookup or a fling: Users on Ashley Madison are there for a reason. They aren’t messing around!

–Intuitive interface and design: Easy to navigate the platform even if you don’t use social media often.

–Discreet and anonymous: Users can opt for anonymous profiles (with fake user info), discreet billing, discreet payment methods, and discreet desktop and mobile app access.

Cons

–There are scammers on Ashley Madison, but they are easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for.

–Data breach occurred in 2015. It has since been resolved, but users are understandably wary.

–Quite expensive: See below for details on the credit system.

–Complicated pricing structure: Ashley Madison uses a combination of credits and subscriptions to charge members. It can be difficult to keep track of how much you are actually spending.

The Sign-Up Process

Registration on Ashley Madison is simple and doesn’t cost anything. You only have to provide the basics: age, marital status, height, weight, etc. Then, you’re free to browse profiles to find someone to hook up with.

You do need to provide an e-mail address, but it’s a good idea to use a separate account that does not include your real name or any identifying information.

What Can I Do For Free?

First thing’s first, if you’re not ready to make a (financial) commitment to Ashley Madison just yet, how can you get your feet wet without dropping your credit card info? There are a few ways to try out the site for free, especially for women. If you’re a man, your options are limited, but there are still a couple. Simply put, if you want to get the most out of Ashley Madison, you have to be willing to pay.

Free Sign-Up: Ashley Madison offers free sign-up. In other words, you don’t have to give your credit card info to open an account. Ashley Madison allows you to make an account, fill in your details, and start to use a basic version of the website for free. You can browse profiles and have a look around the site. You can search users depending on your preferences, and you can see which users are ready to interact in your area. Men can send one free message upon registration, but they’ll have to buy credits to continue the conversation after the initial message.

After this, as you might expect, you need to start paying to continue interacting with other users. Men need to purchase “credits” to start messaging and establishing connections with users. Below, we’ll outline the payment system, including the credit process, in detail. 

Free Messaging for Women: Ashley Madison offers free messaging for female users. The entire site is free for female users, which is one of the reasons Ashley Madison can maintain such a strong female user base. So, if you’re a woman, then your free Ashley Madison options are plentiful. You can send chats, open chats, initiate conversations, and more. The interactivity that men have to pay for, women will receive for free.

If you happen to be a male user, there are much more minimal free options, which include:

Your Free Options are Limited: Basically, that’s about it in terms of free options for men who want to use Ashley Madison! It is very much a “paid” service. Male users need to purchase credits to interact with other users (along with a few subscription options). Because of this, Ashley Madison will cost you more depending on how much you want to use the platform and how many users you intend on messaging.

If you’re a man using Ashley Madison, you’re going to need to pay. Next, we’ll explain the convoluted system in more detail.

What’s the Credit System?

Instead of a subscription model, Ashley Madison has opted for a credit system. Men using the platform need to pay for credits to interact with other users. Credits are more affordable the more you buy, and different actions require a different number of credits. It’s a bit complicated because Ashley Madison wants you to spend more money on their platform! Luckily, considering what you can potentially get out of the deal, it can be well worth it.

On one hand, it’s great that you only need to pay for the services you use. On the other hand, it’s still pricey!

Women, though, can do everything on the Ashley Madison platform for free, which is how Ashley Madison maintains such an active user base.

Signing Up: Signing up for Ashley Madison is completely free, and you don’t even have to give your credit card info. You also don’t have to use your real name or address. Some users choose not to use a profile picture, although this might make meeting people difficult!

How Much Do Credits Cost?

On the Ashley Madison home screen, you’ll see a big, brightly colored button that says “BUY CREDITS.” If you can’t tell by now, they want you to take out the credit card!

Credit costs are subject to change and might also depend on your region or be affected by sales and promotions. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect credits to cost:

Credits are sold in bulk, with Basic, Classic, and Elite plans:

–Basic gets you 100 credits for $59, or $0.59/credit.

–Classic (their most popular plan) gets you 500 credits for $169.00, or $0.34/credit.

–Elite gets you 1,000 credits for $289.00, or $0.29 per credit.

oNOTE: AnElite plan also nets you access to an “Ashley Madison Premium,” which gives you 24 hours of free chat, and “Priority Man” status. Priority Man puts your name higher in search results, making it easier for interested seekers to find your account.

After you’ve purchased credits, Ashley Madison will prompt you to automatically “Top Up” your credits each month. In other words, they want you to set up automatic payment when your credits run low. We’d advise against this, but it’s your call.

Member Initiated Contact Fee: Upon purchasing credits, Ashley Madison prompts you to sign up for a Member Initiated Contact Fee (MIC fee), allowing you to view and respond to messages sent to you by other members for free (without using any credits). MIC is free for the first month and $29.99/month after that. It’s optional, and you can choose to use credits to respond to these messages instead. If you’re a very active user, this might save you money in the long run.

What Can I Do With Credits?

As you can see, Ashley Madison’s credit plans are pricey. But it’s even more difficult to know how pricey until you know what you can do with them! Unfortunately, the credit system isn’t so straightforward.

It costs you five credits each time you send a message or open one sent by another user. Then, it will cost you credits depending on the time spent chatting with that user. You get charged 50 credits per hour of live chat with another user, and Ashley Madison will ding you another 30 credits once the hour is up, and another 20 credits once that hour is up.

Ashley Madison also allows you to send “virtual gifts” to catch the attention of other users. These gifts cost, you guessed it, credits. Depending on the gift, it will cost a different number of credits but typically ranges between 20, 30, and 50 credits.

Basically, as a man on the platform, you can expect every interaction you have to cost you credits. You can view your balance at any time, and you’re also free to re-up on credits at any time.

Bottom Line – How Much Does Ashley Madison Cost?

If you can’t tell by now, Ashley Madison is expensive. Well, if you’re a man, that is. Of course, just how expensive depends on how active you are on the platform. If you plan to message several users, carry on conversations, and maintain these connections, you can expect to spend a pretty penny. Many users spend hundreds of dollars per month on the site.

Luckily, you only have to spend as much as you want. Once you find a hookup, you’re free to stop using Ashley Madison’s services. For this reason, in the next section, we examine how easy it is to find a hookup on Ashley Madison.

Using Ashley Madison to Find a Hookup

So far, we’ve examined the platform and taken a detailed look at how much it’s going to cost you. The big question is, how easy is it to use Ashley Madison to find a hookup?

As long as you’re ready to spend some cash on the platform itself, Ashley Madison is an excellent place to find a hookup. Ashley Madison lets you sign up as attached, single, seeking males, females, or anything in between. People on Ashley Madison haven’t taken that decision lightly. They know what they want and are not ashamed to look for it (but they’ll still be discreet). If you want a hookup and want it to be discreet, Ashley Madison is a great place to find it.

People on Ashley Madison are not afraid to tell you what they’re looking for, and they’re not looking to mess around. They’re there for a reason, and they’re not going to waste their time on someone who isn’t looking for the same. Just check out some of the profiles we found:

So, as long as you’re there for the same reason, we think you’ll find success.

That said, as with most dating sites, you need to initiate contact if you want to find what you’re looking for. Ashley Madison makes it very easy to browse user profiles and find like-minded people who share your interests and want the same thing as you.

After that, send them a message, and you can spark something from there.

Of course, as with any dating site, not everyone will be interested in you. For this reason, we can’t say you’re guaranteed to find a hookup on Ashley Madison because that’s a two-way street. If people aren’t interested, then they aren’t interested. But we can say that many users on Ashley Madison are looking for hookups ranging from casual (most) to serious (some) and everything in between. If you take the effort to present yourself well, be up-front about what you’re looking for, and engage users in an approachable manner, we think you can find success too.

Ashley Madison is the world’s largest hookup site for those seeking an extramarital affair (or something else). If that’s what you’re after, you can find it there. But, as with any hookup site, the onus is on you to build your success.

So, Does Ashley Madison Work, Or Is It a Scam?

What do we think about Ashley Madison? Ashley Madison is “as-advertised.” It’s a hookup site that is full of real people looking for extramarital affairs and more. If that’s what you’re after, then it’s extremely tough to beat Ashley Madison. Nowhere else will you find a more active user base, and nowhere else will you find a platform that has been built to maintain such discretion.

That said, it’s not free. It’s very expensive. We might as well tell you that now because any user of Ashley Madison will learn it eventually. For the most part, the credit system allows you to only pay for what you use (although the MIC and Priority Man subscriptions can alter that), but just about every action on Ashley Madison costs credits. In other words, if you’re looking to use the site to its fullest, and to interact with many different users, then expect to spend money.

All that said, if you want a no-nonsense platform to find what you’re looking for, you can’t beat Ashley Madison. Here are some tips to safely get the most out of the experience.

Be Up-Front About Expectations: We’ve said it before, but it’s worth restating. Be up-front about what you’re looking for. Ashley Madison users aren’t there to mess around, and you shouldn’t be either. Be up-front about the exact kind of relationship you are looking for. People appreciate this honesty and it makes it much less likely for everything to blow up in your face if you’re straight-up with other users.

Be Yourself: Yeah, we know, it’s a cliché. Be yourself, don’t lie and pretend to be someone else. You can’t fake it in the long run, so you may as well be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for.

Carefully Craft Your Profile: This is true of any dating site, not just Ashley Madison. Your profile is your “billboard” that you’re putting out there for the world to see. It’s everyone’s first impression, and it’s often the make or break for whether someone even responds to your message. You want your profile to build you up, but be careful that it’s not too misleading! After all, if you’re a letdown in real life, then it won’t have been worth it anyway. Talk yourself up, but don’t lie. Use flattering pictures, but be sure that they’re current. People expect you to brag on a dating profile, but they don’t expect you to bald-faced lie.

Is Ashley Madison Legit? Yes, Ashley Madison is “legit” as long as you keep your expectations in check. Most of the time people asking these questions want to know whether the site is full of real users there because they want to hook up. For the most part, it’s a yes, although you’ll have to watch out for scammers who want your money (which is the case with just about any dating site). Check out our section below for advice on dealing with scammers.

Ashley Madison is a real place where users come to hook up and to seek an extramarital affair. If that’s what you want, then it’s very much legit.

A Few Tips To Have the Best Experience

Before we wrap up, here are some general hookup site tips. We’ve gathered these tips from experience, and they’re especially relevant to Ashley Madison:

Beware of Scammers: Yes, there are scammers on Ashley Madison, just as there are on just about any dating site. Scammers are fake profiles that aren’t looking to hook up and are generally just looking to get you to spend money on them. They’re unavoidable on hookup sites. Beware of profiles that look “too perfect” or users who are way too over-eager. Ashley Madison does their best to ban these users, but they can’t get them all.

Be careful, and be aware. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Watch Your Credits: Ashley Madison is a for-profit business. It’s designed to make you spend money. Not only that, since you are spending “credits” and not dollars, it’s easy to lose track of how much real money you have spent. Keep a careful eye on your credits and have a keen understanding of the payment system before you start (see our section above). Ashley Madison will also tempt you to sign up for “automatic top-ups” of your credits, and we’d advise against that.

Remember, It’s Not Easy: We’re not here to pass judgment on anyone, and everyone has their reasons for seeking an affair. We’ll just let you know that it’s often not easy. Be sure you put the proper thought into it and be sure it’s what you want. People have certainly faced repercussions from Ashley Madison, both emotional and real. Just be sure that you’ve thought it through, and that’s all we’ll say. This is an article about Ashley Madison; we had to mention it at some point!

The Final Verdict

The bottom line, is Ashley Madison worth it? Well, if you’re looking for what the website offers, then yes! Ashley Madison is the most active, discreet, and legitimate network you can find if you’re looking for an extramarital affair. It’s expensive, especially if you’re a man, so be prepared for that. But if you’re looking for what’s offered by Ashley Madison, then you truly can’t beat it as a hookup destination.

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