BBW Dating sometimes confuses those not familiar with the abbreviations and acronyms used in ads for singles dating and personals. Does it mean Big Black Woman? When I first came across the term, I thought it meant Big Breasted Woman. After a little exposure to the scene, and confirmation from other authors, I've come to realize it means Big Beautiful Woman. In other words, it refers to those women likely to be found in the plus size community.

Of course, there is no hard and fast rule as to where the scale of being a BBW begins. Many people don't like the idea of placing labels on people (unless they are unambiguously favorable, such as, "genius"). However, many do find labels a convenient short-hand and will judge others, or conveniently group them, according to the job they hold, their race, color, car they drive, income earned, etc. Even their size.

Although a BBW may come in many shapes and sizes, you are probably a BBW if you, and those who know you, would consider you to be overweight. This excludes anorexics who believe their skeletal frames to be excessive!

The modern BBW is more likely to be a curvy woman who is proud of it. Some of the most successful women in the public eye have at times been considered BBWs. For instance:

Kate Winslet,
Queen Latifah,
Jennifer Lopez,
Oprah Winfrey,
Marilyn Monroe,
Kirsty Alley,
Sybil Shepherd

I'm sure you could think of many more.

Often, these women wouldn't be considered fat. They are simply built the way a woman should. For instance, Marilyn Monroe was considered to be one of the sexiest women who ever lived. Voluptuous and exciting but, by today's standards, her ample charms might be considered overweight.

For anyone interested in dating, meeting quality singles can be a challenge, regardless of size. For those who come in larger packages, this can be especially so, which is why some singles dating services have emerged which provide epecially for those who are plus sized. They cater for singles seeking the opposite sex, as well as same sex relationships. These sites are for those looking for the BBW or BHM (I'll let you work

out the last one) and their admirers. Modern matchmaking techniques provide opportunities for friendship, companionship, or even romance and love. Simply place your own personal ad with one of these services.

It's often been said that men naturally like women with curves and are tired of those who oook like brooms with long hair. Women with curves are often considered to be among the sexiest. Look at Jennifer Lopez, for instance.

That is also why BBW dating sites are flourishing. For the single, Big Beautiful Woman she now only has to log onto the internet if she wishes to find a date and no longer has fear she'll be seen as dateless, and loveless, in the eyes of her scrawny friends. There are many men looking for a woman who looks just like you!

Some Tips For Spicing Up The Life Of The Full-Figured Woman:

Plan Ahead. Anticipate some more activity in your romantic life and buy some really sexy plus size lingerie. Whether you're thinking of being slinky, naughty, sophisticated or...whatever, playful gear is available online if you don't want to buy it at an offline store.

Give serious thought to the photo that will accompany your profile. This is extremely important. While you might hope that your great personality will attract more people, this is very hard to convey in a photo. The reality is that profiles with photos bring many more responses.

It's important to look relaxed in your BBW photo. You can compose it to present yourself in the best light but it's far better that the photo doesn't look too staged.

Be sure to show your face clearly. When a website displays a thumbnail-sized photo of you, a full length, full-figured shot will mean your features cannot be seen. A close up is better.

Don't obscure your features with sunglasses, shades, hats, or poor lighting. It looks as though you have something to hide. This can be almost as bad as not posting a photo at all.

This is your opportunity to radiate confidence and friendliness. After all, big IS beautiful.