I have just started an account on here today and managed to talk with one person for learning a new language.

Though sadly because I am a free member I can not talk to any others, which puts me off this website a little bit to be honest. 

 Personally, I feel that gender is not a prerequisite for me, in order to have a language exchange. However, having said that, it is probably even more of a tussle for a male learner to interact with another for a language exchange. If I write to a potential male language partner, they tend to think that I am gay and cannot fathom why on earth would a male language learner want to have a language exchange with another male?! For me, I tend to look at the level of language fluency and overall linguistic experience and any such interesting facts, related to, but not confined to language learning but also of similar hobbies.I did manage to forge quite a few friendships, one or two ended up as being close mates. We do tend to chat every now and then, and one came to visit me as well. I have also heard stories about romance here form a few others.

 Primarily, I just take the site as a platform to enhance my language learning skills but as most of you have already mentioned, as in life, anything can happen anywhere; be it friendship or romance or something else! Human beings are social creatures and the ability to utilise language(s) is one of the primary traits that set us apart from animals. So, let's be wise with how we use our words....a very happy new year to all of you! Hope 2016 was a splendid one and anticipating an even better 2017! =)