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Online Dating Dos and Don’ts
The world of online dating grows larger everyday. It gives people chance to meet people they may have never had a chance to meet otherwise. Sites match you up according to interests and according to wants and desires. Online dating has it’s ups and downs but you are more likely to be successful in your cyber ventures if you follow some simple guidelines.
DON’T lie, fib, or exaggerate in your profile. If you want to find someone who is going to like (and possibly someday love) you for you, then you have to be up front about who you are and what you look like.
DO post multiple recent photos of yourself. Make sure the pictures are of decent quality and at a close range so that those browsing your profile can get an adequate idea of how you currently look.
DO be specific in your profile. The best way to keep unwanted emails to a minimum is to clearly outline your personality and what you are looking for in your profile, otherwise every toothless, slob out there will send you messages, especially if it is a free site.
DON’T solely rely on pictures to determine if you are interested in someone. Sure, physical attraction is a big deal but it is the package as a whole that counts. Who wants to be with a supermodel if they have the aspirations and personality of a dead frog? Make sure you are attracted to their pictures AND what they have to say in their profile. This way, you are more likely to find a connection.
DO thoroughly read someone’s profile BEFORE sending them a message. This way, you can be sure that this would A) be someone you would like to get to know, B) are able to show that you did in fact pay attention to what they had to say, and C) have some topics for discussion.
DON’T send a hateful email as a follow up to your initial email to which you received no response. If they don’t reply, take it as disinterest on their part and move on. Surely we can all be adults and just accept a nonreply for what it is. It only means that there is something better out there for you. Keep on keeping on.
DON’T give out your phone number, regular email, or any other personal information in the in your profile or in the first several emails, if ever. You don’t know who is reading your profile and you don’t know the person you are emailing any better than you personally know the Dalai Lama. Although, many online daters are out there looking for the same thing you are, many are also out there to prey on unsuspecting cyber daters such as yourself. Be smart and put your safety first.
DO exchange several messages before agreeing to meet. Get to know one another a bit via email or the instant messengers many online dating sites offer. Be sure you are genuinely interested in meeting someone before you agree to a rendezvous. If you have negative apprehension about meeting, then don’t do it.
DO have your first date, meeting, rendezvous, or whatever you like to call it in a public place. Coffee or lunch in popular cafe is a good way to start. It allows for conversation but can always be cut short if there is no connection. If the conversation is great and there is a connection, this type of meeting also allows plenty of time for the date to continue for as long as you like. **Meeting at WalMart, btw, is a very unsatisfactory place for a first date!
DON’T set your expectations too high. Just because you have joined an online dating sight and have many eager singles a click away, doesn’t mean you will find your perfect match over night. Take your time, get to know people, and someday, whether it happens online or at work or in the grocery store, you will find the person you’ve been looking for.
Happy fishing!
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SINgleGIRL December 17th, 2008, 7:51 pm
Great list. You covered all the bases.
saneandsingle December 26th, 2008, 10:58 am
Yes, great tips for the online dater!
saneandsingle´s last blog post..It’s Raining Men! Hallelujah!
Heath February 8th, 2009, 2:30 pm
It is very important that you meet your date in a public place and not drink…
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