Whether you’re a first time web dater or expert web dater, here are a few simple tips that you should always keep in mind when dating on the web:
(1) TAKE A GOOD, CLEAR PORTRAIT PHOTO FOR YOUR PROFILE Remember, first impressions will last. One thing you will notice as you browse through the people who are listed on the web dating sites is the lack of decent photos and even some very unflattering photos. If you know someone who owns a good camera, ask them to take a nice close up portrait shot of you. Why not wear your favourite outfit and prepare yourself as if you were to go on a date. Present on screen what you are like in person.
(2) BEFORE YOU LOAD YOUR PROFILE, ASK A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO READ IT By doing this you can ensure that your friend or family member feels that you have accurately described yourself. Sometimes, we are not aware of our best qualities and it can help to have someone else let us know. Also, we can sometime be too self promoting and it is good to get a reality check.
(3) BE YOURSELF AND BE REALISTIC Don’t try and be someone you think that your potential partner will like. This can be a temptation when you are sitting at the end of a computer and are asked to enter information about yourself to a potential mate. Everyone wants to be seen in the best possible light. Just remember, if you make false claims – it won’t be sustainable. You could claim to be tall, blonde and athletic, however, if your a short, brunette who does the occasional walk that’s not the same thing. Honesty is an important foundation for any relationship whether it be a friendship or a life partner. If things go well dating online, you will eventually meet up in person and it can be a great disappointment if you meet someone who is not as they described online.
(4) BE OPEN MINDED Don’t just shop through the web dating site looking for the most attractive person you find. More often than not, you could have missed a great person who at first glance didn’t necessarily have the greatest appeal to you. Often once you get to know a person they can become more attractive to you. Obviously you want some physical attraction but don’t confuse love with lust. Read the profiles, if they sound like the kind of person you would enjoy spending time with then why not give them a chance. After all it is chatting at first and you then decide if you want to date them.
(5) BE POSITIVE You may be sick of the search for love, over all of your dating experiences and people who have hurt you but try to avoid bringing negativity into the inital dating conversations. If you feel ‘desperate’ for love, don’t let it cloud your judgement. It can scream to a potential partner to run a mile, no one wants a clingy or depressed partner. Just take a deep breath, collect yourself and remember to let them chase you a little. You need to be self promoting and desirable to a potential partner. Think of it this way, positive and happy people will attract positive and happy people.
(6) TAKE YOUR TIME There is no rush, take your time to get to know a few people online well before you decide to meet up. We’re not suggesting to date 100′s of people at once but in the early stages it’s ok to be chatting with several people online at once. Then once you start dating in person and decide to be exclusive then you can stop ‘dating’ multiple people online.
(7) BALANCE CONVERSATION While you are a very interesting person, try not to just talk about yourself. Remember it is a good trait in a partner to be a good listener. In saying that, there is nothing worse than being on a date with someone who doesn’t talk or devulge anything about themselves. If you’re too guarded it could come off that you are disinterested but you also want to balance that with not giving too much away that you are left emotionally vulnerable. People can take advantage of this. However, as the dates go on, communication with your date is extremely important so you can start to strengthen your emotional bond. When you feel comfortable, why not let your guard down a little and let someone find out more about who you really are.