So you’ve decided to start online dating, or renew your online dating efforts – good for you! But what things do you need to think about? Here are just a few tips to get most out of online dating:
1. Know what you want: Decide exactly what you want before you go online, so your profile and picture match what you are looking for. Think carefully about deal-breakers and your own wants and needs.
2. Make sure you’re ready: If you’re still feeling bruised about the break-up of your last relationship or are feeling unconfident, then give yourself some time before hitting the online dating scene. Wait until you feel properly ready, full of energy and emotionally available, should Mr or Mrs Right start emailing.
3. Be original: When you’re writing your profile be original, creative and specific. Popular members on the site sometimes have up to three messages asking them out a day, so make sure your message stands out.
4. Meet early: When you’ve made a connection online, meet in person earlier rather than later. Don’t fall into the trap of writing long emails and texts, only to find that when you meet there is no chemistry or connection between you.
5. Don’t expect instant success: Like most things, you will need to put in time and effort. Sometimes people get lucky and the first person they start talking too turns out to be ‘The One’ but more often than not, dating online mirrors real life, where you will need to meet a lot of people to find the right match.
6. Be truthful: It’s a bit of an online dating cliché but don’t put an old picture of yourself, or adjust your height or age to make a good impression. It always works out best to say it exactly how it is.
7. Say cheese: Get a friend or professional photographer to take lots of pictures of you smiling and laughing. Choose the ones where you look most relaxed and approachable. Research has also shown that when you are doing something interesting outside you will receive more messages.
8. Don’t go shopping: Research has shown that when we are faced with too much choice, we make decisions based on irrelevant criteria, such as whether someone is wearing glasses. Focus on what they say in their profile and if you can imagine having a relationship with them.
9. Always date in public: This is a complete no-brainer – always meet an online date for coffee or in another public place and tell a friend where you are. Don’t decide to go on a countryside walk or meet in a park because it simply isn’t safe. Always trust your gut instinct because you intuition will tell you if you need to keep your date short and move on.
10. Have fun: Most of all, dating is supposed to be fun. Keep it relaxed and upbeat. Those first few dates are see if there is a romantic spark and enough to keep you interested. Let your personality shine through.
Do you have some tips for any newbie ‘Struckers? Tell us @lovestruck.com
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