Survival Guide to Internet Dating
There are a few tricks to surviving internet dating. Just remember that at all times YOU are in control! At the very least try to remember that if you have not found that special someone out there today, at the very least, you are one step closer to achieving your goal. You've met people, learned something about them and hopefully even more about yourself in the process. So let's get started:
∆ Write your profile using full sentences and proper grammar (use spell check)
∆ Be utterly truthful in your profile about what you are looking for (if you are married and are looking for just some fun, then tell them so!)
∆ Upload a clear and current picture of yourself (ask a friend to take a picture of you and don't use an old picture that does not portray what you currently look like)
∆ Take the initiative and say hello (nudge, wink, slap: whatever it is that allows you to make first contact)
∆ Never be rude or use profanity while communicating with someone. If you don't like their opinions, you don't have to talk with them. Move on, it's that simple.
∆ You can try to contact someone 3 times, if by the third they have not returned your email or contacted you in any other way, then leave it alone and try someone else. Again, move on.
∆ Respond to someone's communication request within 3 days at the latest within the week. Most likely, we are very busy with other things, but when it comes to internet dating, we have to stay on the ball so to speak and make sure we don't miss a thing.
∆ Take the time to get to know someone first before agreeing to meet. Chat, talk on the phone, video and email each other often before deciding to get together on the big date. This will ensure that you both have had a chance to get to know one another better and will be less likely to be disappointed when you meet. It also helps to form a stronger bond with one another.
∆ Take the time to say 'thank you' to your date for sharing and being open and honest with what they are looking for by following up the next day with an email or a phone call. This is an excellent time to indicate to them if you are interested and would like to pursue a relationship with them or that you enjoyed your time with them but would not be interested in anything other than a friendship with them (or not).
∆ If you are dating someone you met online, then take it slowly and see where it leads you. There's no rush to the finish line and it's better to be safe than sorry.
∆ If you haven't found your ideal partner online yet, then keep at it. Internet dating is about persistence and perserverance. Keep at it and don't get discouraged. Good things come to those who wait!