Five things you MUST do when internet dating

Wednesday, 25 April 2012 2:29 PM

Remember the days when internet dating was seen as unusual? Taboo even? It was a last resort and not something anyone would be keen to admit to even if they were doing it! As such anyone thinking of giving it a go thought they were totally alone!

Thankfully that has all changed. People have come to realise that in today's busy world there are actually very few places where you can meet someone who you stand a good chance of having a relationship with and as such internet dating has been appreciated for the genius idea that it is.

But, before you start uploading profiles on every dating site going, make sure you remember these five tips.

Always be honest on your profile
With online dating it is all too easy to create a persona for yourself. While having a bit of extra confidence because you're only talking online is actually a good thing, pretending you're two stone slimmer and five inches taller than you are is only going to lead to problems when you realise you want to meet up with this guy! Be honest and you'll make it much easier on yourself.

Meet in a safe, public place
When you arrange to meet up with someone, no matter how nice they may seem, be sure to only meet them in a safe, public place. Do not have them back to yours and do not go round to there house. The chances are off course they are perfectly lovely and you'll have a wonderful evening but it's always better to play it safe. Plus, if they're mind numbingly boring or outrageously arrogant it's much easier to make your excuses and leave when you're in a public place!

Don't give your address out
Another safety measure here – be careful not to give out any personal details. Don't share your address or your place of work until you feel like you seen this person enough to get to know them

Don't be overly optimistic
You may think that by their very nature, dating websites cut out the time-wasters. You know the ones, you meet them in a bar or a coffee shop and think there could be something there only to find they're married or in a relationship or, worse still, not interested in a relationship, something they decide to tell you on the fifth or sixth date. People are dating websites must want a relationship right? Well, unfortunately not. Don't be overly optimistic, you will still find time-wasters on internet dating – but hopefully you'll also find a few gems.

Be open-minded
Whilst it's important not to get too optimistic it's also vital that you keep an open mind. Maybe you don't see any Brad Pitt-lookalikes on your chosen site but widen your criteria – read the profiles, try something different.
 

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