Onine Dating Tips

If you're new to online dating it can sometimes be a bit bewildering or even daunting. It can be like joining a new club; you don't know anyone, and everyone else seems to know exactly what to do and say. Here are a few pointers to put you at your ease and to help you make the most of your internet dating adventures.

Brush up your profile

Your profile is your chance to make a good first impression, so keep it well polished and up to date.

• Do check the section you've written yourself for spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Don't refer to previous partners nor what you regard as negative character traits.
• Don't write out your life story. It's meant to be an introduction, a taster.

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

Profile photos are essential. Statistics tells us that profiles with photos are 8-10 times more likely to be viewed by others than those without. They are the first thing that others will see so it pays to spend a little time and effort in creating a good one. In fact, we recommend you upload three. Here are some suggestions:

• A head and shoulders shot showing you at your best. This will be your main photo
• One of you at home or in the garden
• One of you elsewhere e.g. on holiday or engaged in your favourite hobby

You can be as imaginative as you like and you can convey all kinds of impressions with photos. Do you want to look friendly or flirtatious? Romantic or fun loving?

Too far away	Which one?	Creepy!	Can't see it	That's better!

Messaging Etiquette

There are no hard and fast rules to exchanging messages on an online dating site, but we recommend that you follow the same protocol as you would in any other form of messaging. Let's assume you've received a message from someone and having checked their profile you decide that you're not interested in taking things any further. It can be tempting to simply ignore the message, but a little courtesy doesn't cost much so perhaps a polite response would be better than turning your back. Who knows, you may change your mind once a couple of messages have been exchanged, and if not then you've at least shown yourself to be a gentleman or lady.

One Step at a Time

In the initial excitement of making contact with someone you like the look of it can be tempting to immediately exchange phone numbers, email addresses, and even home addresses, but we strongly advise you proceed slowly and take things easy. Build up the rapport online in this site first. It's surprising what you can learn about a person from the messages they send.

When you feel ready then you can move to the next stage of phoning and arranging your first date. By taking things slowly you will have time to build up a good impression and develop some confidence so that when you do meet you can carry on the conversations you've been engaged in online.

First Date Nerves

If it's been a while since you went out on a date it can seem like daunting prospect. Some take this in their stride and wonder what all the fuss is about but for others it's like being a teenager again. Suddenly you're no longer sat in the comfort of your own home - you're on your way to meet someone face to face! This is why we recommend that you use this dating site to get to know a little about your new friend first and thereby develop a little confidence.

Participate

It may sound daft, but a surprising number of people join dating sites and then sit back and do nothing, waiting for the day that their prince(ss) will come. Back in the real world however, those who have successfully found new partners have done so because they initiated contact or a least reponded to anyone who contacted them. So take part, send messages, winks, and gifts, be an active member. As other members see that you are a frequent visitor and are often online they are more likely to contact you because they see that you are serious about your quest.

If at first you don't succeed....

...don't give up. The situation changes daily as new members arrive. You've come this far and you've given it a try. If your first encounters didn't light your fire then move on to the next. Don't let a few disappointments convince you that your new favourite squeeze isn't out there somewhere. A few more clicks and you'll be on your merry way again.

Ready to give it a go? Start by registering here. Already a member? Login in here