I've pulled together my 10 simple online dating rules that anyone can follow if entering the online dating world. With the busy lives we all lead today meeting that special someone has become more difficult. Online dating sites remain popular and it seems that everyday there are more and more sites to choose from. Many users of online dating sites become frustrated with tryng to sort thru the numerous dating websites and their individual style. You ask yourself: Should I join a free site or do I want to pay a monthly user fee? What do I do if I get noticed by someone I'm just not that into?! How can I avoid getting hurt?
While online dating seems to be an ideal way to meet that perfect someone it's not a surprise to learn very few of us are successful in finding our perfect mate online. The following rules can help you stay safe, have fun and, hopefully, increase your odds of success as you walk thru the maze of the online dating world.
Below are my 10 simple inline dating rules to increase your online dating success.
Choose a dating website that is suited your particular interest. Today you'll likely find an online dating site niche that will fit exactly what you are searching for. For example, Match.com and Eharmony.com are sites that you've probably seen advertised and cater to almost everyone. Ourtime.com is geared for those over 50. Christiansingles.com is for Christians seeking Christians while benaughty.com is for those who are just looking to hookup. A quick online search using keywords for what you are seeking in a relationship will bring you a healthy selection of dating sites for you to sort thru.
Visit several sites that are in the niche of your dating interest. Something I check to see is if a website has a 24/7 administrator available. This is usually a sign of a quality dating site that takes it's job seriously. Send an email to inquire how many members do they have in their database and ask how long they've been online. Someone should reply to your email within a few hours or at least by the next day.
Consider a site that offers a free trial period but pass on by the free dating sites if you are serious about finding a suitable date. Free sites often seem to be littered with the kind of people who are not there to find a mate. A free trial period is a good way to dip your toe in and before deciding to spend your money and joining you get to check out what else the site offers. Do they have a chat room? Can you video chat with other members? Is there a forum to ask questions? Can you send instant messages? Can you search for members before joining? Is their a one-time fee or do they charge you monthly?
SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY: Another issue is to ensure your safety. Be aware that scammers are everywhere these days. Online dating sites are a ripe target. Sometimes scammers are from other countries so if you ever have a concern simply contact their Admin people and share with them your concerns. Ask them to check where the IP address you question is from. Ask them to block any IP address that causes your concern. The best dating sites will not want anyone who might possibly disrupt their dating website and will be able to block anyone suspicious from their site. Remember, your safety is always your highest priority!
When you've narrowed down what sites interest you you'll need to register and create your online website profile. It's always hard to critique yourself but stick to the truth of your likes and dislikes. Present an accurate description of what you seek in the perfect partner for yourself. Present yourself as accurately as possible. You don't want to set yourself up for failure by over embellishing your personality. Keep it real. There's someone out there for everyone ~ they just have to find you. As the saying goes, "a picture says a thousand words" so be sure to Include a recent photograph to increase your chances of catching someone's attention.
Always reply to every email you receive from other members. Always be courteous and polite, even if it is only to let them know you are not interested in their profile. Remember, first impressions are important and you do not know the current circumstances the emailer might be in. If their profile does not interest you there's no need to be rude.
NEVER EVER give out your bank account, social security number or any other personal details to anyone. Do not be fooled by requests for money from anyone online no matter how pitiful or convincing their story is or how beautiful or handsome they look in photos they post. Be aware that the photos might not be pictures of themselves at all but are photos easily copied from the internet. There are online image sites where photos of models can be purchased and used online very easily. Many of these photos are not a polished agency photo shoot image but are images of us average everyday looking people. If you are ever asked for money end all conversations with that member and contact the site admin department right away. If the scammer is not stopped they will surely move on to their next victim.
At last, you've come in contact with a member who you find interesting! Take a deep breath and do not allow your heart to speak louder than your head. Take your time in getting to know them thru email or instant messaging first, before setting up an in-person meetup. Take this time to exchange details about each other and get a feel for how they come across over several days or weeks. Ask for additional pictures and inquire about their family. Keep an open mind to the information exchanged and be cautious of information you share. Today it's become easier for tech-savvy individuals to lure and disarm unsuspecting individuals into their web so be aware and be cautious and do not believe everything you are told. Trust is something that is earned and will come as time passes.
If you are knowledgeable about using video cams and your membership site includes video cam capabilities this is a great way to visit with each other in real time. Using this type of feature helps to verify the accuracy of the member's physical description.
The big day has arrived! You've made plans to meet in person. Remember: ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS meet at a coffee shop or restaurant or someplace where you won't be isolated or alone. Keep the first meeting short and sweet. If you both feel intrigued with each other make plans to meet again. If you are just "not feeling it" and know right away you could never make a romantic connection with them, be polite and honest. There's no need to string someone along. Let them know so they can continue their search. Who knows, you might have just found a new friend to go biking with or commiserate with over another cup of coffee about how difficult it is to find the perfect mate!
I hope I've outlined some important rules to help you make your online dating search safe and fun. Dating should be and exciting time for both of you. There's no need to rush into any relationship as all good things take time. You want your relationship to bring the out the best of both of you as you take on the world together!