Meeting: Face to face

The cynics will tell you it’s impossible to tap into personal chemistry on a website. But RSVP’s marketing manager Lija Jarvis believes romance and chemistry can definitely begin before you meet someone in person.

“Online communication can be very exciting, romantic and personal. The content and thought that can be put into an email can rival the old-fashioned love letter! Getting to know someone online, having the anticipation of emails waiting and planning a face to face meeting can be incredibly exciting and offer a wonderful forum for sharing interests, feelings and emotions before actually meeting,” she said.

But of course you can’t ride off into the sunset from your desktop, which is why you’ll eventually have to meet face to face with someone you’ve clicked with online.

Choose a coffee date for your first meeting, which will be brief in case you’ve got nothing in common. Conversation starters could include work, recent films, travel experiences and perhaps some of your goals. Don’t get into how many children you want, how annoying your boss is, and your complete dating history unless you want to send your date running for the nearest psych ward.

This initial meeting is really about getting a first impression, and sensing if there are any sparks of attraction that you can build on.
Match.com advises meeting in a safe place, and to make your own way there.

“When you choose to meet offline, always tell a friend where you are going and when you will return. Leave your date’s name and telephone number with your friend. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home. Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time with many people around, and when the date is over, leave on your own as well. A familiar restaurant or coffee shop, at a time when a lot of other people will be present, is often a fine choice.”

Some of the dating websites also organise group face to faces with theme nights like trivia and fancy dress balls. Just like a party really, only everyone there is single so you won’t have to scan for wedding bands.

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