Online Dating Tips

Online dating can be a little scary the first time you try it, and many people are put off because they just don't know what to expect. So here's a quick guide to help you find your way into the online dating scene.

• Don't ever give your phone number, full name or address, work place, e-mail address or birthday out either in your profile or in online conversations. There are criminals who specialise in identity fraud, and in any case, you deserve your privacy.
• Try to be as honest as possible when filling out your profile, answering another persons queries and posting photos. Remember, you are hopefully going to meet face to face after online dating.
• Send messages to a wide variety of potential dates- the more you send, the better chance you have of getting an answer that seems right for you. Men in particular, often don't know how to write a good profile when online dating, and may seem dull or uninteresting when in real life they are fine, so its worth sending a message to see.
• Online dating is easy to do, you can sit at your computer and chat independantly to as many people as you want. If someone bothers you after you have decided to stop talking to them, its simple to block them from contacting you.
• Use photo options if you are offered them- you will get more responses. Show yourself doing something you enjoy, like skiing or playing tennis.
• When looking at potential dates, be wary and try to find out as much as possible about the person before meeting them. There are phrases used in online dating which mean more than you may realise- for instance, if a man wants to meet women between the ages of 25-45, he is not thinking of settling down. A man who describes lots of physical attributes, such as ' up to 50 kilos' may well be looking for a one night stand, too. A woman who says she is voluptuous may well be extremely over weight. If there is no photo available, ask to be sent one.
• When you think you have finally found someone worth meeting, its time to make the jump from online dating to real life. Set up a meeting in a public place, ideally a coffee shop or bar. Don't allow your date to pick you up at home or work, and have an excuse ready if you decide to cut the date short. Even if someone seems right for you when online dating, face to face there may not be chemistry. Tell a friend or family member where you are, and who you are with.

Remember these simple rules, and online dating may be the place you find Mr or Mrs Right!