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Ten things you should know about online dating

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by Aelicia Anderson

You can find every type of person that tickles your fancy with online dating - but before you begin pinging every hot profile, make sure you know the 10 rules about online dating.

Online dating is the wave of the future for busy professionals, returnees to the social dating scene, and those who are starting a new career. Whether you just want to try a chat room or have already seen some profiles that interest you, there are ten rules about online dating that every web surfer should know.

1. Understand yourself

Are you looking to just spend some time entertaining yourself in chat rooms? Looking for someone to hang out with on the weekends? Seeking a one night stand? Trying to find Mr. or Ms. Right? Determine your goals for online dating and stick to them - otherwise you might hurt the feelings of others or find yourself scraping up the pieces of another failed relationship.

2. Use your network

Many people are finding their relationships with online dating. You’ll be surprised to find out that your friends are spending time in chat rooms and sorting through profiles. Ask them what works, and what sites to use. The best advice comes from someone you trust.

3. Slow and steady!

There is no need to rush into taking the next step with online dating. Spend as much time in the chat room or talking on the phone as you want - make sure you’re ready to meet face-to-face to create a good experience for the both of you.

4. Be totally honest

If you really want to experience success with online dating, you must be honest. While you cannot control the actions of others, maintaining accountability to yourself will thwart the temptation to attach someone else’s picture to your profile or lie about your past.

5. Manage your matches

Online dating can be overwhelming. It’s a lot easier to browse profiles of individuals that you know are looking for a relationship than to strike up a conversation with someone at the bar. Choose a few of the most interesting profiles, take notes, and limit yourself to corresponding with them at first. You can always look again if they don’t work out, and this will avoid too much activity and confusing emotions.

6. Not all text is truth

Snakes in the grass are everywhere on the internet. It’s completely acceptable to question the information provided to you in a chat room or on a personal profile. Don’t be afraid to check public records or make a few phone calls for verification purposes.

7. Chat room etiquette

That old adage “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” still applies to online dating. Chat rooms often give people a sense of invincibility. When the fingers start flying, things tend to move fast and have the potential to get steamy. Stop. Think. If you wouldn’t say it to a complete stranger face-to-face, don’t say it at all.

8. Paying for an online dating service might not be so bad

It is a good idea to invest in you! There are many online dating services that charge a membership fee. Considering that people who are willing to pay for a service might be more serious about who they are and what they want - leading to better relationships.

9. Correspond quickly

If you are new to the internet and computers, it is possible that you won’t access chat rooms or your email every day. Try not to make yourself too unavailable, as interested parties might lose patience if they wait a week to hear an email response, or they never see your screen name light up in the chat room.

10. Safety first, second, and third

If you decided that a face-to-face meeting is in order, consider your own safety. Meet in a public place with many people and provide your own transportation. This applies to not only the first date, but the subsequent ones as well if you have a good time.

About the Author:
Shortly after graduating business school in 2002, Albreda Anderson met the love of her life in an online dating chat room. She is now happily married. Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.



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One Response to “Ten things you should know about online dating”

  1. dating websites on December 18th, 2007 10:25 am

    Looking for free dating websites and i saw you , while your post may be unrelated to what i am looking for but i still appreciate it, it is sensible compared to the others i have come across - wish you all the best.

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