Online Dating Tips

Internet dating is a growing industry. Figures say that anywhere between 40-50 million people are using online dating services to find love. In today's modern world, internet dating is a quick, safe and easy way to find yourself a new partner. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Honesty Is The Best Policy. When you sign up to an online dating site you'll need to fill in some basic information about yourself such as your sex, age, height, body type, likes, dislikes and so on. Don't lie. Relationships are hard enough without potentially starting one based on a web of lies. Be honest. If you say you're 6 foot with a six pack and you're only 5'4" and turn up to your date carrying a six pack the only person you're cheating is yourself.
2. Get A New Picture. People using online dating services want to see who they're talking to. Men especially will set their search to only display ads with pictures so do yourself a favor and make sure that your photo is a recent one. Whilst you may have looked really cute dressed as a bunny when you were 5, it's not going to get you a date. Equally if you've recently changed your appearance (radically different haircut, you now wear glasses, you've had a nose job), make sure the photo accurately reflects the new you.
3. Leave All Your Ex's In Texas. Nobody wants to hear about your past relationships. No, really. It doesn't matter whether it was an amicable break up or you have a restraining order not go within 500 miles of your ex, don't mention them. Ever.
4. Take It Slowly. Don't rush into things. Don't ask for phone numbers, personal e-mail addresses or, worst still, to meet within minutes of chatting to someone on an online dating site. It's important for you and them to get to know the other person first so chat online via e-mail or IM, graduate to the telephone and then the time might be right to meet up.
5. Make It Public. We're not suggesting that you take out an ad in the local paper to say you've met someone. What we mean is that if you do arrange to meet someone from an online dating service make sure you do it in a public place. DON'T arrange to meet at the other persons apartment or house. DO ensure you take your own transport or have someone standing by in the neighborhood to pick you up at a moments notice.
6. Be Mysterious. OK this doesn't mean creating a character online who works for the Government on projects you can't talk about. Basically don't give everything away too early. Online dating is no different to offline dating in this respect. Think of it as part of the selling process. You want to retain some information about yourself to leave the other person wanting more.
7. PMA. Having a positive mental attitude goes a long way. If you're positive the people around you will be positive and the real you will shine through. Besides, nobody likes a moaner. Well not in all cases...which brings us on to the next point...
8. Keep It Clean. Whatever you do, don't go jumping straight into the naughty talk. Sure, everyone likes sex but you will set yourself up as a perv if you launch straight into your sexual desires. A lot of people will be scared off if they think the only reason you've joined the online dating site is for sex. Take it slow. Get to know the other person first. Exchange emails or IM's. Chat on the phone. By this point you'll know whether or not the other person will feel comfortable talking about sex.
9. Use Common Sense. This could cover a multitude of topics but some of the obvious things are don't give out any personal details to someone you've just met online. That includes your telephone number, personal e-mail address, social security number, credit card number, mothers maiden name. Anything which can, and quite possibly will, be used against you at a later date. It's not scare mongering and the online dating community is a much safer place than it used to be but it's still possible that you could end up meeting someone online who isn't who they say they are.
10. Be A Detective. If you do meet someone online and decide to meet up on a date, do a little bit of research first. Even if you're certain that the person you are meeting is 100% genuine, a little research before meeting them is no bad thing. The internet is a truly wonderful thing and you can find a whole host of information in next to no time.