Whether we believe it or not, we all need dating tips, especially for online dating.
Meeting someone in the supermarket or at a family function happens but usually in the movies. If you want to date, you have to be proactive and make the effort.
For internet dating, you will need to choose a reliable and reputable site of which there is an assortment. At this stage it may be prudent to mention your login or user name that you choose at the beginning of the whole process. If not using your own name, names with the words lonely, alone, desperate, I need, help, suicidal, tiggywinkle, fluffykins, stud, big boy etc are just not going to help. Whilst some are slightly funny, this soon wears off after a while.
An important first stage is to produce a realistic yet flattering photo of yourself. This is best done with the help of a friend and a decent camera. Take as many shots as you can and then choose the best. If you don't like any of them, do some more! As for those who do not load up a photo, what an earth do you think that is going to achieve? Don't waste your time, save your monthly subscription and stay home and watch soaps on television for the rest of your life.
A picture of you laughing is far more attractive and communicating than a statement in your profile that says 'I have a good sense of humour'. This is probably the one sentence that people with a good sense of humour never use in their everyday lives. So ask yourself, are you interested in people who do not have a picture of themselves? Plus, are they being genuine about their personal circumstances? Maybe they don't want to be recognised, especially by their wife or husband!
Always load up more than one photo to try and give a 3D presentation of yourself. It is no good trying to hide, you will be revealed when you meet and then it may be a waste of time for both people.
Then there is that all important personal profile. It is not just what is says but the way it is written. An otherwise interesting profile is often ruined by spelling mistakes, and incorrect grammar. For some online daters this can be a major factor in whether they decide to chat to you or move on to the next profile. With so many choices in online dating, it is very easy to move past to the next profile if yours does not impress.
The profile should be short, punchy and a little humourous. It is not necessary to reveal your whole life including children, pets, hobbies, work, etc. Imagine you met someone in a bar, would you launch in to your full life history in the first minute? Of course not. A little mystery is engaging and remember the golden rule: unavailable is attractive. We all want what we think we cannot have.
Monitor your responses. If you discover you are not receiving many 'hits', review your profile and photos and making some changes may help improve your success.
Once we have gone through the wink and nod stage, try sending a message. Again, keep this short and light. There is no right and wrong in what you say but it would be wise to keep away from politics, religion, why you hate your ex partner and how many guns you own in the first email or instant message.
There is a term that covers all of the above common sense.
