Millions of people all over the world go online everyday for various reasons. As more and more people are getting connected through it, the online realm has become an inescapable fact of life.
It seems like anything can be done online nowadays, even dating. Online dating has been getting popular and a lot of online dating sites have mushroomed in recent years. The possibility of finding that special someone is now not limited to personal contact but can be done through a computer.
Online dating sure is exciting. You get to meet online various kinds of people from different parts of the world. You can also learn about the culture in other societies in this setup. Then, there is the chance of finding the right person you would want to spend the rest of your life with.
Many have indeed found love through online dating but others have sad, even traumatic, stories to tell. Since communication between online daters seems impersonal, as compared to the traditional getting up close and personal way, because it is done in the online realm, you can never really tell if a person is the real deal or not.
Just like in real dating, you need to take certain precautions to protect your safety and welfare. This is what you should consider first and foremost when deciding to try online dating. Set your goal and expectations and act accordingly. You wouldn’t want to hurt yourself, or others, in the event it doesn’t work out, do you?
Do not just sign up for an online dating site at random. Ask your friends, if they have tried online dating before, for advice. You can also do some research on the internet and can read up reviews of this kind of sites. The important thing here is you choose a respectable dating site.
When creating your profile, be truthful. Just imagine what will happen if you are already engaged to a person you met through online dating and the love of your life discovered that you lied. The again, it is best to omit certain personal information like your home address and phone number. The last thing you would appreciate is a disgruntled admirer stalking you.
On the other hand, don’t believe everything you read and see. Most people who sign up for online dating sights put their best foot forward and even go the extra mile to exaggerate just to impress. If the person seems too good to be true, more often than not, something is not right. Take everything you read and see with a grain of salt and reserve your judgment. You can check on their personal information as they are verifiable to see if they are really telling the truth. You deserve a good date, not a liar.
Don’t rush things. Don’t get into any situation you are not ready for. Just enjoy the process and the excitement. Also, do not overdo it. Do not correspond to everybody who happens to catch your eye all at the same time. It would be physically taxing and emotionally confusing in the long run.
When online dating and when chatting, do not lie, be polite, and, most importantly, be yourself. Focus on what you have and do not exaggerate. Be truthful about how you look. Be cautious in answering personal questions. If you’re not ready to answer some questions, be prepared to inform your date. It would also be wise to stay away from controversial topics. The rule of thumb here would be not to say anything you wouldn’t say face to face anytime to a complete stranger.
In the event that you agree to meet (personally) somebody you met online, meet in a public place. Inform somebody close to you about the date. Dress appropriately and bring your own transportation. Trust your gut feeling and leave if you feel uncomfortable. In the event your first real date is a success, it is important not to rush things. Enjoy and go with the flow of discovering a new love.
I hope this has been useful…
Billy Baker
