DO' S AND DON'TS OF ONLINE DATING

For online dating to be fun and safe, you have to keep ten things in mind. The do’s of online dating include: choose your date well; be honest, unique and courteous; take one date a time; respect each other’s privacy; and have fun. The don’ts, on the other hand, include: avoid being obsessive, don’t hog the conversation, and don’t rush things.

The advent of the internet and technology has redefined the ways of social interaction and networking. These new developments have been opportune for online dating. Websites offering dating and matchmaking services have made Tampa dating much easier. Online dating can be a fun and exciting way to meet new people and establish relationships, but you have to remember a few important rules to make the date enjoyable and safe.

THE DO'S :

1. Choose your date well - This is the most basic thing to remember when dating online. On dating websites, opportunities are seemingly limitless, but it doesn’t mean that all of them are right for you. Before you jump into a date, give yourself an idea of what you are truly looking for in a person. In this way, you won’t have difficulty sorting out which ones you should follow through and which ones you should decline.
   
2. Be honest - Honesty goes a long way. Practically speaking, this means posting accurate and real pictures of yourself and adding sincere details to describe yourself. Avoid using somebody else’s identity or pictures that are inaccurate. Describing yourself sincerely and avoiding euphemisms will also help gain a potential date’s trust. You don’t have to reveal every bit of information about yourself, keeping it honest and simple will attract potential dates and make them take you seriously.
   
3. Be unique - Your online profile is your way of ‘selling’ yourself to potential dates. Besides being honest, you could spark people’s interest by being unique. It helps to be yourself because nobody can play the part better. Your uniqueness and individuality can help you stand out from the sea of date-seeking people.
   
4. Be courteous - Being courteous applies both online and in real life. Saying “please” and “thank you” are little details that your date will definitely remember. Be polite and avoid making brash remarks or offensive comments. Think over your words well before saying them to your date.
   
5. Take one date at a time - Dating websites have made the searching and choosing process much easier and may even widen your choice of prospects to a significant degree. But that doesn’t mean you have to jump at every dating opportunity that comes your way. Focus your attention on one person at a time. This will give you time to know your date better and avoid things getting complicated later on.
   
6. Respect each other’s privacy - Remember, dating also has its own set of risks. Learn to set boundaries and control the information you give out online or during the date. Reserve important information about yourself for the person whom you have known well enough to trust. For the same reasons, respect the other person’s privacy and avoid asking questions that are too personal in nature.
   
7. Have fun - The point of dating is to know people and have fun in the process. Plan out the date properly and make sure that it is enjoyable to both of you. Avoid talking about your ex, and maintain light conversations with topics that are pleasant for both of you.
   

THE DON'TS:

1. Don’t be obsessive - If your date didn’t work out the way you wanted it to be or the other person just didn’t seem to be interested in you, don’t obsess over the situation. Move on and don’t take the rejection too seriously. As the adage goes, “there are plenty of fish in the sea.”
2. Don’t hog the conversation - Remember, dating should be fun for you and your date. Don’t hog the conversation. Learn to ask questions and listen to answers. Be a sensitive listener by remembering the details and knowing what the person is saying directly or indirectly. Listening also gives your date the impression that you are taking them seriously and that they are important to you.
   
3. Don’t rush things - Dating should be a casual experience. Learn to enjoy things one step at a time, and don’t rush into long-term commitments or plans. Taking things slowly will allow you to know your date better and strengthen your bond.
   

The internet has made social activities such as dating much easier and more exciting, but this technology should not be abused. Online dating could be fun, memorable and safe for both people when they know the what to do and what not to do.