Do’s and Don’ts of Online Dating
Online dating can be a double-edged sword. There are things that you should do for yourself and others and also things that you should not do when dating online. Many may seem obvious; however, they are all worth a repeat just in case. Safety is an important factor when on sites such as Tinder.
Do Be Honest
When it comes to posting the profile picture and other photos for your profile. Be honest about it. Do not use a photo that is more than a year old. Do not use one that looks completely different than you do at present. Of course, you should only use your own photos, not someone else’s or even photo stock photos.
Do Learn The Lingo
You would be far better off if you take the time to learn the distinct language use for online dating. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. People tend to jazz up the height and weight by a few or more pounds. Same as with age, many will try to be younger than what they are. Also, when it comes to a person sounding extremely vague about an issue, it is likely not the whole truth.
The point is to stay aware of your surroundings, stay aware of the way other people sound when they talk. Stay aware that many people will lie on their profiles.
Use Your Phone
There is no need that should keep you two messaging online for very long. If there is an interest, start using the phone to speak to each other. If the other person hesitates on the move, it is time to move on.
The phone helps to show if the two personalities can meld together or if there is a brick wall of differences.
>>Related Content: Online Dating Vs. Offline Dating
Do Meet In Public
When the time comes, meet at a popular public location. It may seem like you know each other; there is no reason to take a chance however. Pin your meeting locale onto your phone, let others know where you are going and with who.
You can also arrange to have someone else around or a couple around to keep an eye on the two of you, so nothing fishy happens. If it gets necessary, a quick signal to get them to your side is the safest bet. The other person may seem like a dream and the perfect person. Think of Ted Bundy, think of Aileen Wournos. There are dangerous people in the world who at first seemed friendly and personable. Then suddenly, they were monsters.
Do Not Let Too Many People Waiting For You
If you have met someone that you are interested in, go for it. Do not keep a string of eligible people dangling on a line waiting for you.
Do Not Share Personal Information Too Early
Until you are sure of the person that you are dating, do not share your address or other personal information such as your job. Any information that could be of help locating you is not something you want to share. For example, living in New York is good. Living in the Bronx is good. Do not tell anyone which part of the Bronx you are living in. If things do not work out on the first date, you do not want this person coming to your home and causing a scene or even worse.
>>Also Read: Most Common Online Dating Scams
Do Not Judge A Book (Only) By Its Cover
Do not choose a match based only on how they look. Again, one of the most prolific serial killers in the United States was nice looking and seemed perfect. A photo is not really worth a thousand words. Talk is, discussions are, safety is. This is a time when you should be considering personality traits and other information when deciding on a match.
Beware of Promises
When a profile says that they are looking to spoil the right person, be wary. Although many are capable of doing so, it is technically just a pick-up line.
Keep In Mind That Not All People Online Are Honest
Even though you know not to use old photos that are years old and make you look like a bodybuilder, not everyone does understand they need to be honest. Look closely at the profile picture. Even better, copy and paste the photo into a google search and see what comes up. You do not want to be duped by anyone. This is also another reason to meet in public and have a friend there in the background watching you. Take all possible safety precautions available to you until you feel better being around a person.
Don’t Be What You Are Not
Be you! Do not try to impress a person by embellishing any part of you, not your career, not your age, and not your weight. There is never a good time to act like someone you are not.
>>Also Read: Why Online Dating Can Be Bad
Keep The Past In The Past
Even if you have had a bad break up shortly before, do not carry that weight with you on a first date. Not everybody is going to be like your ex. No new relationship can survive when past drama is brought along into the present.
Do Not Give Up
Even if the first meeting with that hot guy does not work out, do not give up. There are many people out there, and even on Tinder, it takes a bit to find the right match.
Online dating can be a double-edged sword. There are things that you should do for yourself and others and also things that you should not do when dating online. Many may seem obvious; however, they are all worth a repeat just in case. Safety is an important factor when on sites such as Tinder. Do Be…