By Jennifer Angel

Dating online provides a way to meet new people and see if there is some compatibility prior to meeting them in person. Just like the real world of dating, online dating comes with some guidelines that should be followed. Learning the do’s and don’ts of online dating is important for the millions of people who wish to join in the exciting possibilities of meeting someone on line.

DO: Use a reputable chat or dating service. Do searches to make sure the sites you are dealing wth have a good reputation. Check on people’s comments to see what others have experienced.

DON’T: List your home phone while signing up. If a number is needed, use your cell phone. Be very careful about who you give your phone number out to, some people fall into the category of being obsessive and you do not want some love sick crazy phoning you at all hours.

DO: Be honest in your personal advert and include a photo. There is no point lying about who you are, because the time will come when you will want to meet someone or take your communications further and you want to make sure you are the person they like, not a fabrication of who you are.

DON’T: Disclose any personal information that could lead to your address, phone number, or last name. Guard your details fiercely. You are in control of what you do and don’t give out, keep it that way.

DO: Research different services to find one that feels right for you. Do some research so you know what is available, it is important to be comfortable with the choices you make and feel that you are being looked after from a service level as well as a safety factor.

DON’T: Post suggestive pictures or usernames. Keep in mind that the people who view you on dating sites, don’t know anything about you, so what you show is the image you present. Make sure you are presenting the look and image of yourself that you really want to portray.

DO: Plan a phone date before deciding to meet in person. It is a good idea to have as much communication via phone text and email, and also video, before actually meeting someone, the more comfortable you can feel about a face to face date the better.

DON’T: Be rushed into meeting someone until you are comfortable and ready. Take your time, if someone is pressuring you to move faster than you’d like than maybe you should back away.

DO: Tell a friend or family member who, where and when you will be meeting. It’s a good idea to let someone know where your whereabouts, it’s not being overly cautious, it’s being smart!

DON’T: Ask the other person to pick you up. It is best to be independent and make your own way to a meeting place, rather than be in the control of someone else.

DO: Refrain from drinking; it could impair your ability to make good decisions. Or, if you do want to have a drink, decide beforehand how much you are going to have. You know what your border line is, so don’t’ go over it.

DON’T: Lead the person on if you don’t feel a connection. If you don’t see an association with someone going any further, say so, but of course, there is no point being nasty about it, be compassionate and diplomatic.

DO: Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, then there is a good chance that it isn’t, follow your intuition at all times, it won’t let you down.

DON’T: Leave your cell phone behind. Always keep it with you and never unattended. Having you phone on you can give you a sense of security and make sure you have numbers programmed in that you can call quickly if needed.

DO: Try to relax, be yourself and have a good time! Even if you meet someone you don’t think will be a forever after love connection, enjoy the experience!
If you can follow these general guidelines, online dating can be a great and safe experience. People can say whatever they want in a public profile, so always be smart, alert, and listen to your instincts. It’s very much a possibility that the person you intend to be with is just an email away, but never let your guard down when searching for your love destiny.

Happy Dating!

Previous Articles:

• THE LOVE TRIANGLE

• Dealing with Control Issues

• Relationship Hot List!

• Single & Sick of It

• How available are you – really?

• Beauty Maintenance! To Attract Love – Pay Attention to the Details.

• Being the best you can be!

• Where to meet your soul sweetheart!

• Friends with your Lover

• Is it time for Intimacy?

• To Date or Not to Date

• Relationship Cyber Flirting

• Relationship Introduction

• Relationship Attentiveness

• Relationship Secret Weapon

• Relationship Confidence

• Is it time to make a Commitment?

• More FABULOUS FLIRTING tips

• Love Dissolutions!

• DATING - STAGE TWO - IS IT TIME TO GET COMFORTABLE?

• DATING - STAGE ONE - The Curiosity Stage

• First Date Jitters

• POWER WOMEN WHO LOVE NURTURING MEN

• Flirting Body Language

• What’s Next – Sex or Romance?

• A Smile Lights Up Your Face

• Are You Being Heard?

• Beauty Inside Out

• CONTROL FREAKS – Are you the Slave or the Master?

• Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder!

• Make Every Date a ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS!

• Beyond Infatuation

• Is it Love, Lust or Loneliness

• First Date Jitters

• Spring Clean your Dating Gene

• Playing The Game of Love

• How compatible are you socially?

• Laughing Matters

• Positive Outcomes of Relationship Conflict