With the popularity of online dating, more and more people are turning to the internet to find their matches, but it’s not without its risks. In order to make the most of your online dating experience and increase your chances of finding a compatible partner, there are some things you should do – and some things you should definitely avoid. Here are a few dos and don’ts to help make your online dating experience as smooth as possible.

Online dating DOs

• Do use catchy pictures for your profile
  
  There’s a reason why your best pictures are the ones you use for your online dating profile. When potential dates are browsing through profiles, they’re looking for someone who looks attractive and interesting. Having catchy and good-quality photos can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of finding someone special. So be sure to choose the right pictures, and put your best foot forward!

• Do meet in a public place
  
  When you are going to meet someone for the first time that you have met online, it is always best to meet in a public place. This will help ensure both your safety and peace of mind. Plus, it can be a great opportunity to get to know each other better. 

• Do use a good opening line
  
  The first thing you need to do on an online dating site is set yourself apart from the rest of the users. The best way? Be creative with your opening message. So don’t start with a basic “Hey, what’s up?” Instead, take some time looking through their profile and reference something specific to them in your first message. If they have a unique dressing or they have coloured hair, bring that up in your opening message. If they have a pet in one of her pictures, talk about it. If they mention something unique such as skydiving in their bio, ask them where they had done it! Start the conversation with mentioning something in her bio instead of a generic ‘hi’. And also, do not compliment her on her looks in your opening message.

• Do be aware of scams
  
  Some scammers will create fake profiles with pictures of attractive people, and they’ll start talking to you as if they’re interested in getting to know you. But eventually, they’ll ask for money, often claiming that they need it for some emergency. Don’t let yourself be scammed – be careful about who you talk to online, and never send anyone money unless you’re sure that they’re legitimate.

Online dating DONTs

• Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not
  
  Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but it’s important to be yourself. If you try to pretend to be someone you’re not, you’ll probably end up meeting someone who is disappointed when they find out the truth. It’s better to be honest and truthful from the beginning so that both of you can have a good experience. Be yourself and you’ll likely find someone who likes you for who you are.

• Don’t disclose your personal information
  
  Dating online is one of the most convenient ways to meet people, but be careful about how much personal information you share. It’s important not to disclose your address, phone number, or other personal details until you know the person you’re talking to is trustworthy. Doing so can put you at risk for identity theft or other scams. 

• Don’t be overly trusting
  
  Always exercise caution when talking to someone new online because expecting everyone to be as honest as you are can be dangerous. People can be anything they want to be online, from posting old photos to lying about their backgrounds, which is why it is important to meet the other party in person. So take everything with a grain of salt until you meet in person. 

• Don’t send messages with spelling or grammar errors
  
  Remember that your words are your first impression. Spelling and grammar mistakes can give the wrong impression and may cost you a chance at a date. Avoid these mistakes by proofreading your messages before you send them. If you need help with your spelling or grammar, there are apps and websites available that can help you improve your skills. 

• Don’t let yourself feel bitter about the date being cancelled
  
  If someone cancels plans with you, be open-minded and understanding. They might have gotten busy or overbooked themselves, so don’t let yourself feel bitter! Use this as an opportunity to show how cool you are – maybe they want another date in the future.
  
  There’s nothing worse than having plans cancelled on you at the last minute. It’s even more frustrating when the person who cancelled is someone that you were looking forward to seeing. Don’t let yourself feel bitter, instead, reply with humour. It will make you feel better in the long run and can lighten up any lingering tension. Plus, the other person is sure to appreciate your good attitude! For example: “Hey no problem – you’ll be twice as much fun next time!

Millions of people turn to online dating every year in search of that special someone. While the process can be fun and exciting, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your experience is positive and successful.  

If you’re looking to up your online dating game, consider taking a dating course from CGull. We can help you boost your self-confidence and charisma so that you can make the best impression possible on potential partners. Our courses are affordable and taught by experts in the field, so contact us today to get started!