Most modern singles have at least tried some form of online dating. In fact, finding a partner through the internet is now one of the most popular ways of starting a relationship.

Looking for love online has similarities to dating in person, but some of the rules are different. For the best chance at success, consider these 10 tips for smart online dating.

Too many people treat online dating as a venue for placing an order rather than a way of getting to know people.

1. Choose the right site.

There are literally hundreds of online dating sites. They range from very general to specific sites for people of a certain age or other particular characteristics. Some require you to answer pages of questions about who you are and what you’re looking for, while others have no requirements at all.

Consider which site is most likely to have other participants that you would like to meet. If your dating site is based on swiping left or right because you are or aren’t attracted to a picture, don’t be surprised if the people you meet are shallow and concerned more about looks than personality. If you are only interested in casual dating, don’t choose a site that states marriage is the goal.

2. Watch out for hook-ups, unless that’s what you want.

Many people on dating sites are looking for someone special for a relationship and maybe more, but you’ll also find plenty of profiles from people who just want a night of fun. These people are sometimes married or in a relationship already and are just looking for some action on the side.

If a one-night stand is what you’re after, there are sites specifically for that. If you are interested in forming a relationship, stay on guard for people who don’t really want to give their hearts away. Unfortunately, some people act like they want to be part of a couple, but all they really want is a hook-up.

Be careful about ruling people out too quickly, especially based on qualities like looks or hobbies.

3. Avoid ruling people out too quickly.

Ask people who met the loves of their lives in person and many will tell you that they wouldn’t have dreamed they’d end up with someone like their partner. Too many people treat online dating as a venue for placing an order rather than a way of getting to know people.

Be careful about ruling people out too quickly, especially based on qualities like looks or hobbies. People who only want someone of a certain height or with a specific eye color are ruling out a lot of wonderful potential partners. Someone you never thoughts you’d be attracted to could turn out to be something special, so don’t be quick to judge.

4. Send just one message and wait.

When you make contact with someone for the first time, keep your message short and interesting. Don’t just say hello, but instead comment on something on the person’s profile or ask a question. Don’t expect an answer immediately, even if the site shows that the person is online. People have real lives and responsibilities, and some people like to take a little time before responding. Give someone at least 24 hours to answer your message before sending another one or assuming that the person isn’t interested in you.

Think carefully about what you say online.

5. Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say in person.

The anonymity of communicating online can cause people to lose their inhibitions. Don’t let this happen to you. When considering what you will say to a potential date, keep in mind that if it’s not appropriate in person then it’s not appropriate online.

Think carefully about what you say online. You could easily end up coming off as too forward, too judgmental or just plain rude.

6. Talk to, and date, a lot of people.

People who have the most success with online dating are those who screen a lot of candidates before finding the right person. Be open to conversations with many people and arrange to meet people in person if you like them. Avoid narrowing in on one person before you’ve had a chance to get to know others.

Like many other parts of life, online dating takes perseverance and time. You can’t expect to fall in love with the first person you meet.

7. Go on short first dates.

The first time you meet someone in person, keep it short. Meet for coffee or drinks, not for a meal. Half an hour is really all you need to find out if there is a spark, and it can be excruciating spending several hours with someone you are not enjoying.

A short date gives you and the other person a chance to consider whether or not you’d like to meet again.

8. If you’re interested, respond right away.

Once you meet someone for the first time, go ahead and send that text or email if you had a great time and want to see the person again. There’s no reason to wait more than a day or even a few hours to communicate with someone you’d like to see again. You don’t have to play games. You’re both there for the same reason.

9. Don’t take rejection personally.

If you meet a lot of people, you’re going to feel a connection to some and not to others. At some point, you are probably going to be interested in someone who doesn’t share the same feeling.

It’s not fun to be rejected, but don’t get angry or upset. There are lots of reasons that the other person might not have felt a spark, and it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you.

Like many other parts of life, online dating takes perseverance and time.

10. Don’t be afraid to block someone.

Ghosting, or disappearing when you aren’t interested, is rude. You should always be upfront and tell people honestly when you don’t want to see them again. However, it’s okay to simply disappear if someone becomes obsessive or doesn’t take no for an answer. Don’t let anyone ruin your online dating experience by refusing to leave you alone. Go ahead and block them if that’s what it takes.

Dating online doesn’t have to be hard. Your experience can be fun, educational and even very successful as long as you are honest and make the right choices. Use these 10 tips for smart online dating to help you have the best chance of finding someone terrific online.

https://blog.datingwise.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/browsing_online-1024x673.jpghttps://blog.datingwise.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/browsing_online-150x150.jpgtaraDating EssentialsDating Websites,Ghosting,Personal Profiles,RejectionMost modern singles have at least tried some form of online dating. In fact, finding a partner through the internet is now one of the most popular ways of starting a relationship. Looking for love online has similarities to dating in person, but some of the rules are different. For...Advice and Tips for Online Dating