When to comes to the online dating world, there are plenty of disasters waiting to happen. Although some of them are unavoidable, there are many things you can do to prevent a disastrous outcome. As you go through the process of building your online dating profile and communicating with possible matches — following up on our online dating do’s — keep in mind these online dating don’ts:
- Don’t seem desperate, even if you are. If you’re newly in contact with someone, don’t call, text or email him or her more than once a day -– unless they reply. Sure, you may feel like you’ve struck gold and are falling head-over-heels in love, but unless they’re reciprocating in some way, you need to cool those heels. Otherwise, you’ll come across as instable and desperate, and you may end the relationship before it even gets started.
- Don’t lie. We get it. Most folks add an inch to their height, or drop a couple of pounds from their weight. We’re not talking about embellishing small details. But if you suddenly declare that you’re 5’11” at 135 pounds but you really stand at 5’5” and weigh 210, you’re going to have a problem as soon as that online dating romance takes a real-world turn.
- Don’t look for the same kind of person who has hurt you in the past. Some of us are attracted to bad boys or to drama queens, but usually those things don’t work out so well. You need to break your pattern of picking potential lovers who are bad for you, and instead try to find healthy relationships.
- Don’t give it all away right away. We’re not talking about sex, here. Especially with online dating, that should come down the road. We’re talking more about exposing your deepest, darkest secrets. Yes, in the long run you want to meet someone who loves you for who you are, and who accepts your faults. However, you don’t want to advertise those faults. Let the person discover them, one at a time, rather than dumping them all at once.
- Don’t be rude. An obvious one, but we have to say it! If you do manage to land an in-person date, be on time. Don’t be rude, and don’t get drunk — two drinks is a good rule of thumb. Don’t check out other women (or other guys). Use your best manners, and just be courteous.
