As you begin your venture with online dating,
it is important to remember that while there are tremendous
advantages, there are some disadvantages. Unlike traditional
dating, you do not have the benefit of seeing a person
face-to-face, which helps you judge reactions. With online
dating, you are learning about a person on words only! While
this is great for getting to know someone for their heart and
not their looks, it also creates the challenge in that you
cannot see the reactions that go along with the words.
Unfortunately, far too many people that get involved with online
dating jump right into conversations, sharing some very intimate
and personal things as they try to overcome the barrier of not
having a visual connection. Just remember that there is a time
and place for sharing certain aspects of your life. When you
first start communicating with a person, the tone should be
light and fun. If that friendship builds over time, then other
more personal details can be discussed.
However, when you first meet someone, do not start by pouring
out your soul, telling him or her all about your ex-spouse or
ex-significant other. This is a huge turnoff, and an excellent
way to scare someone away. Save that kind of talk for your
Thursday night poker game or day at the hairdresser.
Online dating services are made up of all types
of people, including thousands and thousands of single parents.
While most parents want to brag about their children and their
accomplishments, the children should stay out of the
conversation initially. Although a little bit is fine to break
the ice and find common ground, you are trying to build a
romantic connection so keep the topic of children for a later
conversation.
Meeting someone online is very exciting and
can make you feel like a love struck teenager but do your best
not to sound like one. Typically, a man and woman are looking
for someone that is mature, someone that has potential for being
a lifetime partner. If you start acting giddy or silly, you will
likely turn that person away. Now, there is nothing wrong with
flirtation, being happy, and laughing, but make sure it is not
over the top.
Avoid talking about personal things such as financial
problems, health issues, or stories about your dysfunctional family.
In most cases, these things are best left unsaid. As your relationship
blossoms, you can begin to share certain things but opening up
as soon as you meet is a very bad mistake that many people make.
Finally, always be honest. Even if it means
poking fun at yourself for something silly you did, laugh about
it and tell the truth. After all, if the relationship moves
forward, the truth will come out eventually. Therefore, it is
better to be yourself upfront than to mask the person you are,
only to be found out and have a potential relationship fall
apart. |