Online Dating Tips For First Timers

In this electronic age, more and more people are connecting via mobile phones, sms, social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and instant messengers. Have you ever thought of seeking love and romance online? Unlike other forms of dating, online dating allows you to do it from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.

You may ask - does online dating work? It depends. There may be a genuine online chemistry which may lead to a meeting and from there; it develops into a real life relationship.

Interested to learn more about how to get on the online dating wagon? We have 14 online dating tips for first timers to get started on the journey of finding true love online.

1. Sign up for an email address specifically for your online dating search. You can register for free email accounts from Yahoo, Google, Hotmail etc.

2. Consider installing an Instant Messenger program on your computer. Commonly used Instant Messenger programs are Yahoo's Messenger, Hotmail MSN Messenger and Skype. You may wish to get a microphone and webcam for your computer as most Instant Messenger programs allow you to chat via your computer.

3. Decide which online dating sites you are going to sign up with. There are hundreds of dating websites to choose from. Some factors to consider when selecting a dating website are pricing, features, verification service, demographics of the participants etc. It is also useful to read up on the public reviews on the dating websites.
4. Once you have decided on which online dating sites you are registering with, you will need to create an online dating profile. To learn how to set up an effective online profile, please read our upcoming blog entry on How to write an online personal profile.

5. There are so many profiles to choose and read from at each dating website. Use the search features provided to find someone who meets your requirements and initiate contact with your matches.

6. The first contact with your love interest is usually anonymous. Do not reveal very personal information such as telephone number or your residential address unless you are prepared for any adverse consequences. Once you are more comfortable communicating with him or her, you may want to exchange your email or Instant Messenger contact details.

7. Decide the time and duration you will make yourself available for chatting online. (If you are in an engaging conversation, the minutes can easily turn into hours when you chat online!) and set ground rules for how personal chats are going to be. If the content seems to be sizzling up and you can sense that the other party is uncomfortable or if they have a bad day and do not feel like discussing some personal issues, respect their personal space and do not persist or you might find yourself back at the dating site searching for another match.

8. Be attentive to important dates and information so that you can send birthday greetings, congratulations electronic cards etc. to your love interest.

9. Be wary of people who ask you to send money to them online as there are many such people involved in scams which take advantage of lonely hearts.

10. Do not lie, exaggerate or exhibit pessimism. Focus on your strengths and make the most of your assets. Be truthful about your personality, looks, weight and marital status. After all, internet dating may eventually lead to a real-life meeting.

11. Be wary of the "too good to be true" online personalities. Your rich and young hunk may be an old and married grandfather behind the computer.

12. If you decide to meet your love interest for the first time, wear something smart. Choose a public area where there are plenty of people such as a restaurant but not so crowded or noisy till it drowns your conversation. The meeting should be preferably during the day. Do not meet at their place or yours.

13. Should you have any reservations about meeting your online love interest, do not meet him or her. Always use your judgement and trust your instincts.

14. Always inform a close family member or friend where, when and with whom you are meeting. Give them a call to keep them informed once your meeting ends.

Good luck! With this 14 online dating tips for first timers, you're set to go.