Online Dating Guide - Part 1
Getting started in online dating
Congratulations! You're about to take the big leap into
the world of online dating. It's natural to be nervous and a little bit
of cautiousness is actually a good thing.
Before you sign up with a matchmaking or friendship
service, we suggest that you read through this free guide for some
handy tips and hints. We want your experience to be enjoyable and
successful and by taking a few minutes to read this guide, you'll be
helping to ensure that your experience is a positive one!
Personal photos
With many dating services you are encouraged to upload a photo. Most people will not even bother to contact anyone that does not have a photo so it would be a good idea to upload one. In fact I would be wary of anyone that did not want to show me his or her photo.
Take care in choosing your photo. Do not use studio or model shoot photos as these are generally looked upon as being "fake". Get a friend to take a shot of you. Try to make an effort to look happy, relaxed and natural.
Take care with your personal profile
When writing your advert be careful not to rush it. Nothing looks worse than an advert that is full of spelling errors and low quality. Take your time and use spellchecker. Do not write one or two liners. This may come across as lazy or lacking motivation to actually meet someone. Post your advert when you have proof read it and are happy with the way it reads.
Don't be negative in your advertisement and try not to use words like, lonely, desperate, bored etc. It would probably not be a good idea to talk about sex either. Try to leave a little to the imagination and use a "teaser" - Like talking about an unusual hobby that you would love to tell when your advert is answered. This helps to create curiosity on the reader's part.
It is important how you respond to other people's adverts. Create a "response template" and then add an extra piece that relates to the writer. Make sure you show an interest in finding out more about them. Once again, use a spell checker and proof read your response.
Remain pro-active in your search for someone. Posting up your advert and waiting is not necessarily going to mean you will meet someone. Join a service where there are a few people you would be interested in meeting - then join.
Even if you don't want to meet the person who responds to your advert, make sure you respond to them. It is a human being on the other end of that message and it can be quite heartbreaking getting no response. If let down gently, the blow is a little easier to take.
Part 2 - Making
decisions and communicating
Part 3 - Early warning
signs and personal safety
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