Online Dating Success
Improve Your Chances at Meeting Singles On the Internet
Apr 25, 2007 Chris A. Carberry
Before sitting down at your computer to peruse the plethora of available singles out there you are a few things you can do to improve your chances at dating "successfully" online.
Reveal thyself (honestly)
Get a great digital photo of yourself. Choose a picture that’s very recent (of course), where you’re smiling, and which shows "the real you." If your passion is riding horses, have someone take a picture of you on your horse. If you’re a techno-freak, have someone take your picture at your computer. Do not take the picture yourself - as these tend to be fuzzy close-ups.
Be snappy!
Once you have a great digital photo downloaded, you need to think of a username that might catch the attention of the kind of person you’re looking for. If you want a serious, academic type go with something high-brow, studious and clever. Looking for a fellow sports fanatic? Make up something sporty for instance your favorite team, sport, or an ESPN inside joke word etc.
And you are?
Now that you have the perfect username thought out, you need to do some soul searching. Try to write a paragraph that’s short but gets your point across and says who you are and who you’re looking for. Be honest!
You’ll already (hopefully) have your own email address or you may want to create one that's used separately for your online dating. This can also provide you with a bit of extra security. If, however, you do give someone your private email, do not provide them with any other personal information, such as your home address.
Go fishing!
Continue with your soul-searching and decide what’s important (this will save you time when you’re creating your profile) includign aspects such as religion, children, salary, looks, occupation, personality etc.
Once you know who you are and who you’re looking for, do a little research online. There are literally thousands of different kinds of online dating/matchmaking services out there. One important thing to keep in mind is how much money you’re willing to spend. There are sites out there that are good and absolutely free, including SinglesNet. Most sites, however, generally charge around US$15-$20 a month.
Armed with your photo, knowledge of who you are what you want, your preferred site, and credit card if you’re going to pay for the service – it’s time to get online and create your profile. If you’re serious answer the questions honestly. Some sites will ask for your real information (name, address, phone etc) – make sure the site is legitimate and that they offer security. They use your real information to do a quick type of background check.
Once you're uploaded...
Now that you’re a member you can search for singles in a variety of ways, though the most popular is by zip code. Then, let the flirting, flagging, and emailing begin. Be careful. Be honest but don’t give out private information. It’s okay to say, “I’m a teller at the bank,” or “My son is in middle school,” or “I live in the city (or country).” Be honest but be general. If your zip code is in a town that only has one bank, one middle school or is comprised of one street – tread carefully about what you say.
Setting up the date
If you “meet” someone that you really want to meet in person, set the date for the day time, in a public place you’re comfortable with, but not a place you go to everyday (to ensure your safety in future). Tell a trusted friend or relative about where you’re going, when you’re meeting, and give them the person's name and physical description. You can’t be too careful. Most interested online daters will appreciate your caution and want to meet under the same conditions anyway.
Be honest, be careful, follow your instincts, and good luck. Maybe the next most romantic story generated will be yours.
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