#1  Always post a picture
This is very important and can have a huge affect on how many people both view and respond to your profile.  By not posting a picture you also run the risk of people judging you, wondering if there is a reason why you have not put one up.  A question like “Are they hiding something?” can enter peoples minds by not having one up.

Don’t be frightened to post your picture.  If you are unhappy with your looks then take some time to improve them for a photo, or only use a photo you are happy with.  We all have them, that one photo taken last Christmas with the family where they caught your best side and you can’t stop admiring it.

Most importantly though, whichever photo you choose to put up make sure it is a true representation of what you look like now.  There is no point posting a photo that is five years old or one that shows you with long hair if you have now shortened it.

#2: Listen more than talking
People want to talk, some a lot.  But one of the biggest problems some online daters find is that they can actually turn people off them by talking too much.  A great way to impress someone is to listen.  Let them do the talking.  People want someone to be interested in them and what they have to say.

 
#3: Read the profiles before saying hello
Sometimes eagerness to message someone because of their photo can turn out to be a huge mistake.  It can result in you sending a message that is totally inappropriate and may make the receiver feel that you don’t deserve a response.  So before you even consider messaging someone make sure you have read through their entire profile.  Then you will be able to ask questions based on what they have talked about.

 
#4: Respect members
Sometimes online daters may be communicating with a member for weeks and may feel it is developing nicely when all of a sudden they never hear from them again.  This may be due to many reasons including the fact they may have met someone else.  If this turns out to be you then please show some respect and inform the members you have been chatting with of your reasons for ceasing  communications.  A quick email can suffice, you will get a lot more respect.  Just remember, treat others as you would like to be treated by them.

#5: Never be rude or crude

This one is aimed mainly at the men as they are the biggest culprits.  Don’t think that sending rude, sexually suggestive messages will work.  They are actually a huge turn-off which ends up in sparse communications with any members.  Just be polite and as with #3 show respect.

#6: Always be positive
This applies not only to your messages but also to your profile.  If you come across as negative, desperate even, you are less likely to attract someone than if you are upbeat and positive.  Remember, you are trying to attract someone, not turn them off you as quickly as possible.

#7: Stand Out

We are all looking for that unique individual.  With this in mind you need to make yourself stand out from the crowd.  This is most important with your profile.  You should make sure that it is creative enough to ensure people will look at it.  Always remember that you can change your profile at any time so take some time to look at other peoples profiles that may be similar to you, then if you feel you should change it to be more unique, then do so.

#8: Do not lie

You don’t want people to lie to you so why would you lie to them?  This includes posting pictures which are not of you.  The protectiveness of internet dating can make people feel they can lie to ensure that their profiles will be read.  But then what happens if you meet your perfect partner?  Lies always come out in the wash, so be honest with everyone from the start, it will certainly be appreciated.

#9: Always meet in a public place

So you have finally got to the point where you are going to meet someone.  A very exciting time.  But this is the point where you are taking your online dating experience offline and therefore safety is the number one priority.  You must always meet in a public place for the first time.  Infact, you probably should for the first few dates.  Things to remember include telling a friend where and when you are going as well as providing your own transportation to get there and back.

#10: Trust Your Feelings

This could be referred to as trusting your instinct or using common sense.  Don’t let emotions take over.  Your instincts are there to help protect you, so trust them.

Dating Tips