The 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Online Dating
Our Top 3 Dating Websites and 5 Online Dating Do’s and Don’ts
by Justine Jane TaftIt’s Valentine’s Day and some of you may have significant others to spend it with, while some of you may be stuck at home dateless. Although it may be too late to get a date for this Valentine’s Day, it’s not too late to get started for next year!
Online dating is a great way to meet people outside of your usual social circle. Here are our top three dating websites.
eHarmony
This site is great for people looking for a long-term commitment. eHarmony’s registration process may take a while to fill out, but it will help users find people who share the same beliefs and values. Users can only contact one another if both parties have paid.
Lavalife
Lavalife is great for the more casual dater. It has three sections (dating, relationships, and intimate) designed to cater to different needs. It also allows online daters to answer emails or instant messages regardless of their subscription status; however, the instigating party has to have a paid subscription.
POF (Plenty of Fish)
This site is extremely simple to navigate, and completely free. However, it functions more like classified listings than a matchmaking service.
You may have to shop around a few sites to find one that suits you and your needs, as well as your wallet. Don’t give up! Having the courage to register is half the battle.
The Five Do’s and Don’ts of Online Dating
|
DO |
DON’T |
| Post recent pictures, and lots of them. Most sites will tell you that the more often you update your profile the more hits you’ll receive. | Post that really great picture of you at a wedding four years ago. It is obvious when you meet someone whether or not their picture was accurate, and a less-than-accurate picture can make you look dishonest. |
| Talk about your likes, dislikes, favourite activities, pets, etc. | Fill your profile with a dozen anecdotes about your pet, or gush about your favourite TV show or actor for more than a few lines. You only have a limited space; use it wisely. |
| Spell-check your profile. | Use all netspeak. Yes, it is online, but netspeak tends to make you appear illiterate. |
| Take safety precautions for a first meeting, like choosing a public place. | Go to their home without meeting them. (This rule gets broken a lot for those using the “intimates” section.) |
| Go at a pace comfortable for you. Give out your email, phone number, last name or any other personal information when you are comfortable. | Allow yourself be bullied into handing over personal information. |
