Dos of Online Dating
1. Meet in a Public Place
When planning your first meeting, always opt for a public place.
Public places offer an extra layer of safety, as there are likely to be other people around. Meeting in a public place also gives you an opportunity to see how comfortable your date is with being around people.
After all, being in public requires social interactions, and they can say a lot about a person’s personality.
2. Inform Someone
Always inform someone, whether a friend or a family member, of where you’re going and who you’re meeting. This precaution can be lifesaving in case of an emergency.
Provide as much information as possible, including date, time, location, and your date’s contact information. Don’t forget to switch on your location services in case you’re feeling uneasy about the meet.
3. Use Your Own Transportation
When going to a date, make sure to use your own transportation.
It’s good to have control over where you’re going and when you’re leaving. Plus, this gives you an opportunity to end the date at your convenience.
Always prioritize your own safety. So, it’s best to avoid getting into your date’s car or inviting them to use yours.
4. Bring Money
As we all know, dating requires money unless you’re going on a free date.
So, it’s better to bring enough cash to pay for yourself, just in case the date doesn’t offer to pay. Money can also be helpful in case of emergencies, such as needing to quickly book a taxi or pay for snacks.
Don’t rely on your date to pay and always be prepared for all eventualities.
5. Pay Attention to Hygiene
In a bid to impress your date, always make sure to take extra care with your hygiene. Dress appropriately and shower beforehand.
Brush your teeth, use mouthwash, and keep some breath mints or gum handy. Apply deodorant, and wear clean clothes that are comfortable and appropriate.
Personal hygiene is essential and has a direct impact on your date’s impression of you.
6. Be Polite if Your Date Doesn’t Look Like What You Expected
Sometimes, people don’t look quite the way you imagined they would based on their profile. And that’s okay.
If your date doesn’t look as good as you thought, be polite and accepting. You don’t want to hurt their feelings by stating your disappointment outright.
If you want to continue the date and give them a chance, focus on the qualities you enjoy instead of what you don’t.
7. Thank Your Date for a Good Time
Always follow up after your date by thanking them for a good time. This is a good way to show them that you had a great time, and it will make them feel good even if there was no immediate spark.
Thanking your date can also open up room for a future date if things went well.
Don’ts of Online Dating
1. Chat Online for Months Before Meeting
Whilst it’s tempting to chat online for months to get a sense of who your match is, it’s dangerous to do so. The internet can be deceiving and sometimes the person you’re talking to is completely different from whom they present themselves to be.
Meet as soon as you feel comfortable doing so – long online conversations could lead to attaching to someone too much, too quickly, which could lead to disappointment.
2. Agree to Go to a Guy or Girl’s Home on the First Date
Your first date with someone shouldn’t happen in their home. It’s easier for someone to ambush you in their home, and it’s only appropriate if you’re looking for a hookup.
But if that’s the case, don’t forget to inform someone close to you where you’re going. Otherwise, it’s much safer to meet in public for the first time to gauge whether they are someone you feel comfortable around.
3. Send Indecent Pictures Before Meeting
Sending indecent pictures before meeting is a big no-no.
It’s too risky, and once a picture is sent, it could end up anywhere. Don’t put yourself in a compromising position.
Wait until you know each other better and have a better sense of each other’s intentions before sharing any pictures of a personal nature.
4. Bring Friends, Family Members, or Pets to a Date
Your date is meant to be a special, private occasion between you and your match. Bringing others along, including pets, could make your date feel uncomfortable and ruin the atmosphere.
It’s better to avoid anything that could make the date awkward.
5. Be Late
Being late is never a good look, and it shows a lack of respect for someone’s time. It’s better to plan ahead and arrive a few minutes early so that you’re not kept waiting.
This applies to first dates and all other dates too. Good time management is an essential trait to show on dates.
6. Wear Revealing Clothing
Wearing revealing clothing on dates isn’t the look to go for.
It’s much better to dress according to the occasion and in something that you feel comfortable in. Revealing clothing is more appropriate for other situations, but not a first or second date.
7. Barrage Your Date with Messages Afterwards
It’s good to stay in touch after your date to show that you had a good time.
However, excessive messaging can be a turn off, and clinginess can be a negative trait. Give a day or two’s space before messaging again, or wait for your date to message first.
In conclusion, online dating can be a fun and exciting way to meet new people. But, as with all forms of dating, it’s essential to know the dos and don’ts.
Keep these tips in mind and you will have a successfully enjoyable online dating journey. Remember to focus on having fun and enjoying the experience while being safe and keeping a realistic mindset about your potential matches.
In conclusion, online dating can be a fantastic way to meet new people and potentially find love. However, it is crucial to know the dos and don’ts to ensure a safe and fulfilling online dating experience.
By following the recommendations in this article, you can minimize risk and maximize potential. Remember to be smart, patient, and have fun.
Hopefully, this article has emphasized the significance of taking the necessary precautions and has given you a blueprint for an enjoyable, safe, and successful online dating journey.
