Sunday, April 14, 2013

Online Dating 101 !!!


Online Dating 101-girl woman kiss computer laptop

Researchers suggest that it takes just 1/5 of a second to assess how attracted you are to someone–this doesn’t tell you everything about their long-term potential, but you will know if you want to see the person again.

Of couples who married in 2010 in North America, about 1 in 5 met on an online dating site. Many more people have met dating parters (committed and casual), and even friends. Since online dating has become a viable and popular dating option, let’s discuss ways to negotiate this world.


Schedule An In Person Meet 'N’ Greet Sooner Rather Than Later.
Once you have exchanged a few emails (or perhaps a brief phone call) and established a connection with someone on an online dating site, meet in person. You can tell much more about your feelings for a person when you see them face to face. Researchers suggest that it takes just 1/5 of a second to assess how attracted you are to someone – this doesn’t tell you everything about their long-term potential, but you will know if you want to see the person again. The same is not necessarily true over email. Try to schedule something light for a first meeting (think coffee, a walk, or an after work drink). If it goes well you can always continue the date or plan a longer meeting the next time. But if it's going badly, you can get out of there quickly and easily.


Manage Your Expectations
Online interactions can make us feel like we really know a person, but don’t get a head of yourself. It's okay to be excited about your upcoming date, but be cautious with your feelings and emotions before you've made a personal connection. Sometimes we project what we want to see onto a person, especially when all communication is being conveyed in flowery words and emoticons. There are many aspects to a personality, and how someone interacts online is only one part of it. Don't put the cart before the horse by planning your wedding china before you've had a chance to see whether he is who you think he is.


Use Accurate Pictures And Information
You want to put your best foot forward, but it should be your foot. Use recent pictures (from the last year or so) and if you change your appearance drastically, update the pictures. If your goal is to meet someone offline, you do not want them to feel like you have misrepresented yourself. Think how you would feel when you show up to meet someone and they look completely different from their online picture. It's dishonest and potentially wastes people's time.


Focus On What’s Important
Research about online dating suggests that having more options (as is true on many dating sites) actually makes us less satisfied. Try not to be caught up in choosing dates based on an endless list of criteria, especially superficial criteria such as specific hair and eye color. Attraction is important, but if you are looking for a relationship, hair color does not predict long-term happiness. Look for people with common interests and shared goals.


Be Open
Online dating can be disappointing. Connections over the Internet don’t always transfer to the offline world. Even if you are looking for a long-term relationship, be open to the possibility that online dating could lead to new friendships. This could eventually open you up to meeting a new group of friends and a potential partner.


Use Online And Offline.
Don’t put all your eggs in the online dating basket. If possible, use online dating as one way that you date. There are many great offline singles group and activities to become involved in where you can meet like-minded people.



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