With millions of singles surfing online dating sites you might be tempted to think meeting your soulmate is a game of chance. Nothing could be further from the truth. While many online daters choose not to follow a game plan, those who know the keys to online dating success find the best matches in cyberspace.
Are you interested in transforming from a pot luck online dater to someone with a solid game plan? Follow these three keys to online dating success and you’ll greatly improve the quality and quantity of your cyber matches.
1) Be sincere and truthful
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to write and say what you think other people want to hear. We all feel the pressure to conform, fit-in, and gain approval. In the world of online dating, this tendency is reflected in misleading photographs and inaccurate profiles.
Did it ever occur to you that you want your online prospects to love the real you? Sure you might get tons of hits by posting the best photo you ever took or writing provocative statements in your profile. But the goal is not just to get lots of hits; it’s to meet someone for a meaningful relationship. The more honest you are in your photo and profile, the better the odds that people who contact you will be interested in the real you.
2) Be interesting and appealing
It’s easy to view the profile as a check-off. Sure, you want to cut to the chase and start searching for potential mates. The desire to start surfing for dates might cause you to overlook the importance of writing an appealing profile. Don’t forget, while you’re searching the database for dates, other members are also perusing your profile.
You want to cover the basics in your profile, but leave room for some more interesting tidbits on your personal history or experiences. Don’t be afraid to use vivid language to bring your profile to life. Saying you enjoy world travel leaves less of an impression than describing how you’ve toured the Greek Isles in a catamaran.
3) Be sure to put safety first
While online dating begins in cyberspace it’s easy to become anxious to convert online chats into offline dates. You’ve exchanged interesting emails and probably had a few flirtatious conversations on the phone. You’re ready to see if the real life version of this persona matches the email exchanges and phone contact.
Be sure to pick a very public, well-lit location for your first date. Also, make sure a close friend or family member knows about the date and will call you later to make sure you got home safely. Finally, no matter how tempting, don’t agree to a ride or to go back to his or her place after a first date. There will be plenty of chances for intimacy over time, there’s no reason to rush it before you’re truly comfortable.
The bottom line is that honesty, appeal, and safety can help lead you to online dating success. Take the time to add these three keys to your online dating approach and you’ll improve your success in cyberspace.
Jeff Cohen is the author of the e-book, 30 Minute Guide to Online Dating. It's a must-read for anyone looking to master the art of online dating without wasting hours of valuable time. To learn more about the e-book and purchase a copy, please visit Online Dating eBook order page.
