So you’ve made some rounds in the online dating community. There seems to be a few special guys or gals who you may have a special connection with. But how do you know when it’s time to take it to the next level and arrange a meeting date?

Instructions:

Step 1
Don’t rush things. Online dating is a relatively safe method to explore people with similar interests as long as you stick to the pay sites, which have in place rigid methods to protect their customers. Avoid divulging too much about yourself. As with any relationship, you should take things slow. Don’t be pressured into phone communication until both of you are ready. You should always trust your gut with anything that may seem a little off-putting about a person you’re getting to know. Let things mature naturally.

Step 2
Be honest. There’s something to what you’re mother told you about honesty. The more upfront you are about yourself, the better fit you’re going to find. Ask for a recent picture. Nothing wrong with the picture they have posted from back in college when they had perfect lighting and a great haircut, but the two of you should avoid any unnecessary shocks.

Step 3
Anyone can paint themselves charming via emails and instant messaging, but put a voice to them. However, even if you’re comfortable with the person that you’ve gotten to know, don’t give out a home number. Use a cell phone or, if you’re really brave, an online video chat. Either way, talking will act as another buffer to weed out potential weirdos. Don’t rush this step, either; get comfy chatting with this person.

Step 4
Meet in public if things are going really well, and you both are ready to finally meet. Get there on your own and decline any offers for them to pick you up at home. Don’t have any unfair expectations, either. Namely, if you’re at dinner, don’t order the surf and turf if you’ve “forgotten” your wallet. By now, you should know each other pretty well, but still listen to your gut. Anything seemingly fishy shouldn’t be ignored.

Step 5
Don’t forget to let someone know when and where you’re going for this first meeting. If you really want to be cautious, email a photo of your date to this person.

Either because of time constraints or social anxiety, more and more people use Internet dating sites to find partners. Simply putting a profile online won’t necessarily yield the best results. Because so many people use dating sites, standing out from the pack can be difficult. When putting a profile on a singles’ website, it is important to consider how to represent yourself and what type of partner you are looking for.

Instructions:

Step 1
Pick the right site. Some dating sites find a mate for you. Some dating sites cater to particular religious, ethnic and cultural groups. Some dating sites are general purpose singles’ websites. Whatever the case, find the singles’ website that’s best for you.

Step 2
Consider what type of partner you’re looking for. You may be looking for a partner with shared interests or common values. Or you may think that “opposites attract.” Reflect on what you’re looking for in a partner. Try to express your desires with your singles ad.

Step 3
Use a recent, accurate, flattering picture. Don’t use an older picture of yourself to look younger. Don’t use a glamor shot that doesn’t represent your real look. But do use a photo that shows you at your best. Remember, you’ll eventually meet your date in person. Setting them up for disappointment is a recipe for disaster.

Step 4
Express your strengths. If you’re funny, make a humorous profile. If you’re smart, show it in your profile. Highlight whatever is attractive about you as best you can. Remember there are literally millions of people on singles’ websites. Make yourself stand out.

Step 5
Cast a wide net. Find as many interesting people as you can. Send them interesting and thoughtful messages. You’ll get out of it what you put in.

For online dating, a person’s profile is the equivalent of an introduction. Most online dating sites require at least a minimal profile before allowing people to participate. A good profile can mean the difference between receiving many promising responses or none. While each profile is unique, there are common factors involved in setting up a dating profile that will attract attention from potential dating partners.

Instructions:

Step 1
Choose a user name and header for your profile. Use creativity to select a user name and header that reflect your personality and stand out from the crowd. Try to avoid cliches or overly suggestive choices.

Step 2
Answer required profile questions. Complete any questionnaires as completely as possible. Be truthful in describing yourself and as open as possible in stating your requirements for potential matches.

Step 3
Be honest about your appearance, age and weight. If you don’t want to reveal your exact age, indicate an age range. If an exact date is required, use a date that indicates an extremely old age, although doing so will screen you out of most age-related searches.

Step 4
Draft the personal essay for your profile. Include a brief description of yourself, your work and your hobbies. Indicate your likes and dislikes, as well as a description of the type of person and relationship you are seeking.

Step 5
Post at least one photo. If you only post one photo, it should be a clear shot of your face. A second, full length photo is a good choice. Photos should be dated within the last 6 months or the past year at the most. Do not include photos with other people who could appear to be romantic mates or of children unless they are yours.

Step 6
Proofread your essay. Check for spelling and grammar errors. Have a friend read it over and provide a critique. Use proper punctuation and spell out words rather than using abbreviations more appropriate for texting.

In the hectic world that we live in today a lot of people find it hard to squeeze going out and looking for a date into their schedule. And even if you can make time, it can be a major bust going to the same old singles’ bar every weekend. That’s where online dating has really come in handy. Most people have at one point tried a dating site. It’s no longer something that only “desperate” people do. But with this huge rise in internet dating how can you stand out? How do you land a date with the hottie you’ve got your eye on when there are hundreds of people with profiles just like you? Take a little time to properly fill out your profile and abide by a few simples rules and you will find greater success with internet dating.

Instructions:

Step 1
Sign up with reputable dating sites that have a good image. Don’t associate yourself with cheap or seedy looking dating sites. Sloppy sites tend to attract sloppy people! Go with one of the big dating sites such as match, eharmony, yahoo personals or true. There will be a greater selection of potential dates and the type of people there are more likely to be average folks just looking for a mate like yourself.

Step 2
Word your profile carefully! I really can’t stress this part enough. You need to make sure that your profile is grammatically correct, interesting to read and that it provides descriptive and accurate information about you. But hold off on typing out your entire life story. Your profile needs to be short, straightforward and easy to read. Potential dates most likely will not read your 900 word “about me” biography.

Step 3
Don’t be a weirdo. If you are honestly looking for a date and not just a sexual encounter, then be very careful with the things that you say. If you sound like all you want is a booty call you’ll scare away anyone who is looking for a real date. When describing what it is that you like about the opposite sex it’s ok to be very honest. After all, you don’t want to waste your time with people that you aren’t interested in. But do not make it sound tacky and sexist. Say something about how you admire a woman with a curvy figure. Don’t say that you like a girl with big jugs or you’ll set off every woman’s pervert radar on the site. Just use some common sense here!

Step 4
A picture is worth a thousand words. Your display picture will most likely be the biggest determining factor when someone is considering whether or not to connect with you. Your photo needs to be friendly and approachable. Do not post your picture of you trying to look tough. Are you trying to scare the dates off? On the other hand, don’t post a picture of you with an exaggerated smile that makes you look creepy. Take a photo of yourself being natural. A high quality head shot is recommended for your main dating profile picture. If the site allows you to post multiple pictures, be sure to include one or more full body shots as well. People like to have a pretty good idea of what they’re getting into before they commit to going on a date. The biggest mistake that you should avoid when posting pictures on a dating site is putting up pictures of you and an ex. That’s tasteless, tacky and makes potential dates question if you are on the rebound.

Step 5
Make your first move count. When you send your first message to someone you are interested in you’ve got to make it stand out. Most attractive people on dating sites get flooded with messages every day. Do not put hey or hello as the subject of your message. That’s what every one does. Instead make it something that will make them want to open your message. It can even be as simple as “I’ve got a question about your profile”. In the body of your message talk about something you saw on their profile and ask a question about it. An example would be:

Hey, I saw on your profile that you’re really into football. Me too! Who’s your favorite team?

See how easy that is? It will make you stand out because most people say something like “wow, I think you’re really hot”. That’s a closed statement. It doesn’t invoke a conversation. Your message should have at least one open ended question. Also, don’t compliment the person on their looks. They probably get that everyday. Save the compliments for when you meet up for the first time. If the potential date isn’t sure how interested you really are they’ll keep trying to find out. If you smother them with compliments you come across as desperate and lonely. That’s never attractive!

Step 6
The most important rule is to relax and just be yourself. If you try to make yourself out to be someone that you are not your potential date will catch on and think of you has a huge loser. Not to mention that individual will probably tell their friends and so on and so forth. Then you’ll really start having trouble getting a date!