Top 10 tips for internet dating

The All In London Blog

Whether you're an internet dating newbie, or had a dalliance with every site under the sun, here are 10 top tips for internet dating;

1. Pick the right site. The site you pick reflects what you're looking for; some are all about getting a ring on your finger, others are for dedicated outdoorsy types, etc so be sure to find one which represents your personality.

2. Image is everything. By which we mean, your profile picture. It's the first thing people see and you want to make a good impression. So no web-cam selfies with your double chin hogging the lens, ok? Even if you have to bribe a friend to take a snap, camera-phone images make you look like a vain teenage escapee from Myspace. Trust us on that one.

3 Use a current photo. So if your best, most flattering photo ever, was taken ten years ago.. don't use it. Seriously. Unless you want to meet a date, and see their face visibly drop when they see you're considerably older/greyer/heavier than you said. No one wants to be lied to.

4. Be honest. If you're divorced, have kids, smoke, say so. You want to attract someone who wants you for YOU, so don't pretend you're an Adonis when you'd rather enjoy your appetite for life (and Hawksmoor burgers).

5. Show, don't tell. So, you have a sense of humour? Share a funny story. You're a caring person? Share how much your little sister means to you. Illustrate the point you're hoping to make.

6. Be quick. If you see someone you like the look of, send them a message. They may not be there next time you log on. It doesn't have to be an epic (shorter is better), but say more than 'hi, how are you?' and you're already ahead of 95% of the competition. Everyone can smell a cut-and-paste message, and it stinks. Big-time.

7. Use their user-name and mention something from their profile. Ask something that's irresistible to answer ('why do you love clay-pigeon shooting AND cocktails, isn't that a dangerous combination?')

8. Develop a thick skin. You're being courageous, and putting yourself out there. Sometimes you're going to get strange messages, or send a message and it doesn't get a reply. Your level of attractiveness isn't dependent on the level of attention you receive, or the amount of rejection you endure.

9. Keep your profile fresh. Change it up, add new info, edit it, add a new picture, a new date idea etc. It keeps your profile to the top of other people's searches, and someone who may have over-looked you the first time around may now see something that clicks with them.

10. Have fun! Dating websites are not about trawling through endless profiles, dismissing folks for the flimsiest of pretexts. It's about going out, meeting someone and having a great time. If you've planned your date around something you want to do already, you've nothing to lose!



Written by: DoingSomething.co.uk

Posted Date
May 16, 2013 in The All In London Blog by All In London