The Ins and Outs of the Online Date

In order to find a quality relationship a person must go on many dates. On average it is recommended that a single person should go on between two and three dates a week. One of the hardest things about dating is finding quality people to go on a online date with. In our face paced and sometimes disconnected world where can a person go to find someone with similar interests to go on a free online date with? The short answer: the internet. There are many different websites online that can help you find a date. In order to find a quality person online I have created a short list of rules to help you.

1. Do not lie. Create a profile that genuinely represents you. Do not choose a picture from ten years ago when you were ten pounds lighter and happier with your appearance. If you represent who you really are you increase the chances of finding someone genuine and real instead of someone who is shallow and image obsessed. If you lie on a online date site then your chances of developing a relationship with a person that you meet are very slim. It might be cliché, but honesty is still the best policy, and that includes the dating world even if you meant that date online.

2. Do not be afraid to say no. If someone's online dating profile screams "freak" with a capital F do not feel obligated to go out with that person. The most important thing about getting an online date is to screen through the bad eggs to find the good eggs. Do not compromise your values or your safety. There is nothing wrong telling someone no to online date. And, if you do not feel comfortable before the date starts the chances are low that you will have a good date anyway. It is better to take a little time in order to find a person that you will have a good time with rather than rushing into a situation that you are uncomfortable with.

3. Be persistent. Don't let one bad date get you down. There are quality people available. Even tough at times it can seem a bit overwhelming. Keep looking through profiles and sending e-mails to the people that you are interested in.

4. Pick the best website for you. If you have very specific interests you may want to try a website that focuses on matching people based on interests. If you are the type of person that likes variety than a more general online dating website may be for you.

5. Get to know a person before agreeing to meet. There is nothing wrong with going on a "cyber" online date in a chat room, exchanging a few e-mails, of even talking on the phone before you meet in persons. Often, having these exchanges before hand decreases that oh-so-familiar first date awkwardness.

These tips should get you started on your journey into the world on online dating. I hope you find some great online dates. Happy hunting!