A Guide to Online Dating Etiquette
Everyone always says there are plenty of fish in the sea, but the real question is where are all these damn fish?
When you hangout with the same group of people at the usual hot spots, it’s hard to branch out and find new, exciting people in the real world. It’s not like you have of ton a free time to go out all the time and try speed dating for the fifth time. So for the sake of saving both tine and money, a lot of people turn to technology as the new dating scene.
From online dating sites to dating apps, people can’t seem to get enough of the online world. We spend a ton of time using technology throughout the day, so why not add dating to the mix. I know a surprising number of people who have tried online dating, and I’ve heard mixed reviews. Some people I know just use it as a confidence booster and don’t take it seriously at all. Other people I know have seriously dated people online and developed lasting relationships from it.
So how should you go about online dating? Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you digitally open yourself up to a pool of strangers.
Be yourself
Don’t try to be someone you aren’t. Some people think it’s fun to be someone different online, but my question is why? Are you trying to be on Catfish? Please don’t mess with people’s hearts and minds, just be yourself. You don’t have to take it too seriously if you don’t want to, but just know others out there might, and you could be messing with their emotions.
Slut control
Respect yourself and don’t send nude photographs to just anyone. Some people use dating apps like Tinder just to exchange Snapchats with strangers. These people may not even want to have sex, they may just need new material and need your photos to keep them up at night doing the nasty. So unless you want to run the risk of having your private photos saved and even shared with their friends, just don’t. If someone wants to see you naked, it should be in person after they at least wine and dine you.
Game plan
Before you start dating online, know what your intentions are. If you want to find your soulmate, take it easy and be careful who you choose to connect with. Take it slow and know that it’s okay to be picky if you are trying to find someone serious. On the other hand, if you just want to date around and find a few friends with benefits, go right ahead. Just make sure you’re upfront with your intentions so that your digital hookup knows it’s all just fun and games.
Bottomline
While online dating can be convenient and addicting, make sure you acknowledge that you can meet people the old fashioned way. Don’t miss opportunities to go out with friends and be set up on blind dates by all your taken friends. Who knows who you’ll meet, when you’ll meet them or where. Don’t get trapped in your cyberspace dating scene and get some fresh air every now and then.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.