Online dating: do’s and don’ts
Your search for the partner of your dreams might just lead you to the new and exciting world of online dating. Keep our tips handy if you’re planning to take the plunge.
Post recent photos of yourself
A clear and flattering profile picture can significantly increase the number of clicks your profile gets. But in an attempt to put your best face forward don’t overdo the photoshop. If things go well, you will eventually meet a few people who have seen your pictures and you don’t want them to expect an Angelina Jolie look-alike to show up unless you actually are one.
Take it slow
No matter how incredible your connection seems, just as in ‘offline’ dating its best to take things slow. Wait and see how compatible you are over e-mail and chat before sharing your phone number. With personal pictures, emails and chats it’s very easy to develop a sense of familiarity online but rushing things can scare people off. So take your time and get to know each other a little before planning to meet.
Be honest about what you’re looking for
One of the great things about online dating is that you can get a lot of potentially uncomfortable questions out of the way before you even talk or go on a date. So whether you’re looking for a casual flirtation or a relationship, don’t be embarrassed to share exactly what you want. This is a great way to ensure that the people who contact you have the same priorities as you.
Try and be someone you’re not
Our online selves are almost always better, more attractive versions of our real selves. While there is no harm in putting your best foot forward, when it comes to online dating it’s best to be as honest as you can. If you’re not ‘passionate’ about English literature or long walks on the beach, don’t put it on your profile, because you might end up on a date with someone who is.
Put yourself at risk
Being cautious about sharing personal information is very important to ensuring your safety while dating online. If you’re unsure about sharing pictures or sexting, don’t feel obligated to do it and let your discomfort be known. In your interactions online, it’s best to avoid sharing your home or work address. When you decide to meet someone face-to-face, arrange to meet at a public place (at least for the first few times) and ensure that your friends or family know where you’re going. Don’t let them pick you up or drop you and most importantly trust your instincts.
Show too much skin
If you wouldn’t show up shirtless for a first date, you shouldn’t put up a shirtless picture on your profile. While some people might see revealing photos as sign of confidence, others might find it in bad taste. If you are proud of your body, a photo of you in a well fitting outfit can bring that out just fine.
Do you have any more tips to add to our list of do’s and don’ts on online dating? Leave a comment below or start a discussion on Facebook.
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Recent Comments (60)
ey
ey
Hello Marcia, how can we help
Hello Marcia, how can we help?
l need a best frende
l need a best frende
Hello Anita, thank you for…
Hello Anita, thank you for getting in touch. Sorry to say, we are not a dating service and cannot assist you in finding a partner but do not despair, here is a guide to how to meet people online: https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/meeting-someone/meeting-online
Sex
Sex
Hi Peter,
What about sex?
Hi Peter,
What about sex?
am there
am there
And, how is it going, Dan?
And, how is it going, Dan?
hi i need sugumami will i get
hi i need sugumami will i get one?
You won’t find one here,
You won’t find one here, sorry!
Ati sugumami??
Ati sugumami??
To have sugar mummy
To have sugar mummy
please I have someone like
please I have someone like that.we share contacts,chat on Facebook,text normal message but I’ve never seen her face before.she just put some God’s word over there as her profile pic.if I ask her about her normal pic.,she will ask Me back that what did I want her pic. for.I need a help.and I don’t want to loose her too cos she always gives.me good advice and I also love Her.
Hi Emmanuel,
Hi Emmanuel,
ask her what she is afraid of. She seems to be reluctant, so maybe there is something she is afraid of. Be gentle and don’t push her, but show her she can trust you. Good luck!
Hi i jst want to add tht
Hi i jst want to add tht people should not meet with astranger in closed doors they should meet them in places like in oopen places
Very good point, Albert!
Very good point, Albert!
yeah fast meeting should not…
yeah fast meeting should not happen in closed doors
Hi Paullet, thank you for…
Hi Paullet, thank you for your contribution and we agree! fast meetings could be a recipe for disaster 🙂 Stay safe!
hi i need a white mam
hi i need a white mam
Hi Betty,
Hi Betty,
why does he need to be white?
i need a real relationship
i need a real relationship online can u facilitate that
Hi there,
Hi there,
sorry, we can’t. We only provide information on sex, love and relationships.
how can i save my man?
how can i save my man?
What do you need to save him
What do you need to save him from, Prisca?
my man stays for two days
my man stays for two days without texting nor calling,if I don’t start the chat nor call he can’t..wwat does that mean
Tracy,
Tracy,
you need to talk to him. Tell him how it makes you feel when he does that. And offer solutions that could work for both of you! Good luck!
My lov always complains wen
My lov always complains wen making bed lov,en is over 20 whatsapp plc,she neva ready to explain why
Oscar,
Oscar,
sex is about communication, and the two of you need to sit down and talk about what’s going on!
My lov always complain wen
My lov always complain wen making lov en she is over 20….she’s neva ready to tell me any reason.wat must be the reason?
Hi. their is a girl who i’am
Hi. their is a girl who i’am in love with but every time i see her, she is so sereuos thath I’m scared to tell her what i feel… now what should i do plz help me..
Kamanza,
Kamanza,
start slowly, and maybe try to get a feel of what her thoughts towards you are. Don’t push anything and be gentle.
Helo,…I hve aguy I met on
Helo,…I hve aguy I met on Facebook, he’s akenyan but waking in Qatar.
So he proposed to meet mi since we hve never meet,wen he comes bac to Nairobi. En he rili lovez mi en love him too,but since he came bac to Nairobi we talked only twice! So fa he has already finished a months since he came bac from Qatar…. So m bordering doez he stil love or
Plse help mi out coz l love him
Hi Mizzha,
Hi Mizzha,
This maybe difficult to hear but it sounds as though he is not genuine with his intentions.
You should probably talk about it with him and find out why he does not want to meet you. From his answer you will be able to decide what to do. All the best to you.
Hey, i met this man in my 2nd
Hey, i met this man in my 2nd yr at the university, we are close to 3yrs with akid of two, but i feel am done with him but am afraid to break him the news, he threstens me if i try to become annoyed i think he os capable of doing semething insane like witch craft, he is vry jelous toban extendd of calling the most dailed numbers evrt time he comes from work finding out of i have asecret lover! Am now 25 he is 38 he is, having awonan with 5 kids but he claims he left her for me, as if that is not enough, he has more than 4 other kids with different women, but he claims he wants to wed me, he contributed to my tuition at the university, am confused what can I do, he thinks he has spent much money on us because he has cared for me and the kid ever since day one, and it keeps on hurting him
Interesting blog! Is your…
Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really
make my blog jump out. Please let me know where
you got your theme. Thank you
Thank you Maritza, our…
Thank you Maritza, our articles are written by seasoned writers. For partnership you can send an email at [email protected].
hi guys can i get a friend…
hi guys can i get a friend age of 28 to 30
Hi Faith, We are not a…
Hi Faith, We are not a dating site a for this reason we are not able to get you a friend. We wish you well.
?
?
Hey Ame, welcome to Love…
Hey Ame, welcome to Love Matters Africa.
Can you help me?
Can you help me?
Hey Ame, yes we can. Feel…
Hey Ame, yes we can. Feel free t ask any question on Love, Sex, and Relationship. We shall be more than glad t support you.
Ni possible mtu a meet mtu…
Ni possible mtu a meet mtu online and they have a good long term relationship? kuna site mnarecommend mtu aende me nataka a white person. please tell me.
Hey Lenah, it is possible to…
Hey Lenah, it is possible to meet online and go on to have a great and fulfilling relationship. Be sure however to follow the tips provided above. Additionally, have a look at the following article for more success tips;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/meeting-someone/science-reveals-how-to-succeed-at-online-dating
elizabeth u can make agood…
elizabeth u can make agood partner
Hi Joel, we appreciate your…
Hi Joel, we appreciate your contribution.
Hi my name is Dennis and…
Hi my name is Dennis and looking for someone to relate as a friend a female companion
Hi Dennis, Love Matters is…
Hi Dennis, Love Matters is not a dating site and we cannot help you in this regard.
i need a boy fred
i need a boy fred
Hello Anita, thank you for…
Hello Anita, thank you for getting in touch. Sorry to say, we are not a dating service and cannot assist you in finding a partner but do not despair, here is a guide to how to meet people online: https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/meeting-someone/meeting-online
Hi Juma, unfortunately, that…
Hi Juma, unfortunately, that is not part of what we do! Feel free to ask us anything regarding love, sex and relationships and we will be happy to assist you! Have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe!
Looking for a single dad
Looking for a single dad
Hi Ann,
Love Matters is…
Hi Ann,
Love Matters is not a dating or hook-up site. Luckily, we can give you tips on how to get with a man you like: 9 helpful tips for talking to someone you like. Read this article. Also, read about how to know he’s the right one for you: 8 signs you’re with the right partner. Good luck with your search!
Interesting
Interesting
Need unromatic lady
Need unromatic lady
Hi there,
Love Matters is…
Hi there,
Love Matters is not a dating service and cannot assist you in finding a partner. The best thing to do is take some time with yourself, find hobbies, practice things that you love, and try to learn how to be happy with yourself. Happiness and confidence are attractive in a person and when you find yourself in a good place people will find you. As always, feel free to ask us any questions about love, sex, or relationships if they come up. Best of luck.
Interested in a ma who is…
Interested in a ma who is physically fit, mature, honest and ready to mingle.
Hi Anita,
Love Matters is…
Hi Anita,
Love Matters is not a dating service and cannot assist you in finding a partner. The best thing to do is take some time with yourself, find hobbies, practice things that you love, and try to learn how to be happy with yourself. Happiness and confidence are attractive in a person and when you find yourself in a good place, the physically fit, mature, honest, and available man will find you. As always, feel free to ask us any questions about love, sex, or relationships if they come up. Best of luck.
Thanks for your marvelous…
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Thank you so much,this article is helpful.