Ins and Outs of First Contact - Part 2

An advantage to you is that you can ignore or delete e-mails that you are just not interested in. You do not have to undergo the agony of saying “sorry no.” And since you “meet” possible suitors from behind a computer you are able to overcome fears as well as shyness.

Unlike dates where you meet one to one, a dating site allows you to look through hundreds of profiles without any pressures. There are innovations on a few sites—you can send emoticons, virtual flowers, and more to possible daters showing that you are interested. You can send winks, smiles, as well as virtual flowers to show interest. You can make the initiate and contact a profile that interests you--- say I read your profile and found x, y, and z, interesting. Be sure to mention something about yourself and weave in factors about him that you found interesting. Weave in casual comments as well as humor. Never sound needy or desperate.

They offer online chats as well as forums where you can actually virtually meet men. At first you must just observe how these work, choose one with a subject that is of interest to you. Communicate naturally and honestly. Use a name that describes you but not your true identity. Converse casually and as though you are in conversation with someone. Be polite and respectful, if you are wrong about something be magnanimous and accept it. There is no harm in admitting that you don’t know something. Try not to bring up past relationships or experiences. Have fun and look forward to making new friends.

Having facilities from where you can both send e-mails and receive them without revealing personal details. This is a safety feature to protect you from unwanted suitors. Finally, they have systems where “daters” can speak to one another without revealing their locations or phone numbers. The site protects you at all times.

However, even while using an online dating site you must ensure your own safety. Never reveal personal details, workplace addresses, phone numbers, or bank account details, it is best if you don’t speak about where you shop, have lunch, or spend evenings.

You should only speak about these once you are confident about a man and have had the time to “check him out.”

Online dating sites can be rewarding, fun, exciting and a secure environment for meeting new people. But the most reliable safety measure that anyone can take or have is common sense; trust your basic instincts more than anything else.