10 Rules in Online Dating

Online dating is a new frontier filled with exciting possibilities. Here are 10 rules you should know!

1. Plan ahead Determine your goals for online dating and stick to them. Otherwise you might hurt the feelings of others or find yourself scraping up the pieces of another failed relationship.

2. Ask your friends Ask your friends what sites and chat rooms worked for them. Trust their opinions rather than choosing a service at random.

3. Start slow Spend time in chat rooms, email correspondence, or even via the telephone before you're comfortable enough to meet someone. Take your time and enjoy the process!

4. Tell the truth! To succeed in online dating, be honest! Don't attach another person's picture on your profile or lie about your past.

5. Organize and prioritize Browse profiles of individuals. Choose a few and communicate with them. If they don't work out, look again. This will avoid too much activity and confusing emotions.

6. Don't believe everything you see or read Take time to know someone. Check their background. If some personal information has been revealed, verify details. Public records are a valuable resource!

7. Chat room etiquette If you wouldn't say it to a complete stranger face-to-face, don't say it at all.

8. Paying for an online dating service might not be so bad It may be embarrassing to pay money to a dating website. However if someone will pay the costs to join, it's possible they are serious and willing to go the extra mile for you!

9. Be available Set a specific time in the chat room, and respond to emails. People expect to receive quick replies. Otherwise, they will lose interest.

10. Safety first, second, and third Finally, you're meeting someone! Remember you don't know what to expect. Meet in public. Drive your own car and leave if you feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind that you've only just met. Don't rush.