Online dating is accepted as the modern way of finding a mate. Over half of single people try out the online match-making method at some time or other. With longer working hours and less money for going out and socialising, online dating makes a lot of sense. Sourcing a mate on the internet is all about efficiency. You are able to narrow down your perfect-partner preferences, so that the chances of finding someone you actually click with are optimised. You want someone tall, who likes rock music, Chinese food, French art films and the great outdoors? The likelihood of finding such a person is far higher online, than down at your local pub. Just think, romance and true love could be only a few clicks away….
Once you have found somebody online that you feel strongly about, take your time getting to know them through your conversations. Be honest about yourself, represent yourself accurately and don’t try and be somebody you aren’t. When you do eventually meet up in person, if you have described yourself in a certain way, your date may be surprised/disappointed/fed-up that their expectations have been confounded. In short, use recent profile photographs that you are happy with,but that reflect a true likeness – otherwise your first date could very easily be the last.
Safety first
Although you have been communicating online, you are still meeting a stranger. Be aware of safety and security when meeting online dates. Meet up in crowded public places that are well lit and tell a friend where you are going, who you are meeting and why.
Your appearance
If you have high hopes for this date, make sure you are looking a million dollars. To boost your confidence, consider getting a new haircut at a salon or having a non-invasive beauty treatment at a Qutis clinic.If you have frown lines, laughter lines or just want your complexion rejuvenating, Qutis beauty clinics have a range of non-invasive procedures to transform your look – and what better time to treat yourself than for a first date? Facing your new date with a smart hairdo and smooth, radiant skin will put you in an assured and positive frame of mind.
Your outfit should be carefully considered. Wear something smart but casual that makes it look as though you have tried – but not too hard. Clean, well pressed clothing that isn’t too revealing or too baggy is the best option. Wearing make up makes many women feel better, but don’t apply it too heavily.
Where to meet/what to do
Book store tea shops, a coffee house or casual restaurant all make good, neutral places to meet for the first time. Choose a location with a bright, upbeat ambiance that is energising and positive – this should help if conversation is at all awkward or stilted. Don’t choose noisy places where talking will be difficult. Although you may have both expressed a fondness for the theatre or films, it’s not a great idea for a first date. You aren’t going to learn much about each other watching a film or play – leave that for later meetings. A casual location for the first date makes it easier if you need to make a quick exit.
Conversation clues
Don’t talk about your messy divorce, your ex- boyfriends, your children, sex, politics or religion – focus on happy, light topics that interest you both. Don’t hog the conversational limelight, let each other speak equally and express yourselves. If you can’t think of a conversational gambit, think about the subjects you have discussed online together – this reinforces your link and should make you feel more relaxed in each other’s company.
The next stage
If the meeting goes well, you’ll probably both feel it. Often, however, parties disagree on how a date went. If you don’t want to proceed further, for whatever reason, be kind to the person and let them down gently – after all, it’s how you would like to be treated yourself. If you promise to call them afterwards, do so, or at the very least send them an email, explaining your position if you don’t want to continue.
If the first meet-up was a roaring success, perhaps try a more adventurous location for your next date. Something a little more relaxed that will showcase your personalities a little – a fun fair, wine tasting or ice skating, for example.
We all deserve a little love in our lives, and with the invention of internet dating, it’s got a million times easier to find. There are online dating agencies for all sorts of niche love-hunters, you can search by age group, sexuality, religion or even political persuasion. Even if you are the pickiest partner in the world, with online dating, your chances of finding Mr or Mrs Right are significantly improved…