| In this electronic age, more and more people are | | | | consequences. Once you are more comfortable |
| connecting via mobile phones, sms, social media tools | | | | communicating with him or her, you may want to |
| such as Facebook, Twitter and instant messengers. | | | | exchange your email or Instant Messenger contact |
| Have you ever thought of seeking love and romance | | | | details. |
| online? Unlike other forms of dating, online dating | | | | 7. Decide the time and duration you will make |
| allows you to do it from the comfort of your own | | | | yourself available for chatting online. (If you are in an |
| home and at your own pace. | | | | engaging conversation, the minutes can easily turn |
| You may ask - does online dating work? It depends. | | | | into hours when you chat online!) and set ground |
| There may be a genuine online chemistry which may | | | | rules for how personal chats are going to be. If the |
| lead to a meeting and from there; it develops into a | | | | content seems to be sizzling up and you can sense |
| real life relationship. | | | | that the other party is uncomfortable or if they have |
| Interested to learn more about how to get on the | | | | a bad day and do not feel like discussing some |
| online dating wagon? We have 14 online dating tips | | | | personal issues, respect their personal space and do |
| for first timers to get started on the journey of | | | | not persist or you might find yourself back at the |
| finding true love online. | | | | dating site searching for another match. |
| 1. Sign up for an email address specifically for your | | | | 8. Be attentive to important dates and information so |
| online dating search. You can register for free email | | | | that you can send birthday greetings, congratulations |
| accounts from Yahoo, Google, Hotmail etc. | | | | electronic cards etc. to your love interest. |
| 2. Consider installing an Instant Messenger program on | | | | 9. Be wary of people who ask you to send money |
| your computer. Commonly used Instant Messenger | | | | to them online as there are many such people |
| programs are Yahoo's Messenger, Hotmail MSN | | | | involved in scams which take advantage of lonely |
| Messenger and Skype. You may wish to get a | | | | hearts. |
| microphone and webcam for your computer as most | | | | 10. Do not lie, exaggerate or exhibit pessimism. Focus |
| Instant Messenger programs allow you to chat via | | | | on your strengths and make the most of your |
| your computer. | | | | assets. Be truthful about your personality, looks, |
| 3. Decide which online dating sites you are going to | | | | weight and marital status. After all, internet dating |
| sign up with. There are hundreds of dating websites | | | | may eventually lead to a real-life meeting. |
| to choose from. Some factors to consider when | | | | 11. Be wary of the "too good to be true" online |
| selecting a dating website are pricing, features, | | | | personalities. Your rich and young hunk may be an old |
| verification service, demographics of the participants | | | | and married grandfather behind the computer. |
| etc. It is also useful to read up on the public reviews | | | | 12. If you decide to meet your love interest for the |
| on the dating websites. | | | | first time, wear something smart. Choose a public |
| 4. Once you have decided on which online dating | | | | area where there are plenty of people such as a |
| sites you are registering with, you will need to create | | | | restaurant but not so crowded or noisy till it drowns |
| an online dating profile. To learn how to set up an | | | | your conversation. The meeting should be preferably |
| effective online profile, please read our upcoming blog | | | | during the day. Do not meet at their place or yours. |
| entry on How to write an online personal profile. | | | | 13. Should you have any reservations about meeting |
| 5. There are so many profiles to choose and read | | | | your online love interest, do not meet him or her. |
| from at each dating website. Use the search features | | | | Always use your judgment and trust your instincts. |
| provided to find someone who meets your | | | | 14. Always inform a close family member or friend |
| requirements and initiate contact with your matches. | | | | where, when and with whom you are meeting. Give |
| 6. The first contact with your love interest is usually | | | | them a call to keep them informed once your |
| anonymous. Do not reveal very personal information | | | | meeting ends. |
| such as telephone number or your residential address | | | | Good luck! With this 14 online dating tips for first |
| unless you are prepared for any adverse | | | | timers, you're set to go. |