Online dating website reviews: Tips for online dating
Choosing an online dating site
Always preview a site before you sign up
The most popular online dating services are general interest dating sites that encourage members of all ages and from all walks of life, though you may find some tend to attract more of a certain demographic because individual features, styling or pricing.
Shop around for an online dating site
Most online dating sites allow new members to sign up free of charge before subscribing to paid-for functionality. Try out a few online dating sites before settling on one to subscribe to.
Specialist online dating sites
Many online dating websites cater exclusively for certain groups or people with a common lifestyle or interest. If your religion, location, hobby, status or profession is important to your dating preferences, consider an online dating site that caters for this group.
- Religion - Free Christian Dating, Muslim and Single, Only Lunch, Catholic Match
- Sexuality - Planet Sappho, Gaydar, Pink Cupid, UK Gay Life, Fit Lads
- Age - Dating For Seniors, Love Generations, Senior Friend Finder, 40 Plus Dating
- Dating preference - Music Mate, Whispers4u, Seventy-thirty, Parents Already
Getting started with online dating
Choose a memorable online dating username
Your online dating username is often the first thing other online dating site users notice, so choose one that’s memorable and says something about you.
Be open and realistic in your expectations
Start with the attitude that online dating is a way to meet new and interesting people – don't assume that every person you meet will be your future partner.
Play the online dating field
Be prepared for the fact that people you chat to online are probably getting to know many other online dating members. Don't be afraid to do the same.
Make the first move when online dating
Be brave and email people. Don't just set up your online dating profile and wait for people to get in touch; search for a potential date and email them. Make a pact to email a certain number of online dating members each week.
Review your online dating progress
After a few days, take an objective look at the replies you are getting. You may need to adjust your online dating profile or try a new online dating site if you're not meeting the right people.
Talking to other online dating users
Getting your words right when dating online is not always easy, to help you get started here are some common chat abbreviations used online.
| Online dating abbreviation buster | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| ASL | age/sex/location? |
| AFK | away from keyboard |
| BFN | bye for now |
| BRB | be right back |
| BTW | by the way |
| FS | Financially secure |
| GSOH | good sense of humour |
| IMHO | in my humble opinion |
| IRL | in real life |
Use an online dating ice breaker
Want to break the ice? Many online dating sites offer a ‘wink’ or ‘poke’ function which enables you to show your interest in someone without having to write a message.
Don't be afraid to say no to other online dating users
If you're not interested in someone, say so. Be polite and firm if you're not interested – it'll save time and prevent hurt feelings in the long run.
Ask a question online
If you're stuck for something to say, kick off by asking a member about something in their online dating profile, or explain why a certain detail prompted you to get in touch.
Set up an online dating block list
Most sites allow you to block annoying users
Most online dating sites enable users to block others if they are becoming a pest. Check the online dating website’s help files to set up a ‘block’ list of people you don't want to hear from.
Be prepared
Prepare a list of emotive subject prompts for when you're stuck for something to say. General questions with an emotional attachment, such as, ‘So, where did you grow up?’ Or, ‘What was your most memorable night out,’ can easily get the conversation flowing again.
Report bad behaviour on online dating sites
Don't be afraid to report other users for bad behaviour. You wouldn't put up with it in real life, and there’s no need to online. Keep evidence of bad behaviour such as emails or instant message files.
Dating in person
Keep your date simple
When you meet up for the first time consider just going for a coffee or an informal lunch. Depending on how you get on you can leave quickly or suggest doing something else afterwards.
Don't drink and date
Don't drink too much on the first date
If you meet for an alcoholic drink, heed the advice of this experienced online dater: ‘Nerves can have you both drinking too fast, and the ‘beer goggles’ effect can make you think they're suitable when they really aren't’.
Plan ahead for your date
Think up some conversation starters before you meet. Nerves can dry up conversation between two people who would otherwise get on well.
Get to know your date
Re-read your date’s online dating profile before meeting. It'll stop you getting them (embarrassingly) mixed up with other online dating ste members, and it will confirm your interest if you're able to reference something interesting they've said online.