Dating:Do's and Don'ts

So you've read my Why I hate the Bar Scene article and you are ready to enter the world of online adult dating. Here are some simple Do's and Dont's that, although simple, should help to provide you with a better online dating experience. (Note: These tips are strictly for romantic dating and not geared toward intimate dating)

DO:
Make sure you fill out all fields provided by the adult dating site you are becoming a member of to the best of your ability and as honestly as possible. Make sure you write a good amount of text about yourself and try to describe yourself and your interests the way you see them from your point of view. Let yourself be yourself. Make sure your personality shows through in your writing so that you can convey an accurate representation of who you are.

DON'T:
Adult dating sites can only give you back what you put into them. Don't write things like, "I will add more later". Do it now. You're right there so you may as well complete what you started. After all, you are there to meet people and if you are serious about finding a dating partner complete this process and show others that you are serious. Use complete sentences and complete words. Do not type things like, "cuz" or "b4" or "U".

DO:
Add a good, clear, bright photo to your profile. Add several, at least three. Take a shot inside and outside. The camera can be tricky sometimes and some people take a more accurate representation (better picture) of themselves either inside or outside.

DON'T:
Do not add a picture of yourself that is too dark. Nothing is more frustrating for adult dating site members than having to get real close to the monitor and squint there eyes in order to see what color your hair is. If you want to take a picture of dog, make sure you are also in the picture. I've seen many pictures on adult dating sites where there are four pictures available for viewing where the first picture is the person I'm interested in and the next three are of their dog. I'm not here to date their dog. Also, DO NOT upload a picture of you with your neighbors or friend's child! They may not appreciate you putting a picture of their child on the Internet and, after all, this is an adult dating site, not a child pageantry.

DO:
Write a good subject line. Write a subject line that stands out. Adult dating site members can receive quite a bit of email, so you want to stand out from the crowd. Remember, the subject line is the first thing visible.

DON'T:
Do not leave the generic subject line that is automatically generated when creating a new email. Doing so will make you look lazy or imply that you do not have much to say or are unoriginal. It does not mean that you are, however, this is something the reader may extrapolate.

DO:
Write something interesting, perhaps about yourself. Make sure you end the initial email with a question or two to make it easier for the recipient to reply with follow up correspondence. Also, sign the email with your name. Doing so makes the entire adult dating process more personable and "real".

DON'T:
If you want to receive a reply, don't simply write "hi, I like your profile" in your initial correspondence. Doing so is extremely flat and does not exactly warrant a reply from the recipient. If you do get a reply, it may consist of a simple "thanks". At that point, you are back to square one and have basically wasted time and also have diminished the chance of another reply.

DO:
Be polite! Remember, these are real people with real feelings. You are at an adult dating site with other people who are mutually looking to meet. If you are serious about meeting other singles, be respectful. Wouldn't you expect the same?

DON'T:
Do not be lewd! Women especially are not receptive to such initial correspondence. If you are not here for dating and are looking more for a sexual dating encounter or "hook up", you are in the wrong place. If you are looking for sites that cater to sexual adult dating, have a look here for a list of sites that will accommodate you.

These are just a few, brief tips I've put together. I will write more tips soon. I hope these simple tips will get you started and enhance your online adult dating experience.