New to Online Dating? Here's what to expect

There is somewhat of a misconception that once you've signed up and created your profile, online dating will progress in a way not dissimilar to the conventional, meet up and hit it off (or not) dating that we are all too familiar with.

Let me tell you now that this is not necessarily the case.

However, do not let the fear of the unknown put you off! It may be different, but that isn't a bad thing. Here are a few heads up regarding the online dating process so that you know a little more of what to expect as you're starting out. 

1. First Dates Are Different 

Regardless of how much you've talked to someone online before meeting them for a date, the fact of the matter is that you are doing exactly that: meeting them. For the first time! This means that it's a good idea to keep the first date short and sweet, unless you instantly decide that you want them to be your life partner (unlikely!!). Use the first date to gauge whether or not you want to see this person again and don't have expectations that are too high. Think of the online-dating-first-date as more of a dating prequel. Once you know you like them, THEN commit to spending more time together at a later date.

2. Prepare to Meet Strangers

Continuing from number 1; you will need to be prepared to meet-and-greet a lot of brand new faces. This is a positive, but it does take some getting used to and can of course be uncomfortable at first. But you will grow accustomed to it, and chances are your date is feeling similar! So it gives you something to bond over. 

3. There are MANY Fish in the Sea

When you meet someone the conventional way, chances are you already like them enough to agree to go out with them; even if that's just from their general manner of being, it's still an indicator! However, with online dating you have to do the weeding process more consciously, whether that is via what people post in their profiles or write to you in a message, or through the actual practice of meeting them face to face. This means that you might have to go out with a lot of people before you find the 'right' one, and this can be overwhelming for some. But keep at it! The right person will be worth the effort.

4. Profile vs. Person

The person you're faced with over coffee may well not be much like how you imagine them based upon their profile information. It's important not to invest too much hope or expectation in a date before it's happened - whether intentionally or not, the information someone chooses to share about themselves online might not always be in line with how they present themselves in real life!

5. No Replies/ LOTS of Messages? Both Normal!

Some people will get loads of messages from matches they simply are not interested in, while others might get replies that are few and far between. Both of these online dating experiences are normal and completely ok. Obviously if you're getting NO replies there might be something key missing from your profile, but it's certainly ok if you don't get a response from everyone you think you might click with. So once again, it's really important to remain reserved until you actually have a rapport going with somebody. And on the other side of things, do NOT feel that you have to reply to every message you receive! You're entirely in charge of your experience, and if you don't like the vibe of someone that's more than enough reason for you to decide not to get involved. 

So yes, online dating may not be very much like regular, meet-in-a-bar-and-ask-for-a-drink dating (at least to start with), but it definitely has its advantages! And once you've got your head around how to go about it, it can be a far more exciting and rewarding experience.