We talked to the women behind Match.com, the lady-dating site that’s big on group dates and matchmakers, to make your first steps into the world of online dating easy. We asked them everything you wanted to know about the best dating sites out there, from how to write a profile to whether blind dates are a good idea. Read on for all you need to know about romance on the interweb, and remember to tell your other half to get off your back!
1. « It’s still very unlikely that your identity will be stolen »
It’s easy to get obsessed about your online profile. Match.com’s head of consumer education and research, Rose Marie Bergeron, told us that online dating can be overwhelming to new users because « your profile is your first and most important communication with a potential romantic partner. » That’s why it’s important to consider: « Taking time to do a good job at crafting a message that accurately reflects who you are and what you want, presents a unique challenge to new users. »
But knowing how to craft a profile is just the first step. Because of the anonymity and impersonal nature of online dating—a medium often referred to as the « Wild West of dating »—Bergeron reminds us that « companies know more about you than your friends, your therapist, your parents, and your partner do. As consumers ourselves, we are cautious about identity theft, which is why you probably aren’t going to see your name and photo on a dating site. It’s still very unlikely that your identity will be stolen from a dating site, but if it does happen, it could cost you a lot of money. »
When she sees a profile that’s clearly been hacked or is one that is completely out of the ordinary, there are some clear signs of trouble: « Hacked profiles usually have links back to their original, compromising pages. To make sure that someone is legit, always check your spam, junk, or inbox folders to see if you get an email from a site that you don’t recognize. If you don’t get one, contact the site by emailing their administrator or emailing me: Rose@match.com, » said Bergeron.
2. « Always ask your friends and family to go on your first dates »
« Always ask your friends and family to go on your first dates, » says Bergeron, pointing out that we should all be friends with people that can give a critical, unbiased eye to any relationship potential. http://www.freechatz.net/articles/top-ukrainian-hookup-sites-how-to-meet-hot-kiev-women
Be open to dating at any age: Online dating sites have been a godsend for lonely people in recent years. If you are over 40, there is no reason to expect that you’ll find « Mr. Right » online. That means you need to accept that you might have to date a little bit longer before you find the right one for you. Being open to dating, regardless of your age, is something you need to do—your senior citizens won’t be on dating sites.
This is a time in your life when your priorities should shift. In a relationship, you naturally invest in one another, so this is a good time to focus on your work, family, and friends. There are no rules about relationships in your 40s. In fact, dating in your 40s can be a lot more fun than your 20s.
Read books: While you’re on a date, reading can be helpful. There are plenty of books that won’t hold you back in your career, but the best ones will help you deal with day-to-day life. When you’ve finished reading, let your date know what you found insightful. Writing about personal challenges on dating sites can help you get in touch with your emotions. Read books about your life and your career, and let your date know what you liked or didn’t.
Another benefit of reading is that it will give you something to talk about during a date. When you’re having a good conversation, you can say, « You mentioned that you read this book a while back. » You won’t sound like you’re trying to date your date, but it will demonstrate that you’re an interesting person. It shows you’re open to new ideas, even if you’re over 40.
Another option: If you have a Kindle or Nook, you can download plenty of books and load them on your device before you go on a date. You might find a book that has something new and exciting to you, whether it’s an old classic you’ve never read or a new book you want to read before it comes out.
Another good idea is to make sure your phone is fully charged before a date. You never know when you might need to take a call, or if you’ll be arriving to meet your date.
Watch more movies: If you’re not sure of any of your single friends’ tastes, start watching some movies that match your date’s preferences. Movie recommendations are a good place to start, and they also allow
