Do your online affairs often turn into disappointments? Here’s what you need to do to avoid that

Do you always struggle to find a suitable date online or to shift an online date to a real-life one? Well, dating in the virtual world comes with its own set of unsaid etiquettes. One should know how to keep the conversation going (and interesting) without being offensive or too interrogative and also, know where exactly to draw the line. Not just this, your profile and photographs do the talking on your behalf even before you match with someone online and hence, these could be the culprits behind your frequent rejection. But fret not, we have got you covered! Here are a few tips that will help you to leave a good impression on your online match and up your online dating game in no time.

First, whenever you meet someone online, try to respond to their text message as soon as possible. Making anyone wait for your reply for hours is obviously a bummer and an indication that you are not willing to talk. Once you have replied, be patient and give the other person some time (say three to four hours) to respond to your messages. Don’t send a series of question marks, ask new questions or assume anything yourself when the other person is taking some time to reply.

Many people on online dating apps consider it a ‘desperate attempt’ when the other person asks for their contact number just after a few minutes of conversation. Instead of asking for their number and calling them immediately, try to understand them better. Once you both have developed a rapport and a comfort zone with each other, it is the best time to exchange numbers.

You have recently met a ‘stranger’ online, and bombarding him or her with a barrage of personal questions is surely a recipe to turn them away, permanently. Until and unless you both have become good friends, refrain from asking questions about past relationships, house address or anything they would be uncomfortable disclosing. In the beginning, stick to friendly questions and ask about the things they have mentioned in their profile.

Your profile speaks on your behalf before you actually start talking with someone, and bragging about yourself is definitely an invitation for trouble. Your profile description should not give any false impression about your hobbies, likes or dislikes, nor should you provide any wrong personal information (age, the city you live in, your workplace et al). It is obvious that your online friend would get to know about it someday and ghost you without even blinking an eyelid.

Using umpteen numbers of filters on your photographs, shirtless gym selfies or editing them beyond recognition is definitely a turn off for your prospective online match. Do we really need to explain why? Even if you manage to meet your online date in the real world, they might not able to recognise you in the first go. Do you want to face that embarrassment?

Stalking your online friend on social media platforms is a great way to understand them better. You can get a little extra information about the places they like to hang out, their friend circle, the relationship status and other areas of interest. But don’t use your stalking skills to freak anyone out by ‘liking’ their posts, commenting on their photographs or sending them messages without even being on their friend list.

Since you are not communicating face to face, be little more expressive than you are while talking. Use emoticons (they might know you are joking!) to set the right tone and clarify your intentions if you think the other person is interpreting your thoughts in the wrong way. A little caution hurts no one, right?

(All images used here are representational)