Dating someone from the Internet is like being on a blind date, except your friends aren’t the ones setting you up. There is no such thing as a perfect date (especially in online dating), but here are some simple steps top help you avoid an awkward online dating situation.
1.Make sure that he/she has an updated picture posted. Before you go on and get excited just because someone is talking to you and is willing to meet with you for a date, locate his or her picture, take a peek and see how he or she looks. Evaluate the picture for any clues that might indicate the picture is an old one from the early 80s. Ask the how old the picture is. If it’s been 2 – 3 months, ninety-five percent of the time he or she will still look the same as in the photograph.
2.What if they do not have a posted picture? If there is no picture posted, ask your potential date to describe herself. Beware of this for they can give you descriptions of Hally Berry, Alicia Keys, Brad Pitt, or even Denzel Washington; without you realizing that they are really just ugly Betty or Steve Urkel (Family Matters).
3.Take your time. Take a deep breath and relax. You still do not want to go ahead a set a date because you are blinded by your eagerness. Remember if your potential date has a picture posted and it is 2 -3 months old, there’s a ninety-five percent chance he or she still looks the same, and a five percent chance that he or she does not look the same (trust me, I know). And if they do not have a photograph, you really want to take your time. Read more to find out how you may continue with that person once you have sorted matters with their photograph.
4.Get to know each other. Chat with her every chance you get. Get to know her as if you’ve already seen her face-to-face. Find out her values in life, her favorite color, food, music, etc., anything you want to know about her. If you are still eager about setting a date, make sure that you set the date for at least a week after confirming that you would like to meet up.
5.Play invisible. When you feel ready to meet but you’re not really sure if she’s going to look as good as in the picture, go on to play invisible. This is the perfect step for those who do not know how the other might look. I know you are probably wondering what in the world I am talking about. Easy. If you are unsure, go ahead and make plans to meet up in a certain place at a specific time. Let her know exactly where you want her to wait for you (so make sure you know the area). What you want to do is get there at least an hour early. Do not wait for her in the exact place you asked her to wait for you, but wait around the place or close by, and blend in with the crowd. This way you can see if you like what you see, and if you do, go up to her but make sure that she does not see that you were trying to pull this off on her.
6.If you do not like what you see. Go home, and the next time you chat with this person, make up an excuse (along the lines of a family emergency). I know this is cruel, but it is effective, especially when you realize that this person gave you the wrong description of herself. If she asks to reschedule the date and you feel like you should not go on with it but do not want to hurt her feelings, tell her you will get back with her. And make sure you keep yourself busy for the next three weeks.
Remember to be careful of crazy people out in the world. Remember that just because you like what you see does not mean that she is the one for you.