Online Dating 101

Okay folks! Here it is, the basics of online dating or dating for that matter.

#1- Don't join too many dating websites. I made that rookie mistake! Trying to keep up with 3 sites was too much! I would get winks from one, start communicating on the other, and have chemistry on the third. Each respectively were Match, Eharmony, and Chemistry.com. It made me feel like a crazy lady with multiple personalities! (hold your comments please...)

#2- Don't reveal too much about yourself on your profile. Leave a little mystery and intrigue! I was shocked by how many men on match.com write paragraph after paragraph about themselves, so I thought I should do the same! NO! Ladies, leave details out so the men fill in the blank with their own wants/desires.

#3- Don't spend too much time browsing the sites that track your activity. Take a few days before checking back into match.com for instance. And DON'T log in on weekends! It makes your social calendar seem full.

#4- Photos are a must. I instantly close someone who doesn't reveal their photo from the beginning. If I'm willing to, then they must also. Take some effort into the pics you put on your site. Men-don't do the tailgating shot with you and your buddies drinking it up shirtless. We know you do that occasionally, but don't flaunt it! Ladies- be a little classy with your photos too. Bikini shots are hot, but it certainly presents a sex only image.

#5- Expect disappointment and rejection! It happens. Whether you get a "closed" message, or a "not interested" message, or no message at all. Everyone on the site gets it! Be pleasantly surprised when you're entertained and intrigued by your date/match!

#6- Don't do dinner as a first date. TOO much pressure. Just pick lunch, a sporting event, cocktails/appetizers, or coffee. If the date is going well, there's always an option to extend it!

#7- Don't email one another for weeks at a time. Too much build up and expectation by the time the actual meeting rolls around. Limit communication to every few days if you think the meeting part will happen further down the road.

As more tips come into play, I'll update the list!