5 Steps to Online Dating : Should I or Shouldn't I ?

So you are single, right? Date after date. Mishap after mishap. You start to wonder if it will ever happen. So one day, while you're talking to a friend about your dating woes, they say, "Why don't you try online dating?" You respond immediately, "No! I'm not that desperate." I think we have all been here. From Match.com to EHarmony, you see online dating everywhere, and I think everyone at some point has thought about it. Well, being a Christian, sometimes people shun upon it for several reasons, but I am not here to go over that. Everyone has their opinions on what's right or wrong and I am not going to even get into that debate. But what I do want to do is give you some tips when it comes to Online Dating for those who choose to do so. I personally have done Online Dating and have met some great people and even have attained some great friends. Do I think it's desperate? No. Do I think it is for everyone? No. I think you truly have to know yourself and decide what is best for you. If you decide that it is, I hope these tips will help you.

1. Choose the Right Site
            - All sites are not for everyone. They have free sites, and they have sites that you have to pay for. You decide what is best for you. Regardless, make sure it is a site that is safe and has some form of a matching system. In other words, a site that just won't match you with anyone and anybody. You need a site that will actually look at your interests and attributes and match you with someone that will complement who you are.

2. Don't Share Too Much Information
             - Post pictures of you and only you. Don't add pictures with family members, friends, or locations that share too much information about you. Such as pictures of you at your job, or an obvious location that can only be found in certain areas. Keep it limited. Purely share information about your personality, interest, and what you are looking for. Now the site will automatically share your general location, but keep it there. Don't give out your number until you feel comfortable. That includes connecting with them on Social Media sites. Wait on that. You don't want to share your daily whereabouts to quick.

3. Don't Hide Your Beliefs.
            - Don't hide your faith in God in fear that it will deter possible dates. Also, don't hide if you are celibate. It is best to be honest about who you are upfront. You only want to attract those that are like minded and have the same beliefs as you do.

4. Keep The Same Rules of Regular Dating to Online Dating.
            - Don't forget your rules for dating just because you are online. Keep the same expectations. Still pray to God for discernment on a prospective date. Still let them pursue you. I have previous blog posts below with tips on dating. I also give some in my books , Not Tonight : My Worth Is Far Above Rubies & Single to Married : Becoming Who You Are In Christ and a Better Complement as a Potential Wife.

5. BE SAFE!!
               - Always meet your date during the day and in a public place.
               - Let someone know where you are going, what your date looks like , and any other possible information you feel is necessary if something occurs.
               - For the first call, use the service that blocks your personal information. 
               - Don't fall for dating scams. Here is a link on common dating scams :   http://www.onlinedatingsafetytips.com/Top10Scams.cfm

It's okay if you decide to do Online Dating, as long as you do it the right way!

God Bless!

As always , if you have any questions, or need some encouragement, you can always email me at chloemgooden@yahoo.com

www.chloemgooden.com

God Bless!

Photo Credit : Camdiluv

Taken on February 4th, 2010

via Flickr 

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