Online Dating: Advice for when You Meet Someone for the First Time

It is obvious to many that there are several differences with dating online compared to offline and one of these is the fact that very often you don't get to see them in person until the time comes for you to meet. Sending each other pictures of each other is all very well but very often you find that he/she are not at all like their picture or in a worse case scenario, they've lied to you and sent you a picture of their very attractive sibling in place of theirs.

So, let's presume that they've sent you a true picture of themselves and you have made arrangements to meet them for the first time. What should you do to ensure everything goes as smoothly as they can?

The best advice I can give you is to always be yourself. Whilst you have never met in person before, remember what you learnt about each other from the conversations you had online and base your conversation around that. Try not to be too nervous! I know that's easier said than done but you've been getting on with them well up until now, why should that change because you happen to be meeting them face to face? People love talking about themselves so encourage them to chat about his/her life to put them and you at ease.

Make arrangements to meet in a public place. This could be a pub or restaurant, public park or party. Always tell someone where and when you are going and what time you are likely to be back just in case he/she turns into the axe murderer from hell. Ensure you have a distinguishing object on you so that he/she can recognise you e.g. a red rose. Even with the best will in the world and a good photograph it's still possible to miss one another completely.

Depending on what you expect out of the first meeting or out of the relationship full stop depends on how you behave when you see them. If you're just after a quick, passion filled night or a one night stand, still take things slow. Be yourself above all else and follow his/her lead. Watch their body language as much as you can. If she mirrors your body then she's feeling comfortable with you. If she keeps catching your eye and then looking away she's also interested. The licking of the lips and her/him looking at yours is possibly telling you that she/he would like to be kissed. If you're not too sure of what she/he wants don't be afraid to ask. "May I kiss you?" is a perfectly good question to ask and she'll respect you for it.

Maybe as you're walking between your houses, flat, hotel to the pub or restaurant and back again, hold her hand. Teasing is good as is flirting the whole time you are out. If she responds by flirting back then maybe, try and kiss her for the first time. If you kiss her standing up, rest your hands on her hips or waist or cup her face with one hand.

If you're sitting and having a drink or meal, make little touchy gestures during the conversation but don't over do it. Maybe, rest your hand on her arm, or stroke her face with your fingertip. Her reaction will then tell you if she likes what you do or not! If you're in public I would avoid groping her too much. It all depends on how things are going and whether there are a lot of people about.

Basically, if she's laughing at all your jokes, and appears to be enjoying herself and your company then by all means take things further. If she's looking bored or she looks like she's about to run, then put it down to experience. Unfortunately, even if you get on well on the internet there's no guarantee that you'll get on with each other offline, too but there's no reason why you shouldn't.

Finally, have fun, be yourself and don't worry!