Three Rules of Conduct for Online Dating

Antoinette McGowan
Online dating has added a new way for people to meet other people. For some it is for something casual and for others it is in an attempt to meet their potential soul mate. The thing though with online dating is that people believe that the anonymity of the online world keeps them from being held responsible for their actions. When dealing with online dating, a person should never behave in a way online that they would not behave face to face in person. The following rules of conduct should in the long run help to make online dating a more pleasant and productive experience.

Rule #1: Hold Yourself Accountable
Always hold yourself accountable for your actions. Just because the person you are speaking to does not know your real name or where you are really from does not mean you act anyway you want. Always act as though you are in person with that person, or will someday be in the presence of that person. What you put on your profile and how you talk to others online gives people a first impression of you. Make sure that the impression you give is the impression you truly want to give people.

Rule #2: Introduce Yourself
Introduce yourself to the person you are initiating contact with. Be pleasant and respectful of the other person. When I tried online dating in the past one thing that always got me was when guys would initiate contact with "Hey Sexy" or "Do you wanna play". This was my signal to basically count them out completely. They may have been very nice guys but their initial contact towards me makes them strike out. Just because you are behind a computer does not give you the right to be crude. So watch how you initiate contact with another person.

Rule #3: Take it Easy
Take your time to get to know another person. I do understand that when you are interested in another person a face to face meeting is wanted. However, you must respect the other person's own personal time frames. In addition one area not to rush is the commitment area. I do realize that you may be looking for long term and not wanting to waste your time with someone looking for something casual. The thing is though is the first conversation or so online should not pressure the other person for a commitment.

Published by Antoinette McGowan

I am a stay at home mother. I love writing. Many topics interest me when it comes to writing.  View profile

  • Watch how you initiate contact with another person.
  • Do not push for marriage during the first email/chat with a person.
  • Just because you are behind a computer screen does not mean you are free to be rude.

1 Comments

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  • Carol Bengle Gilbert8/31/2009

    Excellent advice.

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