10 Online Dating Rules And Etiquette You Must Know

The world of online dating can get a little tricky, so here are few tips to help out your journey to finding love! Whether you're just looking for something fun or looking for the one, being open and being yourself (amongst other things) will lead you straight to your perfect match. With the growing amount of options of dating apps and websites lately, it's easy to get a tad overwhelmed and confused on how to be successful on certain platforms. Nonetheless, online dating can come with plenty of memorable experiences and entertaining stories for the future if it's done the right way! Here's the extra nudge in the right direction with these 10 great tips that will help you get exactly what you're looking for in the big sea of love.

# Be yourself!

This is by far the most important tip for the online dating world. What's the point of getting to know someone if they don't know (or won't like) you for who you really are? Be yourself! It's the only way to truly find the right person for you, and it makes dating 10 times more fun when you two genuinely get along. There's someone out there for everyone, you just have to be yourself to find your person!

# No playing hard-to-get in online dating

You're all in the same place, at the same time, and (hopefully) for the same reason. No playing games when it comes to love, and this goes for both men and women! If you're interested in a potential online love connection, be up front and don't make the person wait for no reason. If you KNOW you want to date, want to get to know them more, or want to end it before it even begins, say it ASAP. Tricks are for kids, try and be an adult.

# Have MULTIPLE recent and clear photos of yourself

We've all heard the stories of people showing up to dates completely different than who they are today, a big tip is to not be that person. Whether it's a receding hairline, extra curves, or a crooked smile...embrace it! Show who you are as you are today to eliminate the element of surprise. Online dating is already nerve-wracking enough; you don't want to make it more intense or awkward than it needs to be.

# No Catfishing!

Speaking of photos, make sure what you upload are actually photos of you! Much of dating is about the first impressions and appearance. Everyone that messages or replies to you wants to know that you aren't lying from the very beginning. Be honest, be true, and save yourself from getting hurt or hurting someone else. This is a rule, an etiquette, and a just the decent thing to do!

# Be clear about what you want

Whether you want something serious or just a one-night fling, you NEED to be upfront about it. One of many tips is to put your intention specifically on your dating profile, so when potentials come by they'll know you want the same or don't! You definitely don't want to waste your time in the dating world with someone that isn't on the same page. It gets messy and feelings can get hurt. There is nothing wrong with wanting love or wanting to have fun; either men or women, just be clear about it!

# Don't be obnoxious

Everyone gets butterflies when they find someone they like, but sometimes it can be hard to not scare them away. Multiple texts and emails are a huge no-no when it comes to online dating. If you haven't heard back in a while, they might be busy working or hanging out with friends. There's no rule with timed replying, so give them a chance to breathe! They will reply the first chance they get if it's mutual. If they haven't replied since your initial hello, they probably aren't into you. This is when it's even more important not to be obnoxious. Ya win some, ya lose some. Let it go!

# Be cautious with the info you share online

Unfortunately there are internet trolls, and some of those trolls end up on dating sites. Be careful when giving information like birthdays of your parents, first pet names, your mother's maiden name, etc. Those are commonly used as passwords to social media, bank accounts, and other personal information that you don't want getting hacked! When asked it can sound like they're genuinely interested, but just be sure they are trustworthy and given out that information wouldn't hurt you.

# Proper grammar is essential in online dating

Proper grammar is important. Proper grammar is attractive. Proper grammar is proper! Online dating usually consists of adults, which means we have no excuse not to type like one! Young, old, and in between, adults that use the correct punctuation and grammar in a profile or beginning message already get extra points. Make it easy on yourself!

# Courtesy tip: bragging is a turn off

Explaining what you do and what you've achieved is one thing, but your tone can say another. Bragging can go hand-in-hand with conceit in the dating world, so don't overshare every amazing detail about yourself on the first date, first chat, or on your online profile. Leave some mystery and let there be more to explore as the relationship grows.

# Don't be the jealous type when online dating

It's online dating. If you're talking to 3 people at once, chances are so are they. There are too many fish in the sea to get committed to one after a simple "hello." If things are going well, tell your match you want more! If you're still talking to others, don't be upset that they are as well. Keep it lighthearted and DO NOT be the clingy, overbearing, jealous stranger they have never met.