7 Tips for Successful Online Dating ...

One of the tips for successful online dating is to know what you're looking for. Do you want a long-term relationship, or are you more interested in casual dates? What type of partner do you want? Are you keen to have a family one day? This will help you identify potential dates and know who you can rule out immediately.

There are so many dating sites that it can be tough to choose the right one. But disappointment in online dating can sometimes come from picking the wrong site. It may be worth investing in a paid membership if you're really serious about finding a relationship, as free sites tend to be swamped with people who are simply trying it out because there's no cost involved.

If you get a message from someone who doesn't interest you, thank them for their message but tell them that you don't want to go any further. There's no point wasting your time or theirs. Similarly, if you go on a date but there's no spark, decline a second date; it may seem harsh but that's better than giving them false hope.

Some internet dating disasters come from people exchanging endless messages without actually meeting up. Try to have an actual date as soon as possible. If your potential date comes up with lots of excuses as to why they can't meet up, be aware that they may be concealing something - like a partner. Or they may be very different from the way they've presented themselves.

If you see a profile that seems interesting, but they're not quite what you had in mind, it could be worth giving them a chance. As long as they don't miss a crucial requirement for you, such as the issue of children, you could find that you hit it off. We can become too obsessed with our image of an ideal partner, and so miss that not-quite-perfect person who would actually be great for us.

Meeting a great person online can make us lose perspective and quickly get caught up in the romance of the situation. Don't invest too much too quickly in the relationship; let it grow at its own pace. Otherwise you could be disappointed if they decide that they're not as keen on you.

Finally, think about safety issues. Tell someone where you're going and who you're meeting. Don't give away too much personal information at first, such as your address. It's better to be safe than sorry, as you don't know them well yet.

Have you any disastrous dating stories, or did you meet the person of your dreams online?