Online dating has put a spin on the relationship game and it’s been around long enough for it to be what many unions are made of.
If you’re single and ready to mingle, don’t look at it as a last attempt for the desperately lonely – it’s just a new way of doing things.
Here are a few tips, showing you the red flags and offering tips for your first time:
For a start, don’t see it as “so many people, so little time”.
It can get overwhelming and confusing when starting out, because of the many potential partners. Avoid wasting time and going on an endless shopping spree for a perfect partner – it’s best to start with a general idea of what you are looking for, and also what will differentiate you from the rest.
Avoid the rush to meet up.
While face to face interaction can provide you with a “more realistic experience” of the person you’re dating, this is something you don’t want to do too quickly. Instead, make a sincere connection first, use online communication and focus on finding out the basics about the person.
Availability is another BIG red flag.
If someone is always online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you should be worried. This will mean they have made this a full-time job and could be addicted and unfortunately obsessive – not your ideal partner!
Lastly, dating is the name of the game
, and lying regrettably is part of it sometimes. People may use old pictures or even wrong pictures to lure partners, lie about their age, income, weight and even gender. Be prepared to run into a few liars here and there. Online dating will require your patience, and you doing your homework.
COACH: Makabelo Motaung
Make use of the internet
, research the person and see if their dating profile matches your search. Also, make use of video and voice chatting to reduce the chances of being Catfished. Lastly, have fun. You finally have at your disposal an infinite number of potentials partners. Avoid committing too early, find the right person and be happy!
* Makabelo Motaung is a relationship coach. For questions and more dating and relationships tips follow CoachKB on: Facebook: Iamcoachkb / Twitter:@Iamcoachkb/E-mail: [email protected]/Website: www.coachKB.co.za