1. Take it slow

There are a lot of nice people online but there are also some bad ones who just want to take advantage of others. To be sure if the person you’re corresponding with is for real or just playing games, it is best to look out for inconsistencies. If at any time you feel doubtful or there’s something wrong, then it’s best to stop and move on.

2. Don’t give out personal information

Since you don’t have any idea who this person actually is, it is best not to give out any personal information such as last name, real email address or contact numbers. If the person you’re corresponding with keeps on pressuring you on this issue, it is best to stop making contact with that person.

3. Ask for a photo

Some people say it doesn’t matter what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside that matters. Physical appearance believe it or not does matter. To authenticate that the person you’re talking to online is real it’s best to ask for a photo. For your own safety and security reasons it’s best to ask for multiple pictures in various settings. If the member is not able to do this, then one should stop making contact with this person.

4. Proceed with caution

It takes time to get to know if you can trust someone, it doesn’t happen overnight. By taking the time necessary to get to know more about a person, you’ll be able to see if you should go on further or be better off meeting someone else.

5. Meet only when ready

Even if a certain level of trust has been established, it’s best to only decide to meet when you’re sure you’re ready. Just like meeting someone for the first time, one should take it slow.

6. Choose a public area

Before meeting the person, it is best to tell others like friends and family where you’re going. In the interests of safety and security, it is also best to meet in a public place. The more people around, the safer it will be in case the date does not workout.

Meeting people online may be a little different from meeting someone new through friends. The similarities in both situations are; it takes time to know a person and there is nothing wrong being too careful especially with matters of the heart.

Online dating requires patience and practice. Just because you uploaded your profile online doesn't mean that people will come and chat to you. You will need to make an effort and take the initiative and actively seek contact with those you like. Try to avoid the mistakes below in order to be successful in finding your perfect match:

1. Women browse profiles to find their match just like you do. Post a good recent picture of yourself, a nice picture that shows your sense of humour or style. Do not send sexually explicit images.

2. Make sure your profile contains proper spelling and grammar. Women are attracted to intelligent people so don't ruin your chances by making simple mistakes on your profile. Take some time to get it right guys and you'll get a response.

3. Women usually like men with a touch of class, so don't choose a nickname that has a sexual innuendo. You don't want to give the impression that you're just searching for a one night stand.

4. Don't use negative words on your profile. Women are much more likely to be attracted to a positive person.

5. Always send individual messages to each member and put some thought into your message. Women get approximately 100 messages a day from all sorts of guys. If you copy and paste 10 exactly the same messages you may just get over-looked.

6. Show women that you're a caring person. Take time to get to know the lady. Ask questions to learn about who she is, what she does, etc. Don't talk only about yourself.

7. Don't pretend that you are willing to fly half way round the world to meet someone you have been chatting to if you're not really serious. It's not fair on anyone including you. It's easy to get carried away with a lovely person seven thousand miles away, but are you really going to get out of that chair and go and meet them if things go really well and you are sure? If you are really only looking for someone in your state or close to home then stick with that and make it clear.

8. If you are married don't lie, tell them from the very beginning. Women can feel this and it gets you nowhere.

9. If a woman tells you that she is not interested in you do not keep sending her messages. You are wasting your time and she can easily complain that you are harassing her.

Photo:

Your photo is your most important chance to make a good impression so putting in a little effort can make all the difference. Since most professionals simply won’t have the time to go through all your photos, your profile photo is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Consider adding some colour with bright clothing; perhaps red since it is the colour of passion and love and has been proven to draw attention. A colourful background is also plus.

Now you’ve caught their attention, the rest of your portfolio becomes the next greatest importance. Your library pics can tell a lot about you and you want to appear attractive and aspirational for them. Therefore consider what else you might have in the background. Scattered laundry or a messy room might send a negative impression to a well organised professional. Choose high quality photos which have good lighting, it makes all the difference and shows that you are taking yourself and online dating seriously. You might show what you’re particularly interested in in life and honestly shows your character.

Your background might include the sports of hobbies you love or the places that you love to spend your time. In this way people get a head start in getting to know the real you and what life might include together. You might be reading a book, listening to music on your headphones, or it might be something more outlandish. Remember your perfect other half is waiting for you and is interested in who you really are.

Choosing an appropriate username

Make your username showcase you. You can begin to tell a story of who you are and your interests here for example; so instead of Tim23, you could choose something descriptive and easy to remember such as TimLovesPhotography. It also might provide some opening conversation for those who contact you.

Your username should reflect you and be:

• Easy to remember
• Clear
• Appealing to the type you want to attract
• Humorous or creative
• Positive

Choosing your headline

Here is where your can express your individuality, courage or creativity. It can be anything really, a statement that rings true to you, or about you or is just funny. This is your chance to focus on the positive. Guaranteed more fun than your ex

Free 30-day trial Is feasting on chocolate whilst crossing a continent by train your idea of fun? While you’re waiting for the real Don Draper I think we’re going to need a bigger boat Ruthless uncompromising tea drinker We can just say we met at the library “The funniest guy I ever met!” says The Guardian Will work for cuddles Two things I’ve never told anyone…

Your profile should be succinct but intriguing Professionals are short of time so once you’ve won them over with your awesome, stand-out profile photos, username and headline you now need to impress them with a well-written, but short and intriguing profile.

Pointers:

Be yourself and thus stand out. Avoid those overworked cliches which switch people off.

Give an example your self. Examples of lifestyle give people lots of clues about the real you. It doesn’t have to be amazing, sometimes honesty it the best policy. If you love being funny, just be so.

Keywords hit the spot. Research suggests that certain words or hobbies can be either a hit or miss to for prospective partners. Consider which hobbies might show that you are creative and into personal growth and men should avoid listing “going out with friends” as a pastime.

1. LACK OF CONFIDENCE:

If you have the confidence, the respect and the love for yourself that others are looking for themselves from you, not only will you come off as more attractive and approachable to others, you will be better able to love and accept someone else.

Confidence means you know who you are, what you want and you aren't afraid to show it. Everybody has their own perfect match, and just because you may not fit the stereotype of what society defines as manly, sexy, funny, etc. doesn't mean you aren't all of those things to the right person. Just do you, that way when you have a connection with someone you know they like you for the real you.An act will only get you so far in the game.

2. LACK OF HONESTY

So you’re going try new things in an effort to meet people, acquire a new look, and adopt some new perspectives? That’s just what most people who start dating do and it definitely helps if you’re a house dweller, with a funky wardrobe and an ancient dating philosophy, but remember to stay true to who you are and what you really want.

If you’re not an adrenaline junkie, kidloving, organic-greens fanatic, don’t make yourself out to be one. You don’t need to because there is someone out there who will love you for you.

In any situation, honesty really is the best policy, both for you and your date. You can't build a relationship on an alter ego.

3. LACK OF COMMITMENT

To succeed, you must be willing to make the commitment to the search. This means prepare for some not-so ideal candidates, monotonous conversations, and awkward goodbyes.

Accept that before you find the right person, you will go through a few bad ones and don’t let this deter you from your happiness.

Realistically, you won't just magically bump into "the one" and "just know." You can't sit around waiting for a fairy god mother, and no "the third times the charm" probably won't work in this case either.

If you really want it, you're going to have to invest a lot of time, effort, and spirit.