Many websites are written for and by men offer dating advice that you can use in the online dating arena. But with all of sites that are available, wouldn’t it be easier if you had a ‘cheat sheet’ of the dating advice that really matters in the online dating playing field? Here are the things you need to know before you head to your computer.

• Honesty works – While you don’t want to remind your potential dates that you haven’t been on a date in ten years, there’s nothing wrong with being honest about the important things. If you’re not interested, tell the person. You want to start off any potential relationship on the right foot. Make sure to be honest about what you look like, what you like to do, and other details. If you get caught in a lie, it can look worse than the truth.
• Remember that there are plenty of dates out there – When you start accepting dates because you’re afraid that no one else will talk to you, you’re going to start accepting dates with people that just aren’t right for you and may even be dangerous. Remember that there are always more dates available – and that you’re worth the time of looking for the right one.
• Avoid sex talk for a while – Unless you’re going to a site that’s explicitly just for sexual hook ups, you want to avoid any sexual talk until you get to know the other person a little bit better. You don’t want to look like the only thing you’re interested in is sex.
• Avoid sending carbon-copy e-mails to lots and lots of women. Although dating can turn out to be a game of lotto for men, remember that nobody is flattered by a scripted, impersonal letter. Make your letters personal – you’ve much more chance of being noticed that way.

New to online dating? Read more in Online Dating for Beginners.

Tips and Ideas Advice, Beginners, Men, Rejection, Sex, Talk

Getting a date is one thing, but starting to date during the holidays can be a tricky thing to handle. Do you go over to her/his house? Do you bring a gift for your date? What are your obligations?

The holidays are an emotional time for anyone, but this also doesn’t mean that you should avoid them altogether in order to save yourself from dealing with them entirely. What you’ll want to do is take a breath, think about what the holidays are really about and then you’ll make the right decision.

First of all, the holidays are about giving and sharing. This is a time of celebration, so take advantage of the parties that you’re invited to. These will give you a great opportunity to have low stress dates where you can mingle and talk just a little, no pressure on either of you to maintain a longer conversation.

If you’ve been going out for a few weeks, you may want to pick up a small gift for your date. Something like movie tickets can provide both of you with a reason to get together again or something that you can keep in case your date decides to call things off before the gift exchange day.

What you may want to realize is that the holidays can be a difficult time for everyone, but by going with the flow and just having fun as you would with anyone else, you and your date might just make it into the New Year.

Tips and Ideas Date Ideas, Gifts, Holidays, Vacation

Instead of doing the same old-same old out on your next date, why not spice things up this holiday season? Dating should be fun and exciting, so going on a date on a holiday can only mean that you’re guaranteed a good time.

Try going to the local haunted houses to get a bit of a scare. There’s nothing like a little screaming to get your endorphins moving and get you closer to your date. You’ll get to see how they act when they’re out in an unfamiliar situation – which can actually say a lot about their character. If they can play along with the night, they’re probably laid back and a lot of fun, even when it’s not a holiday.

Or you could always find a party to go to, costumes and all. Even if only one of you knows the hosts of the part, that will make the night more about getting to know your date and how he or she interacts with strangers. You will also get some fun ‘getting to know you’ time in as others ask questions of your date or your self.

Another fun thing to do is to go to a corn maze as a way to celebrate the ghoulish night and have a unique experience. Once you’re done or completely give up finding your way, you can sit and talk about what you’re done over hot apple cider and a few cinnamon donuts.

Tips and Ideas Date Ideas, Fun, Halloween