In the realm of online dating, it’s not just about finding the best site and then finding the perfect matches. While you might think that the first date is the first impression you will have with your potential partner, it’s actually the first time you communicate with them that can guide you to love or not. In most dating sites, you’ll get the chance to email your prospective date before you even meet them, but are you doing all that you can to impress?

Emailing can be a hard way to talk to someone. Without the ability to see someone else’s facial expressions or to understand the way they explain things, it can be hard to figure out what’s being said…and what’s not.

What you do want to do is be as friendly and positive as you can. This first email isn’t about the things that you don’t like; it’s about creating the possibility of a date or just a meeting. You want to talk about things that you noticed in their profile, perhaps give suggestions for things you might want to do together, etc.

This is your time to create a mental picture of yourself for the person on the other end of the email, so try to be fun and show your true personality. If you’re having troubles with writing this initial email, there are plenty of sites and tips out there. And don’t forget to read it back to yourself before you hit send!

Tips and Ideas Email, First Impressions, Flirting, Online Romance

With all of the dating tips out there, you might still have questions that have gone unanswered.

For example, what should I wear?

This sounds rather idiotic, but you want to make the right impression, but not too sexy of an impression, yet you don’t want to look to casual, etc.

And all of that adds up to ‘Oh No.’

Instead of worrying about running to the nearest department store before you meet your date, why not open up your closet door and start thinking about these two questions when you’re choosing your outfit:

• Where are you going? If you’re headed out for a hiking trip or a walk in the park, jeans will probably be just fine. Think about whether you might get messy and think more casual for those kinds of dates.
• What are you doing? If you’re planning on meeting up at the gym, you don’t have to wear a dress or a suit.

The point is that jeans can look nice and attractive, but you don’t want to choose the most beat up pair that you own. Try to think business casual, without the business factor.

Women, you want to try to wear clothes that are attractive, but not too revealing. While you might like to wear something low cut, realize that you want your date to remember more than your outfit at the end of the night. Think nice pants or a light sweater or casual shirt.

If you like to wear skirts, go right ahead. If the date seems to call for it, why not dress up a little? The point is that you don’t need to go all out in order to impress someone, but you do want to make sure that you’re wearing something clean, non-wrinkled, and matching so that you’re showing them that you do want to make a good impression.

That’s really all that matters.

Dating Essentials Clothes, Fashion, First Impressions, Outfits, Sexy

How many times do you read a glowing description, only to hit the photo album and see a person who doesn’t even come close to matching? For me, it has happened several times. Why would you put the effort into describing yourself as an Angelina Jolie look alike or Orlando Bloom twin when anyone who sees the pictures knows you are not? It may very well have the reverse effect.

Someone may be interested in you from a picture, but then read a description and know it doesn’t match. First impressions online last, so your reputation will be branded as questionable, or even lying! That’s not a way to start off a relationship.

Be truthful with your description. If you have a few extra pounds to carry around, admit it. Someone may prefer those extra pounds to having a rail thin person and vice versa. And certainly don’t lie about your hair or eye color or hair amount. If someone expects you to have a thick, luxurious mane, when you meet in person and have a shiny, bald head, they may not recognize you!

There is someone to love every body type. Take care of your ‘flaws’ since they may be an asset to someone else. Just because one person likes long hair best doesn’t mean there aren’t ten more out there who love short locks. Describe yourself accurately, and if you have a hard time doing it, ask a friend to help. They will be honest with you!

When describing yourself honestly, also describe your life in truth. State how many children you have. Say where you live (not the address, but house, mom’s house, apartment or mansion). Don’t hedge about having or not having a good job. The more open you are in describing your attributes, the better chances you have of finding a suitable and lasting match.

Finding a love match is what it’s all about, so start off on the right foot. You want someone to love you for who you are, not an imaginary you!

Next week, how to put your best foot forward!

Personal Profiles First Impressions, Photo, Picture, Profile, Truth