Once you’ve created that initial connection with someone it is time to figure out whether it's actually going to lead to a first date. Sending flirty messages back and forth can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to decide whether you’re going to take the next step and meet up sooner rather than later. Don't get stuck in investing your time and energy in something that is not going to go anywhere.
Here are 4 top tips to navigate those important steps when you decide to take your online dating offline:
1. Don’t turn into pen-pals and just keep messaging each other endlessly. While that can be fun it really is a good idea to get on the phone sooner rather than later. You can tell a huge amount by somebody’s voice and how they interact over the phone. You’ll also get a good sense of whether your ‘online chemistry' translates into something more once you actually speak to each other.
2. Always speak to the person first before you set up a first date. Wouldn’t you rather find out over the phone that it may be a mismatch than get ready, travel and turn up to a date that you know in your gut you shouldn’t be at. Once you’ve actually spoken try and meet fairly soon after if it works for you both. This gives you the opportunity to work out whether you like somebody’s company enough to invest more time in them. If not, you know there are many more options to explore.
3. If you’re ready to focus on one person never assume that you’re the only one they’re talking to - especially early on. Give yourself the opportunity to speak to as many potential matches as you like and that you’re comfortable with. This is an entirely personal judgement as to whether you want to explore your options with more than one person, but also be upfront and honest about it. You will know when you’re ready to get exclusive and the very nature of online dating provides the opportunity for you to ensure you meet your best possible match.
4. Always put your personal safety first. If you have a gut feeling that something is not right please don't ignore it. And always let people close to you know when, where and how long you’re meet somebody. If it’s in the early stages ask somebody you trust to check in with you and make sure you’re ok.
Remember – online dating takes time and you will need to prioritise it to be successful. It is rare that somebody finds their happy-ever-after within days/weeks of joining, but it can happen. If it doesn’t - just take a break and come back to it.
There is somebody for everybody and you absolutely can have the relationship that you want - never give up!