You are Online Now What?

You’ll want to check the site often – every day if possible – ideally several times per day. People who have browsed through the site and seen your profile will send you communication that you can respond to if you choose.

This is usually done with the site’s system instead of through e-mail. You may receive someone’s e-mail address to replay to and it’s up to you whether or not you give them yours. You may want to hold off on that initially, however, avoiding being spammed and possibly harassed.

You can also browse through who is available out there that might interest you. If you find someone you like, send them an instant message and see what happens.

The website will usually send you several possible matches for you each day. Check your e-mail and log onto the site faithfully. If anyone catches your eye, respond to them. Be pro-active, not re-active. After all, you’re online to find a date – don’t let a chance pass you by!

The great thing about online dating services is that participants get to choose the persons they're going to communicate with. Plus, they get to read their profiles ahead of time, so they'd pretty much have an idea about what type of a person they are dealing with, before they make contact.

As connections are made, members of online dating services are free to correspond back and forth with the other members, at a pace that makes them comfortable. There's no need to feel pressured into setting up an in-person date until both members feel comfortable doing so.