11 Online Dating mistakes to avoid

You've probably heard it all before: online dating is a minefield. Full of creeps, scammers, and just generally bad people. But it doesn't have to be that way! There are plenty of ways to make sure you're not making any common mistakes.

Here are some of the most common messaging mistakes people make in online dating and how to avoid them:

 

1. Not replying to messages.

 

If someone takes the time to message you, the least you can do is reply. If you're not interested, just send a quick "Thanks for messaging me, but I don't think we're a match" message and move on.

 

2. Sending one-word messages.

 

Another common mistake people make is sending short, one-word messages. This makes you seem lazy and uninterested, and it's not likely to get you a response. Put in a little effort and write out a proper message - it'll be worth it.

 

3. Being rude or offensive.

 

This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it's too common. People think they can get away with being rude or offensive online, but it's not the case. It is a huge turn-off, but you're also likely to get reported and banned from most dating sites.

 

4. Sending too many messages.

 

Sending a few messages back and forth is fine, but don't go overboard. If you're bombarding someone with messages, it will come across as desperate and annoying. Again, just take things slow and see how it goes.

 

5. Being too forward.

 

It's one thing to be flirty, but there's a fine line between flirting and being too forward. If you're getting too sexual or personal in your messages, it's likely to scare people off. Play it safe at first and get to know the person before you start sharing any intimate details.

 

6. Don't send the same message to different people.

 

When messaging people on a dating site, it's important to remember that everyone is different. What works for one person might not work for another, so don't just copy and paste the same message to everyone. Take the time to personalize each message. It's much better to write a unique message for each person, even if it's just a few sentences, and you'll be more likely to get a response.

 

7. Posting old or fake photos.

 

Another mistake people make is posting old or fake photos. Don't do this! It's misleading, and it's not going to make a good impression. If you want people to message you back, stick to recent, honest photos.

 

8. Not proofreading your messages.

 

Before you hit send, take a quick minute to proofread your message. This will help you avoid any embarrassing typos or grammatical errors. Nobody's perfect, but it doesn't hurt to try. If you usually write on the go, start using online grammar checker services - nowadays, it is so easy and mostly free of charge.

 

9. Being too picky.

 

Don't be afraid to message people who don't fit your "type." You never know, they might just surprise you. The same goes for people who message you first - don't just ignore them because they're not your type. Give them a chance, who knows what could happen?

 

10. Not following up.

 

If you've been messaging back and forth with someone and things seem to be going well, don't just suddenly stop replying. If you're not interested, that's fine, but at least have the courtesy to let them down easy. A simple "I'm sorry, I'm just not feeling it" message will do.

 

11. Don't lie about your age/appearance.

 

It's tempting to want to put your best foot forward when you're online dating, but don't lie about your age or appearance. Sooner or later, the truth is going to come out, and it's just not worth it. Be honest from the start, and you'll be more likely to find someone who's a good match for you.

 

Finally, let's sum up the main points.

So there you have it - 11 common mistakes to avoid when online dating. Just remember to be yourself, be respectful, and have fun, and you're sure to find success in the world of online dating, whether you are looking for a serious relationship or just casual sex!