Online Dating Tip for Women: Keeping an Open Mind

Online dating can be a frustrating process, but it can also be fun. There's no reason to look at online dating like you're looking for a job and interviewing candidates. Even if you claim to be "in a hurry" to meet someone, this approach is all wrong. Relationships with men take time to build. You can't just order up what you want and expect things to immediately fall into place.

Instead of going through your laundry list of personal must-haves and can't-haves when it comes to meeting Mr. Right in the interest of saving time, try putting the list aside. Approach dating with a lighter heart.

Following are some tips to cast a wider net:

Loosen those filters. If you have strict requirements for age, location, occupation, height, or any number of circumstantial characteristics, you are filtering out some great candidates from the start. Instead of narrowing the focus of your search from the start, cast a wider net by widening age range, location and other filters and see who shows up. Many women find the perfect man for them often is not their "type." So, keep your options open.

Answer emails and messages, even those you don't find initially attractive or desirable. I'm not saying you have to respond to every single message, but for the men who put effort into reading your profile and contacting you with a personal message, return the favor. Even if you aren't initially attracted to him, give each man a chance before you discount him. He could surprise you.

Say yes to a date with at least one man each month that you normally wouldn't because of his age, income, looks, etc. It's easier to cast a wider net when you don't have a specific goal in mind. Go out with someone who doesn't meet all your requirements. Then you can date with less pressure, and likely open yourself up to more possibility.

Tone down the negativity. I know it's tempting to point the finger at your last ten lousy dates and say, "see, I told you there aren't any good men online!" But this is missing the point. Did you do your best on those dates to keep an open mind, to listen and not judge? Did you give it a fair shot? Most men aren't going to be right for you, but that doesn't mean you can't try to have a good time in the process. Then likely you'll be better able to see when the right one does come along.