Strengths and Weaknesses in Communication
- Monday, April 08 2013 @ 10:17 am
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,645
Online dating has many benefits: the ability to fit your schedule, the ability to peruse profiles without having to outright reject every one you look at, the ability to meet people outside your personal sphere, and more. However, there’s one fact that’s easy to forget: the internet is only the primary mode of communication when you’re first finding each other and setting up a date. Should you actually enter a relationship, the internet will probably not be the primary mode of communication anymore.
There are a few potential ramifications from this statement. For example, some people might be relieved; they’re more comfortable communicating in person, and having to type (or maybe talk on the phone) makes them cringe. Others place all their emphasis on having a great profile, but never consider what they’ll do once they’re on their first date. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses; however, if your strength is expressing yourself through writing, you’ll still have to eventually learn people skills as well. But don’t lose heart! For many, interacting online first eases their nerves when they finally do meet.
It’s easy to think all about yourself and your own strengths and weaknesses, but what about those of the people you’re gearing up to meet? They’ll have their own. I once heard a man say, “I go through checkpoints with dates. If we hit it off through text message, and then a phone conversation, I’ll meet her in person. If not, I won’t waste my time.” The problem with his “checkpoint” plan is that not everyone is adept at every form of communication. Why end things before the in-person date, when the object is to find someone with whom you get along in person?
As you peruse online dating sites, think about strengths and weaknesses in communication - yours and those of others. If you’re particularly weak at, say, talking on the phone, be open and honest about it. If you’re a bit shy in person and need a bit of laughter to come out of your shell, don’t be afraid to come prepared with something funny to discuss - or ask your date to come armed with jokes! And don’t forget to extend the same courtesy to your potential dates; you’re not the only one fretting about making the best first impression! As with most things, mutual consideration and honest communication can potentially overcome your weaknesses - and get a relationship started on the right foot.
There are a few potential ramifications from this statement. For example, some people might be relieved; they’re more comfortable communicating in person, and having to type (or maybe talk on the phone) makes them cringe. Others place all their emphasis on having a great profile, but never consider what they’ll do once they’re on their first date. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses; however, if your strength is expressing yourself through writing, you’ll still have to eventually learn people skills as well. But don’t lose heart! For many, interacting online first eases their nerves when they finally do meet.
It’s easy to think all about yourself and your own strengths and weaknesses, but what about those of the people you’re gearing up to meet? They’ll have their own. I once heard a man say, “I go through checkpoints with dates. If we hit it off through text message, and then a phone conversation, I’ll meet her in person. If not, I won’t waste my time.” The problem with his “checkpoint” plan is that not everyone is adept at every form of communication. Why end things before the in-person date, when the object is to find someone with whom you get along in person?
As you peruse online dating sites, think about strengths and weaknesses in communication - yours and those of others. If you’re particularly weak at, say, talking on the phone, be open and honest about it. If you’re a bit shy in person and need a bit of laughter to come out of your shell, don’t be afraid to come prepared with something funny to discuss - or ask your date to come armed with jokes! And don’t forget to extend the same courtesy to your potential dates; you’re not the only one fretting about making the best first impression! As with most things, mutual consideration and honest communication can potentially overcome your weaknesses - and get a relationship started on the right foot.
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