The 10 Commandments of Online Dating: Part II

We're back with the next 5 commandments of online dating! Online dating has resulted in millions of successful relationships, but oftentimes searching for love online can seem as difficult as trying to read a 900-page novel in a language you don't understand. I can't teach you how to read the collected works of Dostoyevsky in the original dialect, but I can offer a few common-sense tips and stress-reducing guidelines for finding and forming successful relationships online. Let's jump right back in...

Commandment #6: Thou Shalt Treat Everyone With Respect

The Golden Rule applies to life online as well as offline: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. It can be easy to forget that there are real people behind anonymous usernames and profile text, so make a conscious effort to treat everyone as kindly and respectfully as you would if you'd met in person. Handle rejection politely if someone is not interested in you, and do not simply cut off communication and fall off the face of the Earth if you're not interested in someone else. Be friendly, forthcoming, and honest about your wants, needs, and interests.

Commandment #7: Thou Shalt Show Sincere Appreciation For Others

One of the biggest mistakes online daters make is sending standard, one-size-fits-all messages to potential partners. You might think that your stock message says "Hey there! I saw your profile and I would love to know more about you," but what it really says is "I'm lazy and not actually very interested in getting to know you." Avoid falling into this trap by sending messages that reference specific, unique aspects of the recipient's profile, giving compliments that are not cheesy or clichéd, and asking questions that you are genuinely interested in hearing the answers to.

Commandment #8: Thou Shalt Maintain A Positive Attitude

There is absolutely nothing attractive about negativity. In fact, it's one of the biggest turn-offs out there! Don't write that you only joined a dating site because your friends harassed you. Don't write that your last girlfriend or boyfriend broke your heart and you're still depressed over the dissolution of the relationship. Don't write that you feel lonely and pathetic because you've been single for too long. Instead, attract the attention of other members by showing that you're upbeat, joyful, funny, and fun-loving.

Commandment #9: Thou Shalt Not Be Vulgar, Coarse, Or Offensive

This commandment is mostly for the men, but I know that ladies can sometimes be guilty of breaking it as well! Foul language and aggressive sexuality do not belong on online dating sites, unless the site is specifically intended for adult personals and finding no-strings-attached hookups. If you're seeking a serious, long-term relationship, sexually suggestive profiles and messages are almost always extremely ineffective.

Commandment #10: Thou Shalt Be Realistic

The world of online dating is not a mystical, magical, fairytale kingdom. Not every person you contact will be interested in you. Not every person you meet will be honest and trustworthy (and some won't even be real!). Not every communication will lead to an offline date. Not every relationship you begin will work out. Be rational and sensible and have realistic expectations, but be confident, optimistic, and open-minded, too. You just might find your "happily ever after" after all.