Want to Date a Guy or Girl you Dated once Before?

When we're serious about online dating, we search through many profiles, send off dozens of emails, and try to go on a lot of dates. Some are more fun than others. Some people we click with, and some we don't.

What happens if in this rush of dating as many people as possible, we overlook a potentially great candidate? What if we look back and remember his easy-going nature or contagious laugh and wonder...what if? Is there a chance we could have a second first date?

This is a tricky question, because in the world of online dating things move pretty quickly. He could have moved on, or he could have lost interest because you didn't really consider him the first time around. However, if you notice your old date's profile is active once again, there's nothing stopping you from testing the waters. Before you walk back down that road, here are a few things to consider:

• Be realistic about how things ended. Did you not respond to his emails or phone calls? Were you rude or direct about not wanting to see him again? If you let communication drop or somehow treated him poorly, don't expect a grand reception welcoming you back. Consider it a lesson learned and move on.

• Did you recently end a relationship? Sometimes when relationships end we look back through our contacts and reminisce. Although this helps in the short-term, I'd advise not contacting your old dates until you've had time to heal and truly gotten over your break-up. Nobody wants to be a rebound.

• Be open and honest. You've been on dates before that didn't go anywhere, so why are things different now? Your old date will want to know why you have a change of heart about him, so be prepared to respond.

• Be prepared to be rejected. Maybe your old flame is available, but he doesn't want to date you. Fair is fair, and he is entitled to avoid revisiting the relationship. Allow him this choice.

• Realize you might be disappointed. After all, you dropped him the first time around for a reason. Maybe the same traits that bugged you before are still there. Are you prepared?

• Have your dating choices evolved? Maybe you didn't see what a great guy he was the first time around because some of his other qualities weren't attractive to you, but now you're priorities have changed. Let him know you're interested and have the open, honest conversation about who you've become. If he's worth it, he will respect you for this and be willing to give things another chance.