that you’re getting somewhere when all you’re doing is
chatting online with a bunch of strangers.
Don’t let it be your only method. The upside of online dating
is you can search for people by any filter including mutual
interests. The downside is you cut yourself off from the
spontaneity of real life; you never know when you’ll run into a
great match at a friend’s party or your favorite coffee shop.
Use online dating in conjunction with other methods, not as
your sole method.
Don’t wait too long to make your move. After 2 or 3
messages, you have a sense of the other person’s interest. Don’t
say anything self-defeating like, “I don’t suppose you’d like to
meet up, would you?”
Focus on getting littles yeses from the other person: “I think
talking in person is a better way of getting to know someone
than email.” If you can get a yes on topics you know they’ll
agree with, they’re more likely to say yes to meeting up with
you.
Suggest something that’s easy and a low investment like
getting a coffee. You don’t have mutual friends to attest how
wonderful you are, and this person doesn’t even know what
your voice sounds like. You’re a total stranger! By making this