Online dating can be rife with struggles and complications and it can be hard to know what is right and what’s wrong. Here are a few of our most important online dating tips to help you get started.

For more ideas for dating in , we also have articles on Optimism and Best Dating Tips

1 – Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

It can be easy when looking at someone’s profile to pick out small things you don’t like and use that as an excuse not to try. Don’t stress the particulars: he doesn’t like Titanic, and she is a cat person – instead, look at the profile in broad strokes. Is he intelligent, does she live in your city? You can’t expect every bit of your expectations to match their profile.

2 – Don’t Forget there is a Person Behind the Profile

Everyone has done this. You see a profile that is fun, well-written, and attracts you immediately. It can be easy to fall for someone right then and there. But there IS someone at the other end of the line and the best way to learn about them is through their mannerisms and actions. Judge the person, not the profile.

3 – Get Offline

When dating online, it can be easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of messages and emails, but dating is a face-to-face venture. Be safe, but meet up after a reasonable amount of messages or time. The last thing either of you would want is to get attached, commit time to a person, and then find out you aren’t as compatible as you were online.

4 – Pick the Right Site for You

Are you someone who enjoys lots of options or is overwhelmed by them? Do you have spare time or are you constantly busy? These are important questions to ask before picking a dating site. For example, a site like eHarmony will match you with people based on compatibility, however, Match.com requires you to put in more work going through profiles. Know what works for you and find a site that can help not hinder.

5 – Create an Online Dating Budget

How much are you willing to spend on dating? Some dating sites are free but there are more people there and a lot of them may be time-wasters. Oftentimes you’ll find that sites that require a fee weed out less serious contenders and you may have more luck there. Find out how much you are willing to pay – and find a site or service that fits within your budget.