Things To Do Before An Online Date

If you're living in the modern century and are single, you'd have come across match dating or dating sites which claims to bring people together. I know it can be nerve-wrecking to meet someone you don't know in real life for a coffee or something similar. I've been there myself too! Online dating has become the norm, but no one really tells you how to do it. 

As a person who has been on numerous online dates, I've learned some tips about what to do, and what not to do before you go out with a stranger online. Without further ado, here are 3 things that you should absolutely do before an online date so that everything (hopefully) goes well. 

Number 1: do your due diligence. Nothing is more awkward than to meet someone that looks nothing like their photo, or is completely different from their profiles. Although sometimes people seem very different in real life than compared to their online persona, it is important to do your homework before you go out with a new friend. For me, I always ask for their Instagram or Facebook to make sure they are real people, or at least search their names on Google (or Linkedin) to see what you can "dig" up about the person. This is not a creepy move, I swear. It is more about safety. Making sure someone is as real as they can get is important before meeting up. 

Number 2: have at least a couple of decent conversations. It is embarrassing to meet someone who you've never met, but if you have not even texted them regularly before meeting up it may be a recipe for disaster! Make sure you have at least a couple of long conversations or text sessions before the person. The best case scenario would be to actually have a video chat if possible, so that you know you are on the same page as the other person. Talking beforehand also allows you to gauge their level of interest, their personality and allows you to form a semi-accurate first impression which is very important in the dating game. 

Number 3: meet at a safe place. Make sure you meet the other person in a safe place such as a coffee shop or public environment so you can leave in case anything bad happens. Honestly, online dating can be scary and there's nothing worse than to feel trapped with your date if you offer to meet them in your house and somehow, things are not going well. Set a meeting place in advance and make sure you play it safe. Great little ideas for a date include a coffee shop meeting, an outdoor cinema where you can chat, a shopping mall where you can browse for cute things, a walk by the local park or canal or just somewhere safe and open where you can feel secure and safe in case anything happens. 

If you are struggling to find an online date, why not meet Cornwall singles by signing up to a localised dating site?