Okay, you have put your advert up on the dating page, and your best photo with it. What happens next? This is when you need to think about what you will say when someone responds.

Write your letter beforehand. That lets you think about what you will say about yourself. Ask a friend to read your response to make sure your spelling and grammar are correct. Don’t exaggerate your attributes, but don’t sell yourself short either.

If replying to an advertisement, mention something from their advert. Don’t just say something like "I saw your ad, would you like to chat?" Talk about them, what did you read in their advert that attracted you to respond? Use a bit of very light humor if you can. Don’t use sex.

If you don’t get a response, don’t continue to write, look for someone else! Remember not to demand personal information. If it is offered, fine, but you only want to chat at this stage remember. Don’t hog the stage, encourage them to write about themselves, but don’t be pushy, and don’t ramble on about your self.

Don’t talk about failed relationships, they won’t want to know about that. Talk about movies, music, find out what their favorite subject is and talk about that. If you don’t know anything about it, find out! Ask them questions about their favorite subject, how did they get interested in collecting elephant statuettes, or whatever it is.

Keep the sex out of it. There is plenty of time later for that! Keep your early messages short, friendly, and chatty, don’t write a novel!

Don’t be in hurry to ask for personal contact information. The contact will be wanting to sound you out before they commit to giving out those details. Let those things happen naturally in their own good time.

Finally when it comes time to meet face to face, be sensible. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people have met the love of their life on the Internet, but there have been a few problems.

If you are a female wanting to meet a male for the first time, be sensible. Suggest something like "my girlfriend and I are meeting for coffee at JoJo’s. Would you like to join us?" If he hesitates or finds an excuse, forget him. If he agrees, and he looks and behaves like you thought he would, then at a predetermined signal, your girlfriend can excuse herself, and leave the two of you alone.

Of course, make sure your girlfriend is not as attractive as you! He might like her better!

Good luck with your online dating, enjoy yourself and have fun!