Online dating sites come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different kinds of people all over the world. They bring love to those who want it, as long as they give online dating a chance.
But are there any rules to online dating?
Although many choose to ignore its existence, online etiquette is a real thing. As you (hopefully) wouldn’t do or say something in person, you shouldn’t do it online just because you’re safely tucked away behind the screen. Bullies are never cool, whether in real life or online.
When it comes to online dating sites, the rues of online etiquette apply just like on any other site, with the addition of romance etiquette being thrown into the mix. If you’re interested in someone, you shouldn’t be a jerk – it’s as easy as that. However, some people just don’t have a “filter,” while others simply don’t know how to behave.
For instance, someone who just came out and is venturing into the gay dating world for the first time might not be equipped with the necessary knowledge on how to approach someone of the same sex on an online dating site.
Luckily for all of you who are struggling with this issue, we’ve got just a thing: the do’s and don’ts of the gay online dating game!
Be Polite, Funny, And Interesting
When approaching a gay man on a dating site, or anyone anywhere for that matter, you need to have three different mindsets working perfectly in unison (if you want to be successful, that is).
In order to capture someone’s attention – aim to be polite, funny, and interesting.
Imagine if you were the recipient of your message – how would you react? Would you be interested in continuing the conversation?
Although this sounds easy enough, some folk just can’t get the hang of composing a good first message. They either go into too much detail, write the message as it was a resume, force awkward humor which doesn’t go well with most people, or just write “Hey” and get offended when the other person doesn’t respond.
Don’t do this. Don’t be that guy.
Be Open-Minded
If someone seems interesting enough on paper but you’re not into his looks, don’t throw that possibility away just because he’s not what you thought you liked when it comes to looks.
Or the other way around, as well – if you think a guy is cute, approach him even though you’re not into all the same stuff. You’ll never know how things might work out if you don’t try.
Always be open-minded and ready for new adventures in your life. However, if someone is a complete opposite of everything you want in a partner, don’t push it.
Be Clear About What Matters To You
In other words, state what your potential partner needs to have in order to make you completely happy. We all want and seek different things in people, and to build and maintain a healthy relationship, we have to be happy with the choice we’ve made.
Maybe you’re looking for someone who can steam-up your bed; or someone with whom you can talk for hours without end without getting bored. Or perhaps you need someone who will give you the much needed emotional support you never had.
Maybe it’s a combination of all of these things!
It doesn’t really matter. The important thing is that you’re aware of your own being and your needs in order to tell someone how they fit into your idea of the perfect partner (if they fit at all).
However, make sure not to be overly specific about the traits that your partner has to possess. The things that you need from a partner and the things that your partner must have don’t belong in the same category.
After all. people are not objects – you can’t expect to state your preferences in detail and order them to be what you want them to be.