"I equate online dating to looking for a job," says Julie Spira, cyber-dating expert and author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating."You'd want a rock star résumé for your perfect dream job, and you should feel the same way about your online dating profile." And the profile is just where it starts—we have plenty of expert tips, from sending the perfect first e-mail to picking your first date location.
According to Ok Trends, the top three phrases in initial e-mails with the highest response rate are "you mention," "good taste" and "noticed that." So, describe something that resonated with you from his profile, advises Spira, but avoid physical compliments because "they seem too clichéd." And keep it brief: Ok Trends found that the ideal first message length is only 200 characters, or one minute's worth of typing for the average writer.Until you've had a conversation about retiring your profiles, says Spira, assume that he is still dating other people. Spira employs a buddy system for initial meet-ups: Tell a friend where you're going and whom you're meeting. Be Patient If at first you don't succeed, don't give up!Midway through the meal, go to the bathroom and call or text your friend to let him or her know whether you're OK or feel uncomfortable. Even if sparks don't fly with someone you initially meet online, it doesn't mean that he won't turn into a great friend or helpful business contact.Instead of saying that you like to cook (which plenty of people will do), describe in detail what your favorite meal to make is."It gives a richer picture of who you are," he adds.