Internet Dating tips still the same in 2016
By Tom P Blake Finding Love After 50
This Monday, April 24, 2006, Newsday, the prestigious Long Island, NY, newspaper, is featuring an article about Internet dating for seniors. I was contacted by staff writer Pat Burson for my opinions and whether I had any tips on Internet dating.
Here are a few Internet dating tips taken from my book, “Finding Love After 50: How To Begin. Where To Go. What To Do.” (read more about this book in this website’s bookstore). It’s not a complete list, but it covers important aspects of Internet dating.
Internet dating tips from Tom Blake. Still applicable in 2016
-Trust your instincts. If someone sounds too good to be true, he is. If you feel that tiny shadow of doubt— that something isn’t quite right—listen to your inner voice and avoid involvement there
-People lie about everything on the Internet—their age, income, looks, you name it. Be aware that whatever you hear may not be true
-You’ll need to provide an up-to-date photo. Don’t have it taken by your neighbor Sue on an overcast day with a throw-away camera while you're holding your cat or pet rabbit. Be sure the picture is clear and you're smiling. Digital cameras are great for this because the photos can be uploaded to the Internet and you can take lots of them until you get one just right
-Few men will continue a conversation with a woman without seeing a picture
-Don’t take rejection and rudeness personally. Sadly, it goes with the Internet territory. If it happens, just say, “Next.”
-Don’t talk for months without having a face-to-face meeting. Meet soon. It could be a waste of your time and his—if there is no chemistry
-Don’t fall in love with an image—with someone you’ve not met in person. You think you’re in love but you aren’t. Too many people have been disappointed when meeting in person. Cool your emotions until you see him live
-Internet dating creates long-distance relationships. If both want to be with a mate on a daily basis, guess what? Someone’s got to move. Best to discuss this in the early stages. Who’s going to uproot their life and move to a new city?
-Meeting someone right for you is a numbers game. It could take months. Don’t give up
-Don’t try too hard. It shows through. You’ll come off as desperate and that’s a turnoff
-Beware of “romance scams.” They are prevalent in 2006 (and worse yet, in 2016), particularly from people in Africa and other foreign countries. If someone you don’t know is killing you with kindness—sending flowers, chocolates or whatever--be leery. See below for anti-scam website link
-Everyone you meet on the Internet is a stranger. Be careful of all strangers. And when it comes time to meeting in person, be extra careful
-Meet in a well-lighted place—a coffee shop or pancake house, for example--and tip off the manager that you are meeting a stranger
-Tell your friends and family with whom you're meeting and provide info about them—phone number, where they live, work, etc
-Never accept a ride to your car after first meeting a stranger. Don't let them see your car or license plate. Don’t give out your last name, street address or phone number
This is a short list. If you care to add to it, email me at tompblake@gmail.com.
There is an important website that fights romance scams. Since it’s founding in 2005, over 59,000 people have contacted them. Currently, in 2016, there are over 20,000 members. There is no cost to join. Here is their website: