Navigating an online relationship can be tricky. It can be even more difficult to take things from the virtual world into your everyday reality. We’ve got some tips to help you transform an online fling into the real thing.
Transparency is Key
Everyone always wants to put their best foot forward, and that’s okay, just make sure you don’t get carried away. Especially since it’s easy to become whoever you think they want you to be from behind a screen. This counts for not only your words but also your pictures. Whether you are happy with your looks or not, if you plan on meeting someone, they will see what you look like eventually anyway so you might as well be honest about it from the get-go. It’s important to stay true to who you really are if you are hoping to take things into the real world, don’t set yourself up to be a letdown. You don’t need to scream your concerns about yourself from the rooftop, but remember no one is perfect, so don’t pretend to be.
Assertive not Aggressive
Don’t be too pushy or aggressive. Take your time. You don’t need to get her to like you right this second. She won’t be able to like you without knowing you at least a little. Don’t kill her with complements, to much flattery can quickly become uncomfortable. And don’t push for a meeting if she doesn’t seem ready. Even with online dating being safer than it once was, women will always be hesitant to meet you in person. If you want her to feel comfortable meeting you, don’t push. Let things grow naturally and when it is time, you’ll meet.
Be Open and Honest
It can be hard to open up to someone you have never met but try to talk about things beyond the surface. Instead of commenting on the weather or the basics, discuss something you care about. Talk about your passion for fixing up old cars or your obsession with comic books. If it’s important to you it’s important she know about it. However, don’t say you love coffee and wine if you’re a tea and beer person. Ask her questions that matter. Don’t just ask her what her job is. Ask her if she’s happy with her position or what her dream job is. Try to get to know each other gradually, let conversation flow naturally, and make sure there is a balance of information not just one-sided story telling.
Most importantly just be yourself. If you aren’t you she will be meeting a complete stranger and not just someone she’s never met in person before.
