Online Dating Rules

The online dating rules are subtle. Internet dating, also known more commonly as online dating, is a large market that takes $469.5 million revenue from the American economy every year. This is expected to grow, as online dating becomes more socially acceptable and the internet generation starts to get older. Wired magazine once said that "Twenty years from now, the idea that someone looking for love without looking for it online will be silly." Is it true? Are the online dating rules becoming more applicable as it becomes a sort of "norm" for our society?

1. Be honest. This will catch up to you. Posting older photos, hyperbole about yourself and straight up lies will only come back in a failed date. Online dating does not take to well to liars, amidst the scamming that has taken over some of its market nowadays.
2. Have appropriate standards. The most common violation of this rule is the old-fashioned "high standards" thought-process. If you're 40 years old, divorced and not a millionaire, don't expect 18 year old women to be all over you. Then again, "low standards" can be just as bad.
3. Be skeptical. Like you, many will be tempted to post older, manipulated images, and a lot of these people will give in to temptation. Online dating can be quite tricky at times, so do your research and maybe a Skype chat prior to accepting the outing invitation.
4. Understand common tricks. A phrase like "more to love" translates directly into obese while "cuddly" simply means chubby. People will always make themselves look good with the new lingo of the internet.
5. Too good to be true. In other words, a 6 foot tall, football playing millionaire with a Ferrari is too good to be true when it comes to online dating. Don't get us wrong, true love is out there, but materialistic flirting doesn't happen via electronic methods; it happens in clubs and bars (and it usually sucks).
6. Move slowly. Anyone who pushes a date within a few hours is either desperate or trying to do some speed dating. From online dates, go to e-mails, then to texting, then to phone conversations, web-cam chats and then, maybe an actual date.
7. Be private. This is a pinnacle of online dating rules. No addresses, phone numbers or surnames until later. Be safe, because stalking is a very real thing that happens to lots of people on a daily basis (not to mention identity theft and violent crimes).
8. Keep chatting brief. Online dating, in this respect, works just like physical dating. If you want to be courted (especially the ladies out there), be mysterious and short. Well, don't be a jerk, just play hard to get; it'll keep them coming.
9. Don't be weird. Seriously, your partner will be well aware of how weird online dating can be. Leave your future hopes for kids out of the conversation. Don't stalk. Oh, and dress like you care about your looks (although not too conservative).
10. Look good. Go to the gym and keep yourself in shape. Whether or not you are engaging in online dating, the actual courting will be in real life. Photoshop that picture all you want deary, you will still have to meet him in real life.

These are concrete online dating rules, and anything but guidelines. Privacy, for example, can never be sacrificed, especially in light of all the crimes happening through the internet nowadays. Don't be afraid to step your game up, but always be well aware of other's intentions.