Some individuals turn to Internet dating sites looking for marriage, some are only looking for sex, while others simply want companionship. When using an online dating website, it is your duty to represent yourself honestly and to discourage conversing with those whom you are not interested.

It can be difficult to gauge how successful online dating ventures from time to time.  We tend to think that whoever receives the most e-mail messages or invitations to chat or diary entries are the most successful with Internet dating, when sometimes that is the far from truthful.  If one is looking for multiple partners or companions then quantity is definitely more preferred than quality.  However, if one is looking for a steady, long-term relationship, then more time should be spent engaging a select group of “qualified” individuals in conversation.

Here are a few ideas to help improve your Internet dating success:

• Complete your Internet dating profile. It is astonishing to me how many people post incomplete profiles and then complain about the quality of the people contacting them.  My advice to them is a quote that I am famous for saying, “First things first.”  And just as it implies, do the foremost requirements first, in order to be successful.  And many times, when people have only partially-completed interned dating site profiles go back and complete their profiles and post a picture or two, and elaborate on their answers to questions, etc. their success rates are magnified.  Seasoned Internet daters are weary about engaging too much with people who do not have complete profiles because there is a good chance that they will just be wasting their time.

• When using a singles web site, don’t be aggressive or rude. If you are not interested in someone who is trying to chat with you, simply ignore them.  I’ve always believed the old adage, “What goes around comes around.”

• Try to refrain from having a list of criteria. When we have a bad experience with a previous partner it is easy to create a mental list of all the dislikes you had with your former partner, and simply discard any potential new partners who possess any of those qualities.  Remember that not everyone is as they first seem, especially online.  It can be difficult for some to accurately portray themselves in a profile or in 10 minutes of conversation.  Be open to meeting new people and learning new things.

• Be truthful about the details. It is very important to represent yourself correctly and honestly when completing a dating profile or engaging in a chat on an Internet dating website.  Age, weight, ethnicity, religion, etc. are all details that are important to someone.  Not being truthful will only hurt you and other in the long run.  If you lie about significant details and then agree to meet someone with whom you were chatting, be prepared for your date to possible be less than cordial.

• Be outspoken about your motivations. It takes a number of qualities, both good and bad, to make us who we are.  If you are one who is keenly aware of your habits when it comes to things such as going to clubs, drinking, traveling, religion, etc. be sure to speak out.  It is much easier to find someone who shares your likes and dislikes if you make them known.

• Chat with as many people as possible. To be successful in with Internet dating you must be visible.  Initiate conversations with anyone who has a picture or profile that strikes you.  Dating, especially Internet dating, is a numbers game; the more people you cross off the list the faster you will see results.

• Reply to messages in a reasonable amount of time. If you are serious about dating then be serious about replying. If someone sees that you are online when they send the message and do not receive a reply in an adequate period of time they may assume that you are not interested.  Do not feel obligated to reply to or converse with individuals in whom you are not interested.  That is simply a waste of your time.

• Be patient.  It takes time to find someone special when using online dating sites and dating services, just as it does anywhere.  Using an Internet dating agency requires commitment in order to be successful.  Sometimes you may need to chat with a variety of people to find one worth meeting.  Take the time to complete your profile, take the time to chat with a number of different people, and take the time to get to know someone well. By socializing and chatting frequently you will soon be on your way to meeting a quality individual worth pursuing.

• Think positive and keep thinking positive.