Online Dating Tips - First Contact

You've joined an online dating site and spent a couple hours looking at photos and profiles.   Reading for that first contact?   Do you know what you want to accomplish through this first message?   There are dating site members who are content to trade emails for months before meeting but many others joined to meet people not make email pals.   The first contact can indicate where you want to go next by suggesting the person email you or asking if they are interesting in talking on the phone (don't give your number out yet) or instant messaging.

Keep the first message  short and sweet whether using messaging or email.   Choose one thing to mention - perhaps a trait you have in common or location - make a friendly comment or two and let the person know you'd like to hear from them.  Avoid suggestive innuendos unless that is your goal.  First impressions count online just as they do in the offline world.  

If you are new to meeting people online you may feel "finger tied" when you try to send that first contact message.  Think of it as running into a friend you haven't seen for a while.  You would be open and friendly, might mention something you have in common and suggest meeting up soon for lunch or a drink.

The first email is not the place for a life story or tales of financial stress.   Think of it as holding out your hand to another person.   Until they reach out and take your hand there is no connection.   That first contact is holding out your hand.   Put a smile on your face and write a friendly note.  Once you have a reply you can decide what the next step should be.  The best tip for online dating is to be yourself.