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Online, the best-looking women are getting hammered with more messages and indications of interest than any normal human could possibly process. And while being an attractive, successful man is a huge first step in standing out, it also pays to get some experienced advice so you can avoid typical blunders and put your best foot forward with each and every approach.
Coming new to the online dating game is kind of like jumping into a boxing match blindfolded. To help you come out of the gate with a bit less chaos on your first bout, here are some basic mistakes you might be making that really deteriorate your odds. A lot of guys really have their act together and expect the package to sell itself.
But desirable women want more than just a laundry list of great qualifications. Remember, they have a lot of men approaching them online — the number of messages can be a bit overwhelming. There are several ways you can do this. Start by picking a clever nickname rather than simply using your given name — something that communicates the most attractive component of your personality immediately. Then continue that brand by working it into your profile and photos. You probably have a few photos that you use for profile pics on Facebook, LinkedIn, or other accounts, and the first impulse is to upload them to the dating profile and show your best stuff.
Ask a female friend whose opinion you respect to take a look through your photos and pick something for you. Women love playing matchmaker, so most will jump to contribute. You can also try getting a few social savvy friends in on it for a consensus opinion.
Another big mistake I see guys making is spending way too much time getting to know women before taking the conversation to the streets. The last thing you want is to waste hours and hours of your time crafting a new online persona that comes crashing down like a flimsy pile of cards the minute you meet her face to face.
Don't tell big lies. Your chances of getting a second date are slim to none.
Why get yourself into that predicament in the first place? When it comes to online dating, lying about age can benefit you — provided you do it within reason.
According to data analysis by OkCupid, men add an average of two inches. You can see it better when we overlay the implied best fit below pardon the technical language: Almost universally guys like to add a couple inches.
You can also see a more subtle vanity at work: This means that guys as they get closer to six feet round up a bit more than usual, stretching for that coveted psychological benchmark. And if that graph accurately portrays how online daters skew their true height, then it directly affects you.
But be realistic — if you're 6 inches shy of that benchmark, just add an inch. However, if you add 2 or more inches, proceed at your own risk.
Similarly, men might err on the side of thinness when it comes to describing their body type. But again, be realistic — and remember how it feels to go out on a date with someone who obviously misrepresented themselves.
Where you live is another entry on the Acceptable Fib list. Dating sites ask for your zip code so they can find matches that are nearby. Your answer is confidential, although your city will be displayed on your profile.