The Internet has opened another gateway to love and relationship. Online dating can be as fun and exciting as real life dating. It allows individuality and freedom. People with the same interests and philosophy in life can also meet more conveniently.

Unlike meeting people in a bar, dating sites protects its members with a momentary cloud of anonymity and mystery. If you are reluctant to go to the real world and plunge into the dating arena head on, then dating sites can be a less brutal alternative. However, do not get carried away. If done properly, online dating can lead to a serious romantic attachment.

Even if you are not initially meeting people face to face, be honest and real. Do not put up pictures that do not belong to you. Post recent photos rather than photos from a year ago. Compose profile descriptions that bring out your asset and accurately describe your personality. Eventually, everything you wrote and posted online will be put to the test on actual dates.

If you have been faithful to the first rule, do not automatically assume that others are. Sift through all the adjectives, photos and descriptions carefully. If someone sounds too good to be true, ignore him/her. Or, if you are really interested, study them carefully before sending any emails or date invitations.

Do not choose dates based on photos. Consider that these are real people with real personalities. Take the time to read their profiles. Be careful about deceiving adjectives such as athletic, toned, curvy, voluptuous and cuddly. Study their social status and financial claims. Eventually, you will have a more concrete idea of the person rather than just a photo.

Be realistic with your expectations. Do not assume that everyone you meet online will be as interesting in person. Give the other person some allowance. Even if they sounded great online or over the phone, remember that he/she still has flaws that you haven't seen.

Take things slowly. You do not have to rush into real life dating right away. Make a slow transition. Start exchanging emails. Then from there, go for regular online chats then phone chats. Once you feel more comfortable about going out then go on a date. But take things slowly. Do not force things to happen.

Be suspicious of corny pick up lines. Sometimes, they can be interpreted as a sexual invitation. Maybe they are just looking for a fling or a one night stand. Be suspicious of subtle sexual invitations from strangers. Turn them down as politely as possible. However, if you are interested, study their profile carefully and know the risks involved.

Do not entertain more than one prospect at the same time. Do not chat with more than one person at the same time. Sometimes, the more time you take to respond can be misinterpreted. If you are already seeing someone, do not go online to look for another date.

Lastly, do not disclose personal information online. Avoid giving out your phone numbers and address to people you don't trust completely. Use an email address that does not include your last name.