Hall of Shame: First Email Pitfalls

Welcome to the world of online dating. Before you fire off that first email to a prospective friend, check out this list of common mistakes to avoid:

Flattery. Many people think the best place to start is by telling someone how hot they are. Unfortunately, this can put your message on the fast track to the trash bin. Remember, people on dating sites can get countless emails a day. By focusing solely on physical appearance, you run the risk of appearing shallow. Make your message stand out, and show that you’re paying attention to the person’s interests and personality.

Desperation. Do NOT mention that your last date was three years ago, or that your Saturday nights are spent alone with your cat. No one wants to be guilted into a relationship, and there really isn’t anything interesting about desperation. Its fine to be excited about meeting someone new, but appearing over-eager might send your new friend running for the hills.

Unrealistic expectations. This goes hand in hand with desperation. Be realistic about your situation. You’re sending a message online to a stranger. Hopefully, you will have some common ground to connect on. If you send that first email convincing yourself that the recipient is your soulmate and future parent of your children, you’re bound to be crushed. However, if you go into things casually, looking to create friendships that might evolve down the line, you probably won’t be disappointed. Avoid being too aggressive.

Most importantly, have fun!

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