When to Give up on Online Dating

The fact of the matter with online dating is that it does not work for all people. For some reason or another, it is possible that you might not be a prime candidate for online dating. You may not trust the Internet enough to express yourself fully online. You may have the type of personality that is better suited for online encounters. Or you might just want to stick to the old-fashioned method of meeting people. Whatever your reasoning your success rate, there may come a time when online dating is consuming too much of your time, but not yielding results that will get you anywhere.

Here are some tips to help you recognize when online dating is no longer an option you should pursue:

1. You've had your profile online for over a year, but no one has contacted you. It is possible that you have chosen the wrong photo for your profile. Or perhaps you have a statement in your profile that potential suitors might not like. Whatever the reasoning, if you have not had any contact from potential suitors for over a year of trying, then chances are good that online dating might not be the right fit for you.

2. You've dated many people that you met online, but never twice. If you have a bad habit of meeting people online and dating them just once, then you may have to force yourself to identify yourself as a serial online dater. If you do, then it is important that you also recognize that an entire world is available offline as well.

Thus, it is important that you not only experience that world, but also understand why you are not being asked out on a second date. Assess yourself honestly to determine why you might not be the type of person that people ask out again. Is your attitude negative? Do you say the wrong things - to everyone? Do you bring your laptop with you so that you can browse other profiles while at dinner with a date? Any or none of the reasons could contribute to your lack of success.

3. You're afraid to meet anyone in person. If you are afraid to step outside of your front door and meet someone in person, then chances are good that you're not ready to date - even to date someone that you meet in the online incubator. Before you start looking through more profiles, take time to consider why you have difficulties meeting people. Perhaps you should spend some time with a counselor who can help you figure out the answers to these important questions as well.

It's important to note that just because online dating works for some people, there is no guarantee that it will work for all people. The best way to maximize your chances of finding love is to remember to be friendly, polite and genuine with everyone you meet. Sometimes love grows up from unexpected buds. Be open to the possibility.