Online Dating Etiquette: Rules Women Should Follow

online dating etiquette: rules women should follow image of a woman on a computer

If you’ve decided to date men online, then you might be wondering what is online dating etiquette? What are the rules women should follow? It is not only wise but also very smart to know these rules and protect yourself from Internet creepers.

Internet dating is the way people meet via dating applications and websites. If this is your first time taking the plunge into online dating the process can be overwhelming.

Dating apps can be chaotic and you can get disappointed if you aren’t finding quality matches right away. To help you with online dating, I put together a list of 5 rules women should follow when dating online.

Internet Dating Etiquette Rule #1: Always be truthful.

I will admit that with online dating most people will lie about something. For men, it might be their height or what he does for a living. For women, it might be the pictures they post in their profile.

But for you, online dating etiquette rule number 1 is to always be truthful and honest. That starts by being honest and truthful with yourself and the men you interact with online.

No man likes a woman who exaggerates her height or her weight. Be straight-forward and catch a man with your own beautiful qualities. Don’t shame yourself, own it like the powerful and independent woman you are.

If he can’t handle who you are in real life, then he doesn’t deserve you. Never compromise yourself for a man, no matter how lonely you are. There is a man out there whose honored to be yours; do not settle for a lesser man.

Etiquette Rule #2: Send a realistic photo.

Look, I know you want to put our best foot forward when meeting Mr. Wonderful. But be sure to send him a realistic picture of yourself. Don’t send him a picture of you from 10 years ago.

You don’t want to begin a relationship under false pretenses. Definitely show him your glam shots, but also show him your fresh face as well.

This is a good test of the strength of your relationship, and it also is a step in being truthful with him. Ask him for a realistic photo as well. That way no one’s surprised upon a first meeting face-to-face.

When I’m on a dating app, I’m always drawn to a woman’s profile pictures. I message women’s profiles that have full-body photos and one or two pictures of her doing a hobby. This gives me an opening to start a conversation and build some rapport.

Internet Dating Etiquette Rule #3: Make Sure He’s Not Married.

Sometimes men like to have a thrill online if they’re not getting anything from their wives at home. These men will create online profiles as single men to cheat on their wives. You want to be the main course, not the side piece.

But, how do you know if he’s married?

It isn’t hard. After you’ve exchanged numbers, pay attention to when he calls you. If he is always at work or away from home, this could mean he has a wife or girlfriend at home.

Once you discover Mr. Right’s married, end the relationship. Cut off all communication and block him on all your social media platforms. Respect yourself and be upfront with him that your relationship will go no further.

Married men are not worth your time as your relationship will not go any further. No matter what he tells you, chances are he’ll never leave her. Move on and find an available man.

Online Dating Etiquette Rule #4: Do not Hound Him Online.

The man is perfect and you desire to have his attention. Regardless of his perfection, make sure you’re not in his proverbial face. A man who finds you annoying, he’s not charmed by your texts and DMs in the wee hours of the morning. 

Plus, stalking a man online screams desperation. And nothing turns a man off faster than a desperate woman.

Be patient, practice self-control, and have confidence that if he is the one, he will pursue you. You are a woman of worth, don’t throw yourself at a man, let him chase after you. If you can find a way to make him feel like your hero, then you’ve got him, hook, line, and sinker.

Internet Dating Etiquette Rule #5: Always Tell a Friend Where You are.

If you decide to take your relationship to the next level and meet face-to-face. Tell a friend or relative where you plan to meet. Have a solid exit plan if he turns out not to be so wonderful after all.

Have a friend call you 20 or 30 minutes into the date. If the date is going well ignore your friend’s call, if not take the call and fake an emergency.

If all goes well on the first date, it’s quite possible that you might need to tell your friends not to wait up!

Online dating is not the scary frontier it once was. Dating apps and sites can be overwhelming frustrating and navigating them a pain. But if you’re smart, respect yourself, and follow these dating rules you’ll find a man online who is right for you.