Internet dating sites can be very useful. You’re able to explore all kinds of options in a short amount of time in the comfort of your own home. While you browse through the profiles you can pick the ones of interest and learn a few things about the person. All of this before you even decide to initiate a conversation.

There is a downside to internet dating and that’s the extra excitement that all this pre date talking creates. Heightened expectations can be a direct result which in turn can make any disappointment on your first meeting all that much more intense.

At times this disillusionment is caused by one very obvious, yet unexpected, attribute in your date. Though it can be funny, it’s usually just frustrating and sometimes even a bit frightening. Not sure how to handle it when your date turns out to be shorter than you are? Read on!

This is a fairly common occurrence in the world of online dating. People have the unfortunate tendency to exaggerate their profiles. Which in this particular case was cute enough that you were ready to meet his mother! Add that to the fact that he could carry a conversation and the decision to meet in person was an easy one.

You look hot, you’re all nervous and excited and full of anticipation and then you get there; and he’s shorter than you. Which you didn’t know, nor expect. It’s the movie star thing; they look way taller on-screen, both movie and computer.

I know this is a bit of a bummer. No matter how modern and evolved we woman say and think we are, we still like the feel like girls which often times includes being around a man who feels big and strong in comparison. I’m not saying all ladies are like this; I know plenty of awesome chicks who aren’t particular about physical things at all.

But if you find yourself feeling disappointed with how your internet date measures up, take a breath and move forward. You’re going on the darn date anyway, I don’t care what you say. Don’t be rude. And since you’re there, you might as well remind yourself of all the things you already know you like about this person. And keep an open mind; you never know, you might end up thinking he’s amazing despite his small stature.

Of course attraction plays a large part in any relationship, there’s no getting around that. If you don’t feel that attraction, don’t feel bad about it. But do give it a shot. At the very least you could end up making a new friend, at most he could be the love of your life!

This article was written by the writers of the Datepad.com internet dating company where you can read hundreds of professional dating articles.

First impressions are always important, but internet dating has altered the whole scenario. If you’ve met someone online, chances are your first date will be with someone that you’ve already been communicating with, perhaps even for weeks or months.

Then again, many of us haven’t given up on encountering eligible singles in the real world as opposed to the internet dating world. Truthfully, most of us are doing both. And why not?! Let’s face it, we’re all busy and we all want to maximize our dating potential.

The variations in rules between the different arenas of romantic meetings can be a bit daunting. If you met person A in location B, is it okay to suggest activity C on the first date? Fortunately, some things stay universally true. At the top of this list? The ways in which you make an unforgettable first impression.

First impressions don’t care where or how you met. Whether at a friend’s party, doing the face to face thing with that cutie you met on an internet dating site or meeting someone in your professional circle; you want someone to think the best of you. The tactics are pretty straightforward.

1. Eye contact supreme

By making direct and lasting eye contact with your new acquaintance you’re sure to communicate not only your confidence and honesty but also your interest. Fleeting glances are fine if you only want to sneak a peak, but locking looks opens the door to further communication.

Want to make a good impression but get bored of all that eye-time? Play little memory games with yourself; think about the exact color and shape of their eyes, as well as other qualities about their face. That way, you’re not only making yourself come off as interested and connective but you’re committing their face to your memory.

2. Know when to reign in the excitement

So you’re chatting up some fabulous new person you just ran into and you’re having that old as the hills dilemma of wanting to seem interested without appearing over eager. What to do? Let them set the tone. Wait until they start talking and try to match their energy and excitement level. It’s a great way to make sure you’re not holding the conversation hostage and you can let go of worrying about seeming too detached or too worked up.

3. So close and yet so far

This one probably won’t work in a professional setting where a firm handshake at the start and finish of a meeting is all that’s really required. In a more personal setting you can get flirty with someone without actually touching them.

Almost, but not quite, touching someone’s knee or shoulder will suggest a sexual attraction and will leave them wanting more. Women are especially receptive to this because it shows that although you’re interested, you also respect her boundaries.

This article was written by the staff of the Datepad.com internet dating company where you can read thousands of helpful dating articles.

Love is one of the most mysterious, yet wonderful things that we have been given. There have been many arguments between the sexes. Some men state that they do not understand women. Some women debate that men are insensitive. This battle of the sexes continues, and it seems as though neither sex is going to come out ahead. In the defense of the female population there is but another complaint.

One thing that has always baffled me about a certain percentage of the male species is their apparent inability to carryout promises that they make. Correction, the inability to follow through with promises that they make to a woman. For example: A guy may tell you that he will call you at a certain time, and more than likely he has no intention call you at all. In addition, he may also state that he will come by to see you at a specific time, or make plans with you to do something, and when the time does come he is nowhere to be found.

The mystery surrounding this apparent lack of sensitivity is really quite puzzling not to mention annoying. The more curious and inquisitive women will demand to know why. Others just stew in silence, but they stew nonetheless. All differences between the sexes aside, there is no excuse for this apparent lack of sensitivity.

Does it all come down to the fact that having to let a woman know they’re running late or have had a change of plans remind them of having to report to their mothers when they were little? Well here’s a news flash for the fellows; it has nothing to do with wanting to know where you are twenty four hours a day. Rather, it’s simple concern. We worry when you don’t call as expected.

Any men who might be reading this would probably say that women nag or bitch, when in fact they know that women’s comments on this matter are justified. They know that what women are saying applies to them; they’re guilty as charged.

Remember the saying “truth hurts, don’t it?”? I’m sure has been told that at one point or another. Feeling are hurt just as much when a man promises a woman one thing and then does exactly the opposite. That’s not okay in anyone’s book. It has to do with respect and if you’ve ever been stood up, even once, then you know exactly how awful that feels.

Any relationship worth keeping is based on trust and honesty. When you’re involved in a friendship or a romantic relationship show respect for the other person by not purposely hurting their feelings. Don’t create problems where none need exist.

Guys, here some advice. If you promise a phone call, an email, a text or a visit, follow through! Women want to be able to count on you. If you can’t make it, let your lady know. This small consideration shows her that she is important to you. It may even stop her from packing you in altogether.

This post was developed by the staff of the Datepad.com internet dating company where you can read thousands of helpful dating posts.

Whenever I break off a relationship I go into a “they don’t exist anymore” mode for a while. This gives me the time I need to cry, eat chocolate and gain weight, lose that weight, cry some more and curse them to hell and back. Then and only then can I make peace with the pig, err, I mean, that wonderful person who I don’t want anymore.

Okay, it’s not a perfect system. Another reason I do this ignoring dance is to give myself ample opportunity to work through the “I want him back” feelings. Because I don’t usually give up without a fight so if we broke up for real, chances are there was a really good reason why.

This doesn’t work for everyone. During the ignoring and grieving time, some people come to the realization that what they really want is their partner back! This can be a tricky proposition, and you have to realize that sometimes it’s going to be impossible.

What are you reasons for wanting him or her back?

Those “I want him/her back” feelings I mentioned earlier can be a real pain in the butt. They can do a number on your heartstrings and make you make all kinds of excuses for the problems you were having that led to the breakup. You need to figure out (and be brutally honest with yourself here) if your desire to get back together is out of loneliness and sadness or a genuine change of heart in regards to why you initially split.

Take some cooling off time

The fact is you broke up. Even if your super confident that your ex will welcome you back no questions asked, you both just went through an emotional roller coaster. It’s all fine and dandy that you want to patch things up, but you need to take however many days or weeks you need to lick your wounds. You want to start with a clean slate and you’ll both need mended hearts to do so.

Stay calm

If you need another reason for a cooling off period, consider this. When you have the reconciliation talk with your ex, which front would you rather present? The cool, calm and rational one, or the crying, screaming, weepy mess one? Right, I thought so.

When you see him or her again, particularly if you want to tell them you want them back, you want to be at your best. Being sad and weepy like you were when you broke up will only dredge up all your break up drama, and it’ll be impossible to either one of you to imagine a happy future.

Get ready

You also need to be ready for any reaction from your ex about giving it another try. If they say yes, you need to be prepared to follow through. If you make a promise to do something like quitting smoking, then you have to back up your words with action. So be very, very sure about what you’re ready do before you ever bring it up.

If there’s a possibility of a no, brace yourself! It all depends on the circumstances of the break up, and the two people involved. If you do get shot down for round two, keep your composure. Remember, you’ve already survived a few weeks on your own, so don’t let this turn down get you down!

This post was written by the writers of the Datepad.com internet dating company where you can find hundreds of helpful dating posts.

I love first dates, I truly do, but I have to say I’m over them. There’s so much build up, so much pressure (not to mention uncomfortable shoes) and don’t even get me started on the billions of articles out there about first dates. Really, it’s all a big to do about one night, and when you stop to think about it, it isn’t THE most important.

It’s definitely special; this is where first impressions are made and hopefully the first sparks fly. And the legendary third date is where, according to tradition, you let your new sweetie see your sexy under things. Of course, nowadays it’s altogether possible that that magic moment happened at any time, from pre-first date until your wedding night. But still, I think we all continue to get the third date rush.

The date that comes in between one and three (that would be number two!) really doesn’t get the attention it deserves. In my opinion, the second date is where you discover the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. First date jitters are a memory; you’re more relaxed and less nervous than the first time around. More importantly, even though there is a mutual attraction, the overwhelming thoughts of sex are usually on the back burner. The newness of it all though make this date exciting!

This is the dating sweet spot. And there are certain things you can checklist to make sure you’re making the most of this unique event:

Do a lot of listening

First of all, relax and be prepared to listen. You obviously did well on the first date or you wouldn’t be here for a second date. So settles your nerves and put your brain back in gear. You need to focus less on making yourself look good and focus more on being genuinely interested in the other person. Listen, and take the information you’re given to heart. Allow it to make the person across from you become more complete.

Up the flirting

Though flirting isn’t a super serious matter, it is important to up your flirting on date number two. Oftentimes people slip into “friend” mode on date number two; a crucial mistake. If there are no sexual undertones to the date, but it’s obvious that you are enjoying yourself, chances are your date is going to think you want to be friends and nothing more.

If you want your date to believe that all you want is friendship, good enough. But I’m guessing you don’t; so flirt it up and make your intentions clear.

Never mind the boxes

By boxes, I am referring to preset parameters around all kinds of things: yourself, this brand new relationship with another person, the other personany of it. You’ve been out one time. Don’t assume that you know exactly who the other person is. Don’t pretend to know exactly who they see you as. Definitely don’t think you have your relationship put in a neatly labeled box either. At this point, anything could still happen.

One of the nice things about a new relationship is when you realize that it’s not so new anymore. You have come to think of yourselves as a couple complete with couple habits and routines. At the same time you’ve started to let go of parts of your single life.

When your sweetie goes out of town for a few days, there’s a break in your routine. You have become used to having him around and suddenly, no one! It can be a bit unsettling because, well, you’re in love! This doesn’t make you dependent, it just means you’re a bit out of sorts.

Fear not, friends. This can actually be a serious glass-half-full situation. There are more good things than you think that come with being alone for a while mid-relationship. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Letting go

Okay, not ugly ugly (theres never any reason to not take care of yourself. That should not be dependent on a loves presence) but you can safely get away with not shaving your legs or worry about hanging around in your oh-so-comfy but totally unflattering sweatpants.

It’s actually refreshing and relaxing to have a bit of time when you don’t have to fret about your looks. These few days of down time will probably leave you looking even hotter (if that’s even possible) when your sweetie gets back.

Catch up on you stuff

The last few months have probably gone something like this; you spend time at each other’s place doing couple stuff. Your plants have been neglected, you haven’t done your laundry in weeks, and the bills are piling up. Being caught up in a lover’s haze is wonderful, but it does mean that things are left undone. Now is a great time to catch up.

Discover the long distance relationship

With one of you out of town, your normal romance tactics just aren’t going to work. It’s time to change this up a bit. Ever wondered how long distance relationships work? Now’s your chance to find out.

Try a naughty phone call just before your sweetie goes to bed, or send some sexy photos (nothing x-rated!) to his email address. For a super surprise, send a love letter to his hotel. It’s very old fashioned and very romantic.

Rediscover your friends

This shouldn’t really deserve a mention because it’s a no brainer. Seriously though, you know how you felt when your best friend became involved with someone. You saw far less of her than you liked and you missed her company. Well, your friends feel the same way about you. This is the perfect time for uninterrupted catch up.

This article was developed by the writers of the Datepad.com internet dating company where you can find thousands of helpful dating articles.

Internet dating is convenient. You have the luxury of logging onto to your favorite internet dating site whenever you have time. You can weed through hundreds of potential matches in minutes. Dating sites built in organization allows you to keep up with people through various means of communication. It’s no wonder that internet dating is no longer a fad but a legitimate means of find a date!

Spare time is something that most of us have in limited quantity. A common reason for lack of spare time is the presence of children; biology’s little time consumers. Before you misunderstand, let me add that I do NOT have children. Therefore I don’t pretend to have the know-how to write advice of any kind about the perils of single parenting and dating.

Though I do NOT have kids of my own, I do have single parent friends. I’ have also been known to dip my toes in the single daddy pool once or twice. From that, I have acquired a little experience about the ins and outs of dating someone who has children which I share with you now.

Enjoy kids

Seems like a no brainer to me, but if you don’t like kids, don’t want any and don’t want to be around them then you should think twice before dating someone with reproductive baggage. The kids are not going anywhere. Sure you might come around and learn to like, even love, these particular kids, and there is nothing wrong with testing the waters. But if you just don not like children you are better off not getting attached to that new internet dating hottie too quickly.

Prepare to come in second, always

It’s a fact of life that many parents thought they had met the love of their life until the baby came along. Then their hearts melted, again. That’s biology for you! When dating someone with children, you have to be realistic about who their priority is. It won’t be you, it’ll be their child. So you need to put your ego on the back burner.

Children have a Mom AND a Dad

Okay, so you’ve met an amazing man. Funny, smart, ambitious and good looking and you’re a smitten little kitten. You just love his adorable 5 year old and wonder of wonders, the little thing thinks you’re okay too. Enter the mom. No, not your sweetie’s mom; the baby mama.

It is rumored that separated parents can, and do, have a very respectful and amicable relationship. Let’s hope that’s the case here so you can breathe a tentative sigh of relief. If no one has ever told you before, be prepared for baggage no matter how well the parents get along. And for the sake of the child, hope and pray that the other parent will always be around for them.

Really, all of these points can be summed up by saying: be secure. That’s the bottom line. Between dealing with still-around exes, coming in second place in your significant others priority list, and dealing with the sometimes bumbling awkwardness of becoming acclimated to dealing with kids, an insecure person will see those insecurities magnified.

Failing to master and overcome your insecurities means the relationship will not last. If luck is on your side, you will find someone who is aware and patient enough to understand your predicament. And they’ll hold your hand while you navigate the sometimes stormy waters.

The first step in internet dating is creating a profile; you post some photos of yourself, and you list your personal characteristics. You include some interesting facts about yourself and perhaps a funny anecdote or two to show off your sense of humor. And if you’re at all blessed with the gift of the gab, you can probably write a novella about your life while you’re at it.

Now the fun begins; it’s time to start searching for the man or woman of your dreams. Using the site’s built in search, you select your dream date’s criteria, hit the search button and wait for the results. Seconds later, your matches are displayed.

As you read through the profiles looking for clues of his or her personality, there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for. These are character traits that are not particularly flattering. More importantly, they could be relationship deal breakers.

Spitefulness. The occasional sarcastic remark disguised as a joke is amusing. But if your date has nothing but sarcastic and critical things to say about the people in his or her life, think twice. Ask yourself this question; If your date says nothing upbeat and encouraging about anyone else, what is he or she going to say about you?

Previous relationships. Almost all of us have relationships in our past. And we likely keep some of them to ourselves because they weren’t a highlight in our lives. Someone who has a half dozen or more creepy relationship tales to tell may be someone who hasn’t learned anything from their past mistakes. They may enjoy playing the victim, but will you enjoy being portrayed as the “bad guy”?

A BIG Chip On Their Shoulder. People who are angry all the time are likely people who haven’t learned anything from their past experiences. Even more important, they blame everyone but themselves for their lack of success in all aspects of their life. You can bet that if you become involved with someone like this you’ll get your share of the blame sooner or later.

Big Differences. Yes, opposites attract and variety is the spice of life. But if your differences are just too great, that spiciness is going to leave a bad taste in your mouth. Religion, drug use and the desire to have children are all examples of differences that, while they may not affect the short term, can be too difficult to overcome in the long run.

Getting to know someone is one the reasons you date someone. It helps you figure out whether or not that person would make a good lifetime mate or not. If you run across someone with one or more of these red flags, take care in making a decision about dating this person in the future.