You might use the same chat up lines but talking in person is a different world from remote flirting. We examine the comfort levels of both and examine the gap between the two…
Confidence built through a screen
The shyest and reserved, introverted people can come across as exciting and full of surprises through the power of online dating. By masking their insecurities, not being face-to-face with someone, they save themselves the embarrassment (that was in their head, to begin with). You, if you’re the shy person we’re talking about, can relax and let the conversation flow as you are naturally less nervous about speaking to someone you like and that might potentially like you. Some sites, UpForIt being among them, make your usual comfort zone seem like a distant memory with its features bringing single men and women closer to you as they’ve ever been, to your desktop screen, sorted by proximity and availability. But be careful not to go too far away from who you are for real, or meeting will be awkward when you turn up with an entirely different personality.
How safe is online dating compared to real-life situations?
Governments, corporations, and common folk treat online safety as a massive issue for so many people who use the internet for the last few years. It is even more paramount if you intend to eventually meet with a complete stranger at some point down the line as you do with online dating. Trusting the process can be difficult for anyone but especially newcomers to the scene who have not dated remotely before and do not know what to expect.
Treat online dating as a screening process, a series of auditions for a part or role, if you will. It can be classed as a very important stage of any relationship because you are more likely to be super curious sat behind a screen than in person. Take the opportunity to ask questions but make them the right ones in order to build up a mental picture of the person you are interacting with. Use the dialogue between you and the answers they give to form character traits and mannerisms in your mind as you get to know their personality (albeit remotely).
By doing this, you are unintentionally performing your own verification process and inadvertently keeping them on their toes. Use this as an extra layer of protection and a barrier that remains in front of you until the stranger behind the computer screen becomes more than that. The major difference is that meeting online creates the chance to do all this in the safety of your home. Meeting and dating in person means you have to run the risk of your date being an absolute weirdo whilst out in public with them. So arguably, in this instance, dating online is a lot safer due to the verification required to join these sites and the strict security measures followed by the providers.
What to expect?
When flirting, eye contact and body language are massive indicators of whether your verbal advances and suggestive tongue are being well received. Online, you cannot pick up on subtle hints like a brush of the arm or a flicker of the hair. There is no blushing involved unless it is an emoji! Expect an adjustment period if you are a novice and take your time to absorb the information being sent. Try to take things in a positive manner (the typed word can often be misinterpreted). For example, sarcasm just comes across as particularly rude unless you add in a smiley or joking face to clarify your tone.
Final Thoughts
Online dating is the present and the future. You are more likely to chat to someone and connect via mutual interests you see on a profile than when you are approaching a stranger in a pub. As sad as it may be for the old-school folks out there, dating has moved on, and the digital age is upon us.
