Online dating is a great tool for meeting people, especially when you have a good filtration system! Here I have devised the top 5 red flags to look out for when online dating. If a guy does any of these things don’t waste your time with him because you will likely never meet him and if you do, he is probably a creeper!
1. He has no pictures
Everyone knows that online dating provides a quick way to sort through potential suitors. How can you go on a date with someone having no clue what they look like? I’m not saying that every girl should be looking for the hottest guy on the internet, that isn’t it at all. It’s important to know what you are attracted to and have some non-negotiables. Do you like someone tall? Someone blonde? You should have one or two things that you know you like in order to filter the hundreds of guys out there. For me it’s height. I won’t even look at someone who is under 5’11. However, I don’t care if someone is chunky or has facial hair, I just know I like tall. Dating is about an attraction both physical and mental, so with no picture representation you could be wasting time. There are millions of guys out there with pictures, so save yourself some energy and ignore the creepers who thought it was ok to go online without photo representation.
2. “Hey”
If a man’s first message to you just says “hey” than he clearly hasn’t read your profile. Online dating is awkward and finding a good way to start a conversation can be hard, but “hey” isn’t acceptable. A first message should reference something from your profile. If he can’t take a moment to see what you might have in common than he isn’t going to be considerate as a potential suitor. MOVE ON!
3. You’ve written back and forth more than three times and he hasn’t asked for your phone number
Look, talking through the website is a great first step however, once you have established that you two share a good banter he needs to ask you on a date. By his third message to you he should be asking for your phone number. If he hasn’t than he isn’t a serious candidate for dating and he just likes the idea of having a cyber girlfriend to give him attention. Don’t waste your time. Stop messaging and move on to the next! A real man who can ask you out on a real date!
4. He’s hasn’t set up a first date
After giving him your number, there should only be a maximum of three texts before he is looking to set a date. Remember the point of online dating is to actually GET OFFLINE! So don’t let a texting relationship begin where you are texting with each other all day and you have never met. Tone of text can be misconstrued with someone you do know, so it’s certainly not going to come across correct with someone you haven’t seen face to face. Once you have met in person if you both like to text, than be my guest!
5. He cancels or reschedules the first date more than once
Things come up in life and people need to reschedule, but if a guy can’t commit to meeting you for one quick drink, he’s a dud! Your time is just as valuable as his, so if he is someone who can’t even commit to a first date, than later in life he isn’t going to commit to going home to meet your parents and going out to dinner with your friends.
Using the red flag system is going to make you feel happier when you find yourself going on quality dates! Clearly it only takes one guy to be THE ONE however, there are plenty of people who you can enjoy dating! It’s all a learning experience but if you keep your morals, goals and desires in tact you will find someone and have fun in the process!