Online dating sites continue to grow in popularity in Australia and more singles are turning to these sites with hope and confidence.  Recent studies have reported that online meetings are becoming more accepted by singles of all ages and 17 percent of those meeting result in marriage.  Are you ready to try it?

If you’ve been out of the dating loop for awhile, how do you know when it’s time to start dating again?  If a long-term relationship has recently ended or you’re recently divorced, be sure you’ve gotten beyond the anger and can take on a new relationship without dragging all the negatives of the past with you. Resolve any serious issues that are going on in your life before jumping onto the dating scene. Be certain you’re willing to commit to the time and energy that dating requires.

The end of a relationship can be tough on the ego so work on building your confidence and self esteem before looking for a new relationship.  Stop any negative self talk, such as “I’ll always be alone” or “I’m just not pretty enough“. Once it’s set loose, negativity has a way of seeping into every area of life. Change those negative thoughts to positive thoughts and statements.  Make a list of your best qualities and another list of those things you would like to change about yourself, then do it.  Smile often.

When it’s time to meet your date, remember that what isn’t spoken may be expressed through body language. It’s estimated that 93 percent of communication is non-verbal, so be aware of what your body is saying. Show confidence by standing and walking straight and tall, smiling, and making eye contact.  Fidgeting, nail biting, or repeated tapping of fingers or feet will convey impatience or boredom.  Body language is not exact and different cultures may have different meanings for certain postures or gestures.  You only have one chance to make a first impression so be sure your body is conveying the right message.

More than 1.5 million Australians are registered users at online dating sites and it may take awhile to find the one who is right for you. Keep in mind that sometimes you have to meet a lot of frogs before your prince or princess comes along. Know what you want in a relationship, be honest in your online profile, and use a current photo that shows you with a smile. Not all users of dating sites post current photos so sometimes what you see is not what you get.  This is dating and it may not turn out to be for life but it should be fun.

If you find that there’s no reason to continue an online relationship, be honest and say so. Not everyone clicks and it’s best to end it and move on.  There’s no point in continuing with something you know won’t work for either of you. Rejection is never easy but there’s a chance it will happen to you as you search online dating sites for your perfect match.  If you’re the one doing the rejecting, be polite.  Let the other person know that you’ve enjoyed their company, online or in person, but that spark that could ignite into something bigger is just not there and it would be best to end the relationship now.   No matter which end of the rejection you’re on, a match that ends was not the right one for you. Thousands of Australian singles are registering daily at online dating sites so take your time, keep your head, and be patient until that right person comes along.