So, you’ve decided to take a chance and try online dating. You’ve checked out the sites, posted a little bit of information about yourself and what you’re looking for and possibly browsed the potential contacts that you would like to make. More than likely, a few people have piqued your interest and you think you’re ready to make contact. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Read the profiles that interest you thoroughly. Pay attention to the ideals and interests that are important to you. Read the sections that are personally written and see if they touch you in any way. Sometimes the small details or what is not being said can be the most important.

Use the tools you are given on the dating site. Most support their own e-mail, chat or instant messaging services. Anonymity is important to most people these days when taking a chance with online dating. These tools enable a person to stay safely anonymous as long as they like and can usually block any offensive or undesired contact from specific members.

Make sure you know what you are looking for whether it is friendship or a long-term relationship. Contact or reply to like minded people and there won’t be any misunderstood intentions on either side. The way most profiles read give you an idea of what someone is really looking for. Some sites even include that information as part of the profile process.

Have a list of question you would like to ask. They don’t have to read like an application, but the idea is to get to know the person and see if there is compatibility. If a picture is not posted with the profile, you will probably want to ask for one. A good question to ask is if the picture was taken recently. Not everyone wants to post his or her receding hairline or bad haircut and will post an older picture! Another good question to ask is if the person is in an existing relationship or how long ago their last relationship was. You aren’t guaranteed the truth, but sometimes a reaction will let you know that this is not a person you want to pursue something with.

Take your time with the process. Don’t let anyone rush you. You are not committed to meeting anyone based on a specific timeline. Be thorough in your research- you have the tools right at your fingertips! The right person will make the connection with you and you will be ready to personally take matters into your own hands.

Remember these suggestions are merely ideas on how to safely and comfortably explore the world of online dating. You know yourself, what you are looking for and your personal boundaries. Be as safe as possible but above all, have fun!