DO: Be positive and fun.

If you’ve just started talking to someone, it might feel fun to immediately talk about the terrible experiences you’ve had on the dating scene, or how you specifically DON’T like something in her profile- but I don’t know where to go from there.  There’s so many ways to make a conversation fun, so try one of them!

GIVE SOMETHING TO GET SOMETHING: Starting a conversation is awkward.

Try and ask a question that you’d be interested in hearing the answer to, and then write something back when she responds!  If you just respond to her last message “GOOD”, or “OK” or “bathroom”, don’t be surprised when you don’t hear back.

DON’T mention her attractiveness:

I know you think you’re being flattering, but I assume if you’re writing me, you think I’m attractive.  Having a stranger dwell on your looks is off-putting.

DON’T start with sexy talk:

Attention that’s very welcome from someone you’ve met and are interested in is not welcome from a stranger.  I know my friend Zeke wouldn’t do it, and you shouldn’t either.  I know it feels like a compliment to tell a lady you’re thinking about motorboating them tits, but it isn’t.

I know internet dating is hard.  I know it can feel like work.  I know it’s hard to appear interested and share a little of yourself with another person, but I think that’s the only way to get any good out of it- ultimately, we’re all here to connect and learn and have good experiences!  Good luck, Zeke!

Anyone with a question can DM me on Facebook or Twitter, where I am @badiniadones!