Dating advice · Matchfinder archive
Patience Is A Virtue
Published · 2 min read
From the Matchfinder archive. References to site features and some advice may reflect an earlier version of the service. Read our current safety guidance.
This is absolutely true, especially when it comes to online dating. The pace of internet dating is fundamentally different than traditional dating. It used to be that you could get to know someone enough to figure out if you’re interested in pursuing things within a few hours of talking to them. However, online dating takes a lot longer, with information coming out here and there over the course of weeks or months before you can be sure that you’re interested.
If you’re a newcomer to online dating, patience is something you’ll need to cultivate. This is a gradual progress and you shouldn’t try to rush things. Asking for someone’s number or to meet up for a real date right of the bat isn’t a good idea. It could be a red flag for the other person and very likely a deal breaker. You don’t know each other and everyone’s concerned about their safety, so being pushy is usually a turn-off.
Take your time and learn as much as you can about one another before you decide to go on a real date. This will take a while, since you’ll be leaving messages for each other which you’ll only see when you’re logged in; this is where patience becomes important. You’ll need it if you want to get to the point where you’re ready to meet in real life. This also applies when and if you do meet each other face to face. Let things proceed naturally and don’t try to rush headlong into a relationship.
If you’re patient and play your cards right, your internet dating experience will transition to real life dating at some point. Be honest and patient and you could be meeting someone for your first date sooner than you might think!