The First E-Mail: Welcome to the Online Dating World
Here's what makes online dating so special: You can get to know your new crush without the pressure of a face-to-face date. Your initial talks are free from the nervousness and awkwardness you feel when meeting someone in a bar or club. Also, you can feel safe while you get to know someone.
Online Dating: The Art of the E-mail Response
A successful online dating experience starts here. When you're ready to move
beyond Eye Contacts, make sure to spend a little time on your first e-mail.
With a little planning and some reflection, you can create an e-mail that
showcases who you are. Dashing off a quick note filled with Internet acronyms,
no punctuation or grammar, and a complete absence of forethought is
unimpressive. But what makes a great e-mail?
Dating online starts with "Hello."
Address your e-mail with the member's Online Name.
Let them know why you picked them. Was
it their smile in the photo, the voice greeting, or the fact you both work in
sales?
Share some general information about
yourself, but not your life story just yet. Tell your Cupid.com match only
enough for them to determine if you are what they're looking for. Perhaps
include your age, ethnic background, whether you have children, and your
smoking and drinking habits.
Be up front with what you're looking
for: do you want an e-mail pen-pal or a long-term relationship? With online
dating, getting the important information early will avert later
disappointment.
Tell them what you would like to happen
next. Ask them to view your profile and reply. Sometimes, all you have to do is
ask. Cupid.com instant messaging perhaps? A coffee date perhaps?
Avoid negatives. Now's not the time to
divulge the sordid details of your divorce or your disastrous past
relationships.
Sign off with your first name only.
Remember - with online dating, NO last names! Also, avoid anything too
romantic, such as "Yours always." Try "Take care" or
"Hope to hear from you."
Finally, if you still can't seem to get the words flowing, below is a sample e-mail that you can customize.
Hello [beachcomber],
Your Cupid.com profile caught my eye. I liked your picture. [I wonder which
beach you were on when it was taken]. I, too [love the ocean. I try to
get to the beach as much as possible].
Here's a little about me: I'm a [32]-year-old, [divorced white woman]. I live in the [Heightlands] area. I'm looking for [friendship first and possibly a long-term relationship].
You can find more information and a picture with my profile on Cupid.com. My Online Name is [online name].
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Janet
