Dating sites offer a straightforward way of putting you in touch with potential partners in the metropolis. Unlike the ‘traditional’ methods of seeking relationships in London, usually involving noisy West End bars, or being matched with some unsuitable random in a blind date, having an array of choices at your fingertips seems a perfectly logical use of the available technology. And this is becoming ever more convenient as new sites spring up, bringing local dating opportunities to your web browser or smartphone wherever you are in the capital.
Dating websites are not for everyone, and much as users can sign-up (usually for free) and access the profiles of other singles at any time, many still prefer one-to-one contact. But in terms of sheer convenience, using a matchmaking website or app to kick-start your romance is an activity growing in popularity. If you haven’t tried it before and are considering embarking on online dating in London, here are five things you should know.
Think beyond the tourist traps
When you embark on online dating with anyone in London, it’s important to focus on the person rather than the location. When it comes to discussing or arranging a date at a capital location, keep in mind Londoners have probably visited the Tait or traipsed around Oxford Street shops many times. So your online chat should be a bit more dynamic than coming across as if you’re consulting a tourist information hot line.
Offline date possibilities
Because London is such a vast city, there are so many possible dating locations to choose from. Think outside the box when it comes to suggesting possible restaurants to invite to your partner for a meal. You can readily suss out their personal preferences during an online chat, allowing you to research highly-rated examples.
This really is a cosmopolitan city
When you are connecting with someone online, there is no way of being definite about their cultural background. Because London is such a melting pot, they could be from any nationality. You have to make some allowances for the intricacies of religious differences and customs. This can easily be done with a modicum of background research. But it is important for you to appreciate the person you are talking to in a chat room might be sensitive to remarks that might be considered offensive in their own culture.
What are your motives?
People use online dating from all sorts of different reasons. If you are simply looking for a casual fling, it’s important you make this known from the outset. Londoners are no different to singles anywhere else in the country and will not appreciate being strung along. On the other hand, if you are looking for a longer term relationship as opposed to a no strings attached one-night stand, this is also something you can broach during your online conversations.
Of course, it is not always possible to foresee which direction a relationship is going to head from the outset. But as long as you are open at every stage, you will have every chance of stoking chemistry with your virtual partner.
Honesty is the best policy
Following on from this, it can’t be overemphasized how important it is to be honest and aboveboard when online dating in London. The type of people waiting to connect with you are very likely to be urban sophisticates, streetwise and on the ball when it comes to relationships. If you are going to be less upfront with them they will be able to scent this straight away.
