THE RULES OF ONLINE DATING

***THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF ONLINE DATING***

Online dating sites have become really popular, and today more people than ever are meeting online. But that means there's also a lot more competition. So here are the Ten Commandments of online dating to make sure you play by the rules . . .

#1.) THOU SHALT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD. EVERYONE likes TV, music and movies. So, a catchy title and some unusual interests go a long way. Spend some time coming up with a decent profile and your prospects increase dramatically.

#2.) THOU SHALT NOT DISPLAY THY BAGGAGE. Everyone's got a dark past, but there's no reason to expose it on the Internet. Give people a chance to know you before you let them into your scary little world.

#3.) THOU SHALT NOT POST A MISLEADING PHOTO. We all want to show ourselves in the best light possible, and choosing a good photo is fine. But if you're doing major Photoshopping or using an image of someone else, you'll be found out.

#4.) THOU SHALT BE PROACTIVE. There are plenty of potential partners out there, and they're just waiting for you. To maximize your chances, target as many people as possible. If you play the odds, you greatly increase your chance of meeting someone.

#5.) THOU SHALT BE REALISTIC. Messaging a model whose interests include opera and art might make things harder on you. By all means, give it a shot, but remember that the normal rules of dating still apply, so look for someone you click with.

#6.) THOU SHALT NOT BE BLATANT. Let's be honest. A lot of online daters are just looking to get busy. So guys, lay off the pillow-talk. At best, you'll seem like you sleep around. At worst, she'll think you're a stalker.

#7.) THOU SHALT BE HONEST. Make the most of what you've got, but don't lie. Ideally, you'll actually meet someone who likes your profile, so don't say you're a body builder with a pilot's license. You're setting everyone involved up for disappointment.

#8.) THOU SHALT BE WITTY AND CONCISE. Don't write a novel when you're messaging a potential partner. Keep your messages short and sweet. They don't need to know the name of the puppy you had when you were a kid, so save the details for later.

#9.) THOU SHALT ALWAYS BE SAFE. It goes without saying that you should NEVER meet anyone you don't trust. Get to know the person over the phone first. Your safety is paramount . . . unless you want to inspire an episode of "CSI".

#10.) THOU SHALT REMEMBER THE REAL WORLD. Online dating won't necessarily get you the man or woman of your dreams, but even if it does, you might not live happily ever after. So remember that the Internet is just another way to meet people.--All the important stuff happens offline.(FreeDating.co.uk)