When it comes to online dating, the first few weeks or even months will probably be spent either Emailing or chatting. Many online dating services offer built-in chats that allow you to hook up with other singles. Over the years, I have had to eliminate many dating prospects because their messaging or emailing styles were just too frustrating or offensive for me to continue.

There are some simple guidelines that we can all follow to be sure that we don’t inadvertently offend a potential online match. Allow me to share…

Spelling, Abbreviations, and Emoticons
Poor spelling and grammar are ALWAYS turn-offs, they make you appear ignorant so take some time to use your spell-check! Also, keep in mind that it’s hard to take a person who uses too many little smiley faces, silly abbreviations and acronyms seriously. Unless you want to come-off looking like a twelve year old, you’re best to limit your use of these clever chat features.

Have Fun
Chatting and Emailing are meant to be fun so keep it that way! A fellow single searching for Mr. or Ms. Right does not probably have to (or want to) hear about your messy divorce right off the bat. You’ll know if you are losing a person’s interest (at least in chat) because the time between responses will get longer and longer as they find more interesting things to do.

Don’t Use All Caps
From day one of the Internet, chat and Email, the use of all caps has been equated with SHOUTING. Using proper capitalization is not only good manners, its easier to read. When I come across someone using all caps, I want to ask them to stop yelling at me.

People sometimes do use their computers for work
I know, it sounds silly, but sometimes people are actually online to work. Keep this in mind if you are trying to message someone and they don’t reply – it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are avoiding you, sometimes it just means that they are not available to chat at the moment. It’s usually always ok to send a quick “hi, how are you doing?” but if you don’t get an answer, chances are the person is otherwise engaged – try again later.

Remember, it could be weeks or months before you meet the person that you have been chatting or Emailing with. It would be a shame to lose the interest of someone who has dating potential just because you didn’t observe basic chatting etiquette.

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contributed by Jerri-Lynne Cameron