We've had some advice for the chaps, now it's your turn, ladies. Dating on a website is a bit like riding a bike; really simple, but if you miss some important steps you're going to fall flat on your face, no matter how fab you are.
Photo, photo, photo
The importance of a good photo cannot be stressed enough. Let's face it - a great photo is key in attracting you to someone else on MSF and it works both ways. MSF has a strict photo policy, and that's to help you out.
Make it natural - studio shots arouse suspicion and alarm bells ring - when we meet you in the flesh is it going to be a disappointment without all the studio lighting and make up? Keep your shots spontaneous.
Provide support - make sure your extra photos are of you doing fun and crazy stuff or demonstrate what your hobbies and interests are. We like to know that, as well as being gorgeous, you know how to enjoy yourself.
Use market research - pick your favourite photos and test them on your male friends. Use the one they find most attractive as your main photo. We men are superficial creatures and your main photo can make or break your MSF experience.
Get active
There are a lot of energetic, successful, outgoing women on MSF. Don't get left behind, and shake off any wallflower feelings.
It's the 21st Century - make the first move and mail the guys you fancy. If you don't a load of other women will. Favouriting is just not enough.
Be realistic - realise that you will probably get 4-5 replies back for every ten mails you send. This is OK, normal and happens to absolutely everyone. If you don't get a reply don't get down hearted - send some more mails.
You can only get to know them face to face
Email isn't enough - you can't get to know someone through email alone. It's certainly important to email enough to get to know someone a little and build up trust but soon enough you have to...
Stop beating around the bush - there's nothing that blokes hate more than having to wait. For a beer. For food. For a date. Way too many potential dates have died though having the soul sucked out of them by elongated exchanges of email. You've heard what their friend thinks of them, you've looked at their photo, you fancy them - why not suggest going for a coffee?
Keep the first date short
There is nothing worse than finding someone who sounds great and looks good but then you meet them and in the first ten seconds...nothing. You know there's no chemistry, they know there is no connection and the next three hours of dinner/drinking stretches out like a horrible eternity.
First date? Make it coffee - during the day and keep it short; about 20 or 30 minutes. If there is chemistry, a connection or a spark make a second, longer, fun date. If you feel a bit mean about just having a coffee, make it a compliment. Tell them you are really, really busy but would love to see them as soon as possible, so let's squeeze in a coffee this weekend.
You're going to have to try a few men - they might look fab on paper but if you get a spark with one in every ten you meet you're doing well; hence the need for short dates. It's like shopping - Topshop is full to the brim with great clothes but you have to pick through a load before getting the one that's just right!
What are your top tips? Had any experiences you would like to share? Agree or disagree?
Please feel free to submit your dating queries and quibbles to Sam here.
