If you’ve tried online dating, chances are you’ve experienced a fair bit of rejection too. The same is true of any kind of dating of course but different rules apply to the online world than to the off-line world. Rightly or wrongly, people have a tendency to treat people they are chatting to online differently to how they might treat those they know in person. The internet can create a barrier between people, and online dating can encourage a ‘window shopping’ mentality in some people. Despite this, internet dating is a fantastic opportunity for people to meet each other, especially with the advent of specialist sites such as Muslim dating sites. When online dating, it is important to remember that you cannot change other people’s actions, only your reactions. With that in mind, here are five tips to help you deal with rejection online.
1) Don’t get ahead of yourself
When you begin signing up for dating sites it can be easy to get ahead of yourself early on. There is an added weight of expectation which does not apply when you just meet someone by chance. Try not to indulge in thoughts of the future too much, too soon. Enjoy the present and then you won’t get too hurt if things don’t work out.
2) Remember, it’s not you, it’s them.
Yes, it’s a cliché, but when it comes to internet dating it is true. If someone decides that they don’t want to continue chatting, there could be all sorts of reasons. Perhaps they’ve found someone who suits them better, perhaps they’ve met someone off-line, or perhaps they realise you want things they aren’t able to offer. Don’t even think about why – just move on.
3) Cast your net wide
When you are dating online, you shouldn’t be too choosy about whose messages you reply to, or who you choose to message. Some people find it hard to get their real personality across initially, but you might find they warm up later. Chatting to several people at once means you won’t get too attached to any one person, and will be better able to deal with it if they decide they’re no longer interested.
4) Be picky about who you meet up with
While you should speak to as many people as possible, be careful about who you agree to meet. Only do so when you are reasonably sure you will enjoy their company. That way, even if there is no romantic spark, you’ll have a good date and therefore are less likely to feel rejected.
5) Take breaks
If you find you are struggling to deal with the ups and downs, take some time out for a few months to recharge – and wait for some new people to appear on your dating site.
