When you first start dating someone you met online, it's inevitable that uncomfortable moments are going to occur from time to time. A new relationship is the perfect breeding ground for awkward moments, especially when you're dating someone from the internet. While there is nothing you can do to prevent these awkward moments from happening, there are ways to handle them so they don't leave a lasting impression. Here are four common awkward online dating moments and how to handle them.
1. You Have Zero Chemistry In "Real Life"
Many online daters experience the dreaded no chemistry in real life scenario, and as someone who has been there plenty of times myself, I can attest to how awkward it is. It usually goes something like this...After texting, gchatting, emailing and talking on the phone to someone you've met online, you're so excited to finally meet in person. If they can give you butterflies in your stomach just with a simple text message, imagine how intense the chemistry will be when you're finally face to face!
Fast forward to your first date and there is zero chemistry or attraction, and you feel like a total fool for falling for someone you've never met in person, even just a little bit. Plus, your date is totally feeling it and wants to know why are acting so different...yep, awkward.
How To Handle It
Manage your expectations from the start and don't decide you "like" someone until you've been face to face. Never let yourself become to attached to someone until you've spent time with them in person. Keep your flirty texts to a minimum and don't spend hours on the phone. This will prevent that awkward first date disappointment that makes you wish the earth would just open up and swallow you whole.
2. The Person You're Dating Still Has an Active Online Dating Profile
You're dating someone you met online and things are going great, however you notice that he or she still has an active online dating profile...awkward.
How To Handle It
It's time for "the talk". Fear not though, it doesn't have to be some super aggressive ultimatum filled conversation that lasts for hours. A simple "Hey, I really like where this is going and only want to focus on you, do you feel the same?" should do the trick. If he or she doesn't want to take down their online dating profile and would still like to see what (or who) else is out there, at least you'll know-so you can do the same!
3. You Ruin the First Date
Maybe it was your nerves that got the best of you or perhaps you had one too many glasses of wine...in any case, your first online date with someone you are really interested in was a big fat fail, and it's all your fault. Not only did you not put your best foot forward, you gave them a horrible and wrong impression of who you are. Awkward! What should you do?
How To Handle It
Be honest. Send your date a text explaining that you know your first date didn't go smashingly, and that you take responsibility and you'd love a chance for a do-over. Be prepared that they might not respond or won't be interested, but you'll never know if you don't at least try. If a second date isn't in the cards, hopefully this was a learning experience for the next first date you have.
4. You Freeze Up When Asked "So How Did You Two Meet?"
Online dating seems to be more common than any other type of dating and yet there still seems to be a stigma attached with declaring that you met your date online. Heck, I married someone I met online and I still pause when someone new asks me how I met my husband. Years ago, when we were dating and were asked the question, we'd hesitate or nervously laugh or avoid answering altogether. No matter how awesome your relationship is with someone you met while online dating, it's just a little bit awkward to explain the origins of your relationship.
How To Handle It
Practice makes perfect! Hold your head high. The most important thing is that you've met someone who makes you happy, it doesn't matter if it was on an online dating site or in the parking garage. Plus, the more you start sharing the way you met, the more couples you'll meet who met online to and totally get it. Once, my husband and I were at a dinner party and every single couple there had coincidentally met online...it seems to be more awkward to not meet online these days!