Online dating removes barriers that are there in the offline world, but also introduces many new obstacles in one fell swoop. This is the new age of dating, and unless you get yourself up to speed you could be missing out on the opportunity to find the love of your life ? or maybe just an opportunity to have some fun!

Step 1: The Profile

This is a dating website and, like it or not, looks are a factor in how we decide who we want to date. Therefore showing a picture where your looking less than your best is a mistake you might live to regret. Spend some time on your profile and get it right. And, it's not just your picture that's important. What you write about yourself will mould how you're perceived and will ultimately form the impression that potential daters will have of you.

Step 2: The Promise

While being step 2, this is rule one. It's easy to develop an online dating persona with the brains of Albert Einstein and the body of Brad Pitt. The problem is that if the relationship is ever going to come to anything then your going to have to meet in person. And, if it goes anywhere from there then he or she is going to have to get to know you. Therefore be careful about what you say, because one day you may well have to prove it!

Step 3: The Pitch

If you see someone you like then coy won't work online. With hundreds of thousands of profiles on dating websites don't think the person you like is going to find you by accident. Unless fate is on your side, you're going to have to pitch yourself to your potential partner.

Step 4: Your Details

Everyone's heard the horror stories of what can go wrong when meeting people online. What's worse, when you're starry eyed and weak at the knees you can sometimes forget the fine line between being overly paranoid and downright stupid! You're far better to opt for the first. Don't give away your details until you've got to know the person more and you think they're believable. Remember some things can be too good to be true.

Step 5: Your Due Diligence

Before going on a date with someone you met online, you have some preparation to do. Search for the person online and see if you can find anything on them. Are they on a social networking site? What do people say about them and how do they act there? It may take browsing but most people have some online footprint, which you can use to track them down. Do you know where they work? Maybe you could use this information to verify their identity. If you have any doubts at all, whatsoever, bring a friend along with you or suggest a double date.

Step 6: Your Date

Online dating is all about one thing, and that's offline dating! And, let's face it, it can be a fun journey along the way. Be yourself, be courageous and have fun!