A few years back when online dating started to come into vogue there was a good bit of speculation that it would put an end to some of the wonderful aspects of traditional dating like candle lights and wine, walks on the beach and all that other good stuff. In fact the thinking in some quarters was it would basically turn into a grocery store, where you went online and picked someone off the shelf. Cyberspace was changing people from person to product; all the while taking the fun and romance out of dating.

And guess what? These folks were wrong. Sure the variety of potential partners to choose from can be reminiscent of a department store but what many of the so called experts did not take into account is that people learned to adapt. Many online daters have turned internet chats into their own prescreening process. In other words, they still experience and enjoy all the trappings of time-honored romance when they meet their date for the first time; the difference is they have a little more information to go on and also a lot more conversation to bring to the table.

Whether online or off, one of the essential factors of building a relationship is truth. In a traditional blind date you maybe be able to get away with exaggerating some of your attributes and accomplishments; not so much in cyberspace. Besides being the right thing to do there are a number of benefits to telling the truth

1. First Impressions

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Remember there is already an established history, so if you meet someone for the first time after bragging that you are an athlete and it becomes obvious that you are a couch potato then watch out. There's nothing wrong with being a couch potato (if that's what you enjoy) but be honest about it. Whether your date likes staying home with a bowl of chips watching the different variations of C.S.I.is irrelevant. The point is what you said online turned out to be true. That's a major plus.

2. Trust

No they still do not really know you but everything you said turned out to genuine. That is a sign of a being sincere which is a great starting point to building a friendship. If you have to choose between romance or friendship choose the latter. Romance is capable of letting your emotions get carried away. Friendship is trust which can lead to a better and stronger relationship.

3. It's just so easy

Have you ever seen one of those movies where the crooks go through some elaborate planning to pull off a robbery? It would be easier if they just got a job and pick some quality stock or mutual fund.

Same goes for lying. It not only takes a lot of work but you have to be on guard constantly so as not to get caught. You cannot really relax and enjoy yourself knowing that the truth could come back to bite you any minute.

Truth is essential to dating. If you feel compelled to exaggerate so the other person will like you more, than it is not worth it. That's the beauty of internet dating online; the variety of choices you have to find that special person who is more to the liking of the real you.