First and foremost, the first thing you need to realize is you are dealing with the internet; where Jesus will call you, Britney Spears can sing, and Big Foot went through the McDonald’s drive thru.

It’s online.

Rule #1- Online dating, just like regular dating is superficial. It is based on physical appearance. If you like what you see, you have concluded step one. What you need to realize for yourself, so you don’t get so damn mad, is you are NOT everyone’s cup of tea. Just because you are a pretty girl, or a muscular dude, or whatever, it does not mean you will get a date.

People like what they like. Some men like my look. I’m short, curvy, brunette, and I’d like to think I have a cute face. But some men like tall, and thin, and blonde, and that is ok. Just because some men aren’t attracted to me doesn’t mean I am unattractive.

So Rule#1: not everyone will like you. Get over it.

Rule #2- You will not marry someone because you are going on one damn date. People who walk into dating with the expectation that “this is it” and try to jump right into a relationship without knowing the person, really need a swift kick in the ass. This person is a stranger. You have no idea if the chemistry will be there, let alone if this person is even worth your time. Date number one is to establish a connection, to see if there is one, not a marriage proposal. Wake up.

Rule #2: don’t expect anything from a first date. Just have fun.

Rule #3- Do not put all your eggs in one basket. It was one date. It may have been a fabulous one date, but it was JUST ONE DATE. Date two may never come, and that is ok. Stop crying. Just stop. This person is still a stranger. Take it as a lesson. You learn about yourself with every person you meet: things you like, things you don’t. So if date two does come, know this: no you will not be his girlfriend, no you will not be her boyfriend, and yes your date is still on the site talking to other people; you should be too. You are STILL getting to know each other, so stop being possessive of a person you met just once. That’s crazy. You don’t want to be crazy. Date two is a continuation of date one. Chemistry, connection, getting to know each other. Do not confuse it for anything more than that.

Rule #3: continue your search unless you have mutually agreed you are going to take this to the next step together.

The biggest thing to remember about online dating is not to take things so seriously. People will portray themselves to be something they are not. They can do that. It’s up to you to see through it. You will get disgusting messages. People will be disrespectful. They don’t know you, they don’t have to look you in your eye, and people sure have some sack on them to be someone they are not when there really aren’t any consequences.

Rule #4: Don’t get mad. Just keep it moving. There are some really really nice guys out there. Truly there are. I know, I’ve met some. Sometimes the chemistry will be there, sometimes it won’t. Don’t let the douchey guys ruin it for the good ones. And dudes, don’t let the trashy women ruin it for the good women out there, either. Do not become bitter. There are too many people out there with issues and insecurities who will try to feed on you; don’t let them.

Rule #4: it’s not that serious.

I know I’ll be damned if I let someone change me for the worse ever again. I’ve been there too. Wasn’t pretty.

Rule #5: Be yourself and have fun. That’s it. No one wants to go on a date with a person who is fake. You don’t like it, so be real yourself. Dating is suppose to be fun. It’s not, I know. It’s annoying and tedious, but meeting new people and learning new things is always fun, so if not to find your mate, then for that reason alone, just smile! It’s always cool to meet someone new and see what they  bring into the universe. You will always learn something about yourself in the process.

What makes me an expert you say? I’ve been on way too many dates not to be. People are very reluctant to sign up, and I completely understand why, but being as busy as we are, it opens up doors for us to meet people we wouldn’t normally meet in our every day life. It can be overwhelming, disappointing, and discouraging, but with these 5 rules, maybe people will find the patience to continue and finally find the gem in a pile of garbage. I know so many people who have had successful relationships and married someone they found online; this continues to give me hope to still search, regardless of all the crazies. So if you are going to try it, try this. Hopefully it’ll work.