First dates ‘should be 20-minute meetings’

People embark on online dating for a variety of reasons.

For some, it is to find a potential suitor for a long-term relationship, while others are merely seeking a new friendship.

Whatever the reason, individuals need to have some ground rules about how they are going to approach the pastime in order to be successful.

Seven Suphi, a behavioural change specialist, recommends that when first meeting someone, a short 20-minute date is best.

"Be proactive and very selective on essential criteria. But only meet for a 20 minute coffee or drink somewhere central that you know," she added.

By arranging to meeting early on, single people can also be sure they are not wasting their time chatting to a person through email or text messages when there is no connection.

If individuals are taking the process seriously, they should make sure their profile is short and snappy in order to encourage interest.

Posted by Mark Wilkins