How can you avoid online dating disaster?

Setting up an online dating account can be a significant step towards finding your dream partner, but it is not always smooth sailing.

In fact, many of you will have heard plenty of stories of embarrassment, so it is important to take note of tips that will help you to avoid such a situation when it comes to flirting with members of the opposite sex.

Mary Jo Rapini recently penned a blog for the Houston Chronicle in which she offered some invaluable pieces of advice designed to ensure you do not make yourself look a fool at any stage of your online dating journey.

With around 20 per cent of marriages now reported to begin with an online meeting, there are more and more people taking part in such activities. This is good news as it means there is a larger pool of prospective partners to choose from, but it also heightens the possibility of making a mistake in front of a large number of individuals.

Ms Rapini's first tip is to be yourself from day one, as any relationship that begins on the back of a lie will continue to be lived as one.

It is imperative that you put a real photograph of yourself on your profile and do not avoid the truth when it comes to details such as describing your weight, height, age or job.

She went on to urge individuals not to meet up with potential dates too soon. There is plenty of time to get to know someone online before meeting in real life, so take advantage of this.

You should also be open-minded at all times and enthusiastic about the prospect of meeting new people. Do not rule anyone out too quickly and talk to as many people as possible.

The blogger added it is important to be both safe and smart, as an element of streetwise behaviour will help to ensure you are not at risk during your online dating experience.