If you're trying to meet people, whether for romantic reasons or just to broaden your friendship circle, you've probably noticed that it is much easier to strike up a conversation online than in person.

There's nothing more nerve-wracking than walking up to someone to introduce yourself, or trying to carry on a conversation with a group of strangers. While it's unlikely that you'll do worse than getting a bit tongue-tied, this probably doesn't stop the sweaty palms, erratic heartbeat or feeling that you might throw up. 

Even if you consider yourself to be a bit of a Don Juan and are loaded with the best banter ready to go, there's no denying that making an introduction in person – no matter how suave you think you are – can be pretty hard to do.

This is probably one of the reasons online communication – among friends and prospective dates – has become a lot more popular. Chatting online has a number of benefits, not least the lack of vomit-inducing nerves, which may be why it is the way forward when it comes to meeting new people.

So exactly why is it is easier to overcome the tension and chat away online? We have a few suspicions.

You have time to think

Do you ever say something and then a split second later wish you hadn't or now that you have that the ground would just swallow you up whole? Our filters may fail us in face-to-face conversations, but they are more adept at picking up on whether you should say something or not if you're chatting online.

You have a few extra moments to think, so once you've written your message you can re-read it. This means you can work out if it is charming or will make you come across like an axe-wielding murderer and then make edits before hitting send.

There's less pressure

One of the big plus points to chatting online is the fact that you can relax in your own environment. If you feel at ease and are able to chill, you'll usually find that conversation comes much easier.

You won't stress out too much and second guess yourself, which can make your conversation more successful. Whether you like to chat while catching up on the soaps or while wearing your PJs, if you're more comfortable, this will reflect in the ease with which you talk.

Body language isn't an issue

It's bad enough worrying about what you're going to talk about and how you sound when talking to new people in person, but then you also have to throw in body language. Not only can you get hung up on other people's body language, you start to worry about your own.

Luckily, when you're talking online, you don't need to think about where to put your hands or if your face looks interested in what they are going to say. This can make you feel less awkward and allow you to avoid the awkward bar lean in someone's spilt pint.

It's easier to sign off

Probably the best thing about chatting online? It is so much easier to sign off. There are no half handshake half hug moments, you won't end up doing the dance of 'should I kiss you on the cheek or not?' and you definitely won't say an awkward goodbye only to find you're both walking in the same direction.

You can simply say a quick 'I'm off' and then pick up where your conversation ended the next time round. Bish bash bosh. ADNFCR-2867-ID-801820868-ADNFCR

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