Online Dating from A to Z: Do’s, Don’ts and Dealbreakers
Welcome to the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. This month I’ll be working my way through the alphabet, one day at a time, on the subject of Online Dating. If you’ve never visited my blog before, I’m happy you’re here! Be sure to check out my previous A to Z Challenge posts and the books that were inspired by them for more alphabetical fun.
D is for Do’s, Don’ts, and Dealbreakers.
We all have our dealbreakers when it comes to relationships. As I’ve learned from transcribing several seasons of Married At First Sight, most men and women hold smoking cigarettes as their number one dealbreaker. I find this fascinating, not only because smoking is clearly a habit that can be broken if one so desires, but also because no one ever seems to mention much more serious dealbreakers. What about political differences? Not wanting kids? Religious clashes? Big personality flaws like narcissism?
As someone who previously maintained a running list of more than 200 dealbreakers, I am also fascinated that no one has yet mentioned bed wetter or stuck on jackhammer setting in bed as their dealbreakers, but perhaps these folks are dealing with a better class of people than I met during my online dating years?
Other dealbreakers the MAFS peeps have mentioned include body odor and facial tattoos, so at least we have that in common!
Along with dealbreakers, I thought I would mention just two Do’s and Don’ts for online dating, which I will address in more detail in upcoming posts (particularly H is for HELP!).
Do…
Ask your date plenty of questions, before and during your first meet-up. (See: Coffee)
Don’t…
Arrange to meet without an exit strategy. Have a friend call or text you after the date to check in.
Do…
Offer to split the bill, as it keeps things low-pressure for both parties.
Don’t…
Meet anyone for the first time at your home or theirs! Safety first.
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4 Comments
Stephanie
Dropping in on the A to Z.. I can’t imagine the stress of dating these days. Back in my dating days, it was no big deal on the smoking. It was whether you had a job and your own car. Or children. And yes, I’m glad you noted the smoking issue is something that can change. I did. And wouldn’t have been able to without the support of my husband (31 years)
Look forward to reading more posts :)
NameAnita Hunt
Dealbreakers for me would also have to include whether they respect my space or not. Can’t abide a space pincher, i need my me time and really resent being made to feel guilty for it.
Another good blog post which made me smile.
Red
Smoking is a deal breaker. Yes, it is a habit that can be broken, but to rely on the possibility that someone might successfully do what so many smokers have tried and failed at? If you know you cannot cope with someone who has that habit? Nix.
And kids was a deal breaker for me that broke the deal early and often. So yeah! Superficial things don’t really count.
Jayden R. Vincente
I love MAFS! There is a lot to learn from it, too. (Did you hear they are soon casting in Philly!)
It’s a good idea to know your dealbreakers!
Jayden R. Vincente
Erotic Fiction Writer