Divorced or not, your friends have mixed reviews about internet dating. One friend tells you that it is wonderful; she met her new boyfriend on-line. Another friend relays horror stories! In any event, your divorce is final & you have decided to take the plunge.

Before you begin building a profile on an internet dating site though, you should be fully aware of some “rules of engagement”.

1. Personality is important. However – you may never have a chance to impress a man with your sparkling personality if you have not attracted him with your pretty picture. The fact is that internet dating is, at least initially, a superficial medium. You have to draw your target with an attractive, clear picture of yourself.

2. Your profile is your calling card. Take the time to make yourself sound interesting & really differentiate yourself from the herd.

3. Create a pseudo e-mail for “secondary contact”. In other words, when a man with whom you’re corresponding on an internet-site asks for your e-mail address, provide to him a web-based e-mail, rather than your home or work e-mail address. If you decide that he is too strange-for-words, you can simply discontinue communications without interrupting your regular communications.

4. Do not release any personal information until & unless your internet date has proven trustworthy & safe. For the same reason, schedule your first meeting during the day-time, in a public location. Make sure you have an “escape plan” if the date is a disaster.

5. Anticipate that your date will look different, probably worse, in real-life versus his picture. Occasionally, you may have a pleasant surprise :o when a date actually looks similar or even better than their posted picture.

6. Be optimistic but realistic. There’re women who successfully meet their boyfriend or husband on-line. However – enter the on-line dating scene with a conservative outlook.

7. Consider the necessary qualities of the person you seek, & stipulate accordingly in your profile. By example, if smoking is an absolute deal-breaker, indicate accordingly, in your profile. You could indicate that you want a man who “…leads a healthy lifestyle” or simply be blunt & state “no smokers need apply”.

8. Have a sense of humor. Always look on the bright side… your nightmare-date could prove an entertaining story at your next get-together with friends!

9. Watch your purse-strings. On-line dating can be expensive, depending upon which site you use, & what features you select. Paying on-line does not seem like you are spending real money… But you are spending money, & it can add up.

Above all else, keep your options open. Enjoy on-line dating after your divorce, as it is a great way to widen the scope of the persons you can meet. Remember, how ever, that you might meet Mr. Right anywhere, at any time. Therefore, take part in on-line dating with your eyes open, but do not turn off your sexy wit when you go for dinner with your parents at that fancy Italian restaurant…. You might hit it off with that charming waiter, who is working his way through medical school!

Terri Mann is the founder of WomanDivorceSupport.com, an inspirational Divorce Advice web site where divorced or separated women can find free Divorce Articles about Dating After Divorce & more.