Online Dating? 6 Reasons To Make The First Move

Recently, I joined a group of matchmakers and dating coaches for happy hour. We all introduced ourselves and talked about our specialty areas. I told them about my books, including my latest one, Find The Love of You Life Online. Eventually, one of the women approached me and asked me a question I've been asked many times before by singles and experts:

"Do you think women should email men when online dating?" Without hesitation, I told her "Yes!" Not only is it okay to email men when dating online, it's a useful tactic. Here's why:

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1. Women are often the initiators. I know — you've heard a hundred times that men should make the first move. But research has shown that in social and courtship interactions, women — not men — are often the initiators. Women do this subtly by making eye contact or smiling at men or they do it more boldly by starting a conversation. In other words, if you want a man to make his move, you must give him the green light to do so. Emailing a man gives him the green light. 

2. Initiating isn't pursuing. Many women fear emailing men  because they don't want to be the aggressor, the one who does the chasing. But emailing a man online isn't chasing him or even hitting on him — it's merely starting a conversation. He still gets to ask you out and call you. An email says, "Hey, you seem interesting. Let's talk," not, "Please go out with me!"

3. You get to choose. Why sit back and bemoan that you aren't getting emails from men who interest you, when you can choose who you want to chat with? Sure, not all the men you contact will reply, but that's normal. They may be busy, seeing other girls, or you're just not their type. It will all pay off when you do connect with a guy you find interesting.

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4. Emailing will create interest. Many women often believe that if a man were "truly" interested, he would make his move. While this is true in many scenarios, that rationale doesn't fly online. Why? Men have literally thousands of profiles to comb through … how can they possibly know who's interesting to them before chatting or meeting in person? Thus, emailing him makes you more interesting because you made a personal connection.  

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• 30 Dating Habits You Need To Lose By Age 30 (Part 1)