When you first start dating, it's inevitable that something awkward will occur. A new relationship is the perfect breeding ground for uncomfortable moments, especially when you met that person online.
Because online dating begins differently than meeting new people out in real life, you're more susceptible to things like catfishing. Here are some common awkward moments you'll only experience in online dating.
Your date looks nothing like their photo
People will often keep pictures of themselves that were taken at their peak attractiveness. They might post pictures weighing a lot less or with more hair. You expect to meet a person as they look in those pictures. Imagine how you'd feel if your date was double the size with a receding hairline you didn't notice in their original photos.
If there's a big difference between what they advertised and who they are, you have every right to be upset. It's less about what they look like and more about how they misled you. Because if they lied about this, what else have they misrepresented online?
Your date pretended to be younger than they are
Many people, especially men, lie about their age when dating online, because they are chasing a younger crowd. But when you lie about your age, you're only fooling yourself. If you say that you are 30 years old, when you're really 39, your untruth will coming crashing down on that first date. Your date might even ask you how old you really are, and that's embarassing.
You fall victim to catfishing
Catfishing occurs when someone sets up a fake profile and lures you into a romantic relationship. The persony you are connecting with, however, does not exist. Culprits use a stolen photo and bogus information. It could be an ex looking for revenge or a stranger who feels like they can't find a match on their own. If the person is too good to be true, it's not a good sign.
When dating online, it's best to take precautions to ensure your own safety. For example, Pyar.com uses trophies to prove a user's identity offline.
Someone mirrors your profile
Although there are genuine relationship-seeking men on dating sites, there are also plenty of guys simply looking for sex only. These guys -- or gals -- who are just interested in fooling around will write an online profile that mirrors yours. You'll think you are a perfect match! They'll say that they enjoy long walks on the beach or that they want romance. They might even copy and paste parts of your bio! In reality, they are scamming you in the hopes you'll meet up and give them what they want. Be very careful when you find someone who is little too similar or shares too many of the same interests.
A big red flag is when you receive rude or overtly sexual messages from a guy who seemed to be totally into you. Learn how to ignore the creepers and move past their bait.
You get overwhelmed by options
Though options are a good thing, sometimes they create awkward scenarios when not managed properly. For instance, you schedule a date with one guy but someone else wants to go out a little later. Meeting two potential matches on the same night is dangerous; one or both may find out about the other.
Perhaps you pass off one guy in hopes that the next will be better, but the first one was your perfect match. The worse thing that comes out of online dating is that you have so many options to choose from, it's hard to commit to only one.
You can only remember your date's username
You are halfway through a great date, and the conversation has been phenomenal. Your date is cute and shares a lot of the same interests. You've really hit things off -- the night can't go any better than it has already! Then, your brain fails you, and you forget their name. And while you cannot remember a real name, you can perfectly visualize their dating app username. Talk about awk!
There is zero chemistry in real life
Many online daters experience no chemistry in a real-life scenario. It's possible that you've texted, chatted and talked on the phone so much, that you've run out of things to say. Maybe you're so excited to finally meet in person that your anxiety takes over. Moving too slowly or too fast to the first date may end badly with little chemistry or hopes for a future. Make sure you hit that sweet spot between talking too much and too little before planning your first outing. And if it doesn't work out, that's okay, too.
Have you had an awkward onling dating experience? Share with us in the comments below!