Published in Blog

How long to wait before meeting someone you met online?

Michelle ZP
3 min reading
You joined an online dating site and finally met someone you are really interested in. You've been chatting for a while, you've discovered that you have a lot in common, and now it just seems like it's time to meet this person. (Or does it?) Usually, when you get to know a person on the Web, it takes a while before you can tell if something might in fact click. Looking into each other's eyes, however, is a different story. But how long to wait before meeting someone you met online? Let's find out together in this article.

Does waiting a month for the first date seem too much, while a week seems too soon? This is why many users decide to meet for the first time after about two weeks. By waiting two weeks, and more generally ten to twenty days, you have time to get to know the other person through chat without getting too many expectations. If too much time passes, you may begin to idealize the other person, and consequently expose yourself to the danger of later disappointment.

Likewise, however, the opposite is also true. Better not to let too much time pass, because by chatting and exchanging too many messages you run the risk of losing interest. A sentence said incorrectly by message carries different weight than words said verbally while looking into each other's eyes, and could be misunderstood. Hanging out with the other person gives you a way to understand his or her personality, observe his or her attitudes and body language, and of course better understand what is being said.

Also, better to meet relatively right away so that you can understand whether the spark is sparking or not, because the chemistry between two people can influence the relationship and take it to the next level. It is a kind of instant connection due to a strong mutual interest, which if present allows them to relate differently even for messages after meeting. If the chemistry is absent, on the other hand, the acquaintance may even suffer a setback.

Finally, another important motivation that it is good to keep in mind not to wait too long for the first meeting: the risk of getting emotionally attached to the other person before even meeting him or her. In the worst case, if the date goes wrong you can start your search on the dating platform again without having lost too much time, otherwise you will have gained a few more days with the person you like.

However, the two-week rule is not really a rule or a bon ton lesson. It is simply a general advice that many people decide to follow, but everyone should follow their own pace. It may be that you have a busy schedule or are out of town, for example. However, it is good to remember to leave room for an evening of relaxation and fun(perhaps for an original and lighthearted first date? (The 5 Most Fun and Unusual Ideas for a First Date)), to at least temporarily push away the problems of the week.

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Michelle ZP

article by Michelle ZP

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