Perfect Profiles: Avoid These 7 Online Dating Mistakes to Find a Real Relationship

Many people turn to online dating in hopes of finding true love. The Internet can be a great tool for connecting with a potential mate, but you need to make sure you're using it the right way. Here are seven online dating mistakes to avoid:

1. Making snap judgments

With most dating sites, moving on to the next profile is as simple as a swipe or click. However, you shouldn't be so quick to scan through those photos. Take an extra moment to really look at a person's profile picture. Slow down and you may discover that you're actually attracted to someone's cute smile or soulful eyes. A second glance could lead to a real connection.

2. Being too picky

If you sign up for an online dating site with the expectation that everyone will be picture perfect, you're likely going to be disappointed. Don't disregard someone just because he or she doesn't look like a model or celebrity. People come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. Besides, you have flaws just like everyone else. Keep an open mind and maybe you'll meet someone who's doing the same thing.

3. Only focusing on looks

Naturally, you'll probably be tempted to look at a person's profile photo before you do anything else. That's fine, but don't forget about what's written underneath it. Read the fine print to gain a bit more insight into the person you see on the screen. Decide whether or not to send a message based on the total package rather than just a pretty face.

4. Seeking out someone exactly like you

While mutual interests can be great conversation starters, they aren't necessarily the most important part of a relationship. Consider reaching out to someone who might have slightly different tastes and hobbies. Some people say that opposites attract. If that turns out to be true for you, sparks could fly!

5. Forgetting about values

Since topics like politics and religion aren't exactly icebreakers, there's no need to dive into deep issues during the flirting stage. Still, it's a good idea to seek out people that have the same values and carry out their lives according to similar principles. If your faith is important to you, you'll want to shy away from those who are anti-religion. If you don't like drinking or the club scene, steer clear of people who party like there's no tomorrow. Having an open mind is good, but you don't want to waste anyone's time either.

6. Providing too much information

When people click on your profile, they want to see a brief summary of what kind of person you are. They usually don't want to read your life story. You can still be fun and original while keeping things short and to the point. In addition, giving out too much personal information can be dangerous. You never know when an identify thief or stalker might be lurking around. Only provide details about yourself on a need-to-know basis. And talking about abusive relationships and how you have been hurt in the past should be shared with a close friend or therapist, not public viewers of your profile.

7. Not being realistic

Commercials for online dating sites may tell you how many successful matches have been made. What they don't tell you is that those happy people probably went through dozens of profiles and dates before they found love. Resist the urge to think you've found "the one" after a brief scroll and a couple of messages. Be realistic and patient in your search. Ultimately, that's the best way to find a real relationship on the Internet. And although 'long-distance', 'love-at-first-sight', or 'May-September' love may work for some people, the best relationships happen when a like-age couple lives close enough in location to get together often and get to know each other slowly. Don't rush. Take time to experience how your partner responds to the frustrations and difficulties in life as well as happy times. Hold off committing to someone until you have had time to see their down-side or real-self day to day, not only the fantasy picture of them you have painted in your mind from their profile. Get to know who they really are. Wishful thinking cannot create your perfect mate.

Online dating sites have become the go-to source for those looking for love. Unfortunately, many people set themselves up for failure by making common mistakes. By avoiding the blunders on this list, you can discover romance and so much more. You'll be on your way to making a true connection and finding the long-lasting relationship you've been searching for.