Sometimes dating online can take a thick skin.  There's the inevitable rejection or even worse, being ignored altogether.  But often times, there is wonderful interaction that can happen between you and your online dates.  As the early stages of an online courtship unfold, everyone is on their best behavior, and frankly if you and your date are doing things correctly, you will be doing a whole lot of online flirting.  Whether you're the one doing the wooing, or your online date is taking the lead, either one can certainly lead to elevated levels of self-esteem.

It's amazing the type of lift you can get from an online interaction.  It's probably why Internet dating is so prevalent in today's society.  In addition to being easy and fun, not to mention allowing for the opportunity to meet people you would never typically encounter, online dating can do wonders for your ego.  Once you make a connection, it's exciting to find emails throughout the day, or a text message while you're at work.  The attention is intoxicating, particularly if you're not used to being on the receiving end of complimentary remarks.

Online flirting is the first step to making an in-person connection.  And the more you are able to interact with your online date, and the better you get to know each other, the better your chances are of being compatible in person as well.  It's not always a sure thing however, that the two of you will get along off line as well as you did online.  In-person chemistry and attraction definitely have a lot to do with whether or not you will continue seeing each other.  But nothing beats those first moments of excitement when there is someone new in your life.  If you find yourself looking forward to checking your email at the end of the day from your special someone, then you probably have experienced the ego boost I speak of. 

Everybody wants to feel good about themselves, and we all know that you can't find satisfaction and happiness from another person.  You have to find it within yourself.  However, it certainly doesn't hurt to help things along by playfully texting, talking and meeting someone who has been kind to you online.  I hate to even burst your balloon by speaking negatively and warning you of online predators who come on too strong or say inappropriate things too soon, but you do know that you have to watch out for those folks as well.  There is much more good than bad with online dating, but you do have to use caution and good judgment before venturing forth and meeting someone who's been making you feel good.  Many of these scammers know you are vulnerable and they know just what to say to put you off your guard.  There is nothing for you to be paranoid about…just be safe out there.

The good news is there are many success stories from online daters and more keep coming in every day.  Keep yourself out there and perhaps one of these days, you'll be among the ranks with the happy ending to your story too.