Experts Say These ‘Polite’ Online Dating Messages Are Actually Offensive
In-person dating gives you the benefits of reading body language and the full effect of social cues. But with online dating, you have to work twice as hard to make sure you’re walking into a potential misunderstanding. Best Life, a lifestyle magazine, collaborated with experts to compile a list of “polite” online dating messages that are actually offensive.
Unfortunately, online dating comes with the same issues as emailing someone. One of their experts weighed in and said that there’s often a lack of tone. So, what one person might see as polite can easily offend another person.
Polite? Not quite.
If you’ve ever dabbled with online dating, then you may have come across what their experts call “The Careless Compliment.” You may not mean it offensively but saying “You don’t look your age,” to someone isn’t the way to go. According to the magazine, compliments that focus on touchy subjects like age and appearance can often prove to be insulting.
Of course, following this is what they call a “Misguided Compliment.” They used the example, “You are too pretty to be on a dating website.” The problem with this phrase is that it suggests that someone doesn’t need to be on a dating website because they are too attractive, their experts point out.
Also, on their list is the “Unnecessary Comparison,” which can be things like comparing someone to your ex to make them feel special. This is obviously very off-putting and can send the message that you still live in the past.
Getting overly personal with questions is a major no-no, according to the lifestyle magazine. Asking questions that can help you get to know a person is great. Asking invasive questions is not such a great idea. Asking questions like “Why are you still single?” implies that something is wrong with that person or their relationships for being single. One of their experts suggests asking about life experiences instead.
Check out more insights and Best Life‘s complete list of online dating messages that may seem polite but are actually offensive.
