We can all come across problems and bumps in the road in our relationship, but you'll be surprised how much the little things can help keep a relationship fun, romantic and thriving.
Be kind to your partner. It sounds simple, but with all of life's stresses it's easy to be coarse or cutting with those closest to us, so work to eliminate that from your relationship.
If you've done something wrong, apologise. Even if you're not the only one to blame for a big argument, accept your own mistakes and move on, it's not worth wasting your time being in a rift.
Treat your other half. Don't underestimate the power of a little treat. Whether it's a cute cupcake brought home after work or a lovely bunch from flower delivery Liverpool, it'll bring a smile to your loved ones face, and you'll love knowing you put it there.
Photo: jmdmoo (Flickr)
Something it's important to keep in mind: Internet dating can be a numbers game, you have no idea what's going on in these people's lives, if they've met someone or have a few dates lined up already, so don't get hung up on any messages not replied to, or anyone that might let you down gently. It happens.
If you find that you're not getting as many messages as you'd like or think you should be, don't get despondent, it might just be time for a bit of a change or update. Have a look back at your profile and make sure you're offering enough positive attributes and information about yourself. But not too much, potential daters don't need to know your dating history, the ins and outs of your career or how much you paid for your car breakdown cover, keep it interesting!
Follow the tips in our advice posts about setting up your profile, use it to market yourself, be confident and don't sell yourself short, but be honest. Check out how many members the dating site you've signed up to has in your area, it could be that there aren't many people you're being matched to. If so, sign up to another site - it won't do you any harm!
Photo: CPGXK (Flickr)
Been following our internet dating advice? Well then you should be well on your way, with a full profile and plenty of networking going on around your chosen internet dating website!
One of the most important rules of internet dating is to make the first move, if you see someone you like the look or sound of, get in touch with them. Don't wait for people to message you, go and start up a conversation yourself!
If there are a few people you want to contact, don't draft the same or a similar message and send it to all of them. Remember what we said about sending lots of messages at once? Behind all of these profiles are individual people, and they each deserve an individual message or response, so give them just that. Look at their profile, think about what has attracted you to them and send them a message, if it's tailored to them they're more likely to be interested and respond.
And don't forget to keep it light, positive and interesting! They probably won't want to talk about politics, past break ups or boring car insurance!
Keep on plugging!
Photo: Robert Bejil Photography (Flickr)
So you've set up your profile and maybe even sent a few messages to people you like the look of, what to do now?
Be visible!
Well, the most important thing to do is be active, there's no point signing up if you're not going to log on and make the most of it. Some dating sites return search results in order of those who have logged in most recently, so if you haven't logged on recently you might be less visible and pretty far down on the list, lessening your chances of someone making contact with you. So get online and get interacting!
Regularly check your inbox and respond to any messages as you get them. If you let them pile up and reply all at once your replies will likely be less well thought out and concentrated, and might come across uninterested or boring, and you might be less likely to prompt a more meaningful response or conversation. Remember our previous advice on sending messages!
Remember your manners, if someone gets in touch but you're not interested, it's not fair to ignore them. Reply in a friendly way but tell them that from their profile you don't feel that the two of you would be compatible. They should take the hint!
Photo: Sam Hearn (Flickr)
Signed up to an internet dating website but need some advice on getting it all going? Look no further, here are our top tips for starting the path toward internet dating success.
Profile
When setting up your profile, put in enough information but not too relevant. If they ask what books you like don't go into a lengthy review of the Lovely Bones, you don't want to look to over-zealous.
Most importantly, be honest. Don't say you're really outdoorsy and love abseiling when you don't, just because you think it'll look good to others, it'll mess up your matches.
Messaging
Seen someone you'd like to contact? It's important to try and make the right first impression, so:
Be clear - don't say anything that can be misinterpreted.
Be concise - don't send too long a message this early on.
Ask questions - give them a few things to talk about in their response.
Keep momentum - don't let the conversation dry up, try and keep flowing, ask questions and get to know the person.
Be friendly and polite - wise cracks, bad jokes, swearing and controversial opinions aren't great this early on.
Be positive - don't go on about negative stuff, keep it light.
Keep tuned for more internet dating advice!
Photo: StephenandMelanie (Flickr)