5 Do’s and Don’ts for Online Dating (so you can stop wasting your time with the wrong people).

Let’s be real for a minute - online dating can feel like a full-time job with zero benefits if you’re not intentional about how you show up. Between the Caspers, the commitment-phobes, and the ones who just want a pen pal, it’s no wonder so many women are exhausted and ready to throw in the towel.

But the truth is, online dating doesn’t have to be draining. When you’re operating from self-worth instead of self-doubt, everything changes.

So if you're tired of wasting your time, second-guessing yourself, and wondering why you keep attracting the same emotionally unavailable partners, this is for you.

Let’s talk about the 5 Do’s and Don’ts that’ll help you cut through the noise, protect your energy, and actually enjoy the dating process again.

DO #1: Be crystal clear about what you want.

There’s nothing more magnetic than a woman who knows what she’s looking for and isn’t afraid to own it.

Whether it’s a committed relationship, casual dating, or something in between - clarity is power. If you're vague, you'll attract vagueness. If you're clear, you'll start attracting matches who are aligned instead of confused, unavailable, or playing games.

Remember: You’re not “too much” for wanting love, loyalty, depth, or devotion. You’re just not for the people who can’t offer it.

DO #2: Show up as your true self.

The fastest way to weed out the wrong ones? Be unapologetically yourself from the start.

That means no toning yourself down, hiding your quirks, or morphing into who you think they want you to be. The goal isn’t to impress, it’s to connect. And connection only happens through authenticity.

If they don’t vibe with your truth, they’re not your person. Plain and simple.

DO #3: Vet them with your values, not just your vibes.

Yes, chemistry is important, but values are what build lasting love.

You can have butterflies and still be incompatible. You can have deep conversations and still want totally different things. Don’t let an electric encounter distract you from the bigger picture.

Ask yourself:

• Do they show up consistently?
• Do they treat others with kindness and respect?
• Are they emotionally available, self-aware, and aligned with your vision for love?

If not, it’s okay to move on. You’re not here to build a relationship on “potential.”

DO #4: Detach from the outcome.

Dating is not a performance. It’s not a test. It’s not even about being chosen.

It’s about exploring connection. Getting curious. Observing. Being open to what feels good instead of trying to force something just because you're “supposed” to be in a relationship by now.

When you stop attaching your worth to whether someone texts back or asks you out again, dating becomes a lot less heavy - and a lot more fun.

DO #5: Trust your gut and honour red flags.

Your intuition is there for a reason. Stop brushing off the weird vibes, the inconsistent communication, or the fact that something just feels off.

If it smells like a red flag, it probably is. And the longer you entertain it, the harder it gets to walk away.

Trust yourself. You’re not here to decode mixed signals or justify someone’s lack of effort. You deserve clarity, consistency, and care.

Now let’s talk about what to stop doing, because sometimes, it’s not just about what we add, it’s what we finally choose to subtract.

DON’T #1: Settle for breadcrumb communication.

You are not a side quest. You are not a last-minute backup plan. And you are definitely not here for the “hey stranger” energy every two weeks.

If someone is only reaching out when it’s convenient for them or giving you just enough attention to keep you on the hook, it’s time to cut the cord.

DON’T #2: Waste your time on “maybes.”

“I’m not sure what I want right now…”
“I’m just seeing where things go…”
“I’ve been really busy with work…”

If you’re hearing these lines, take it as gospel: They’re not ready.

And if you are? Then what exactly are you still doing there?

DON’T #3: Perform to be liked.

You are not a dancing monkey. And you sure as hell are not meant to twist yourself into someone else’s fantasy and lose yourself in the process.

The right person will be drawn to the real you - messy, magical, multidimensional and all. So drop the mask. That’s when the magic happens.

DON’T #4: Ignore your own needs and boundaries.

You’ve done this before, haven’t you? Over-given. Over-explained. Over-accommodated. All in the hope that someone might finally see your worth.

But let’s be real: if you keep betraying yourself just to keep the peace or avoid rejection, you’ll end up resenting both them and yourself.

Boundaries are sexy. Needs are sacred. Honour them.

DON’T #5: Fall for the fantasy before it’s earned.

It’s tempting, I know. You match with someone hot, they say all the right things, and suddenly you’re naming your future kids in your head.

But here’s the deal: you don’t know them yet.

So keep your feet on the ground. Let them reveal who they are. See them clearly. And don’t project a dream onto a stranger - you deserve the real thing, not a fantasy you have to keep justifying.

Final Thoughts:

Online dating doesn’t have to be a soul-sucking mess of disappointment. But it does require self-awareness, intention, and the courage to walk away from anything that doesn’t align.

When you lead with self-worth and high standards, you stop entertaining mediocre energy and start becoming a magnet for the love you actually desire and deserve.

And if you’re ready to go deeper into this journey, my FREE Elevated Dating Masterclass will help you transform your subconscious dating patterns so you can finally call in the relationship you’ve been dreaming about.

Because the love you’re looking for?
It starts with you.