Signing up for an online dating service takes a lot of guts – and a sense of wariness about what potential online matches share with you. It’s great when you’re able to put yourself out there looking for your perfect match, but it involves a lot of separating the wheat from the chaff – aka the good guys from the nuts. Here are a few ways to know if what you see online is what you’ll get in real life. First, take a look at his profile and how much – or how little – information he gives. When you get scant details, like no picture, no age or measurements given, and very few (or very boring) personality details, then it’s probably a good idea to move on to the next profile or not answer a message from the guy – it’s obvious he has something to hide. If there’s just too much information to wade through, then it may be that the guy loves to talk about himself. Once again, avoid this one. Take a look at the pictures he’s uploaded. Being suspicious of blurry pictures, weird angles and a lot of people in the picture is obvious. But be wary of pictures that are taken in the same pose, with the same expression. That cute, closed-mouth grin might be concealing a mouthful of rotten or missing teeth!

Cutting the picture off at the neck may be a way for the guy to avoid you seeing his larger-than-expected body. A good variety of pictures, including a close-up of his face, gives you a good idea of what you’re getting. When you look at what he’s looking for, examine how he describes his perfect woman. If she’s just too perfect, you’ll constantly have to worry about making the cut. He may be overcritical of flaws, particularly if he begins sentences with “I won’t tolerate…” or “You must have…” Once you make contact, take a look at the way he writes – grammar isn’t everything, but poor spelling and writing skills may indicate that he’s careless, lazy or not as intelligent as your ideal mate. Also, if the first email seems artificial, it very well could be. There are lots of guys who send the equivalent of a form letter to women who they’re interested in. Avoid this guy and go for the one who seems the most genuine in profile and in person.