Daters google partners before meeting

NO LONGER smitten by the thought of love at first sight, an increasing amount of singles are googling prospective partners before embarking on a first date.

A survey by the It’s Just Lunch dating service has found 58% of men and women log an internet search for their new squeeze before leaving the house.

It also said 88% of the 500 respondents, when asked if they would be offended that their date had googled them, replied: “Not when I’d probably have googled them too.”

Even more clinically 27% of single men and 39% of single women admitted they would rather send an email telling their date they didn’t want to see them again rather than tell them to their face.

A large percentage said they would opt to disappear rather than contact the date again.

The survey also asked how people secured the first date.

Despite the newfangled technology 80% still preferred to use the phone to get a date, particularly if it had been set up by friends, 36% admitted to “playing it safe” by hiding behind a text to ask someone out while 16% sent an email.

Anne-Marie Cussen of It’s Just Lunch Ireland said: “The first date is still one of the most exciting times in getting to know someone yet so many end in disaster because the person just isn’t suitable.

“With It’s Just Lunch, we seek out suitable singles for our clients by matching like-minded busy professionals up for lunch — after that it’s up to them.

“Using such a service takes the chance out of the equation and means you wont have to google the person — we’ll do all the hard work for you.”

She offered a number of tips for a successful first date including:

* Never ask someone out on a first date by email or text message. A phone call is always in order.

* Emails relating to dating should be brief and upbeat.

* It’s okay to correspond using email regarding your plans for a date but always confirm by phone — it’s much more personal.

* It’s always nice to hear from someone after a date. If you plan to see them again, a phone call and email is nice.

* If you’ve gone out with someone and they are not returning your emails, consider that person not interested.

* If you are not interested in seeing someone again, don’t give out your email. Be straightforward and tell them there is no chemistry, but it was great meeting them.