Most of us who find ourselves alone do not like being alone.  Some stay home, get depressed and complain.  Others are proactive and do something about it.  Granted dating after 50 has its challenges.  One of the best places to meet prospective dates or mates is online.  Those who shy away from online dating due to fears of what may or may not happen are missing out on a great opportunity.   However, there are a few basic rules to follow. 

Rule #1
Be honest.  I have heard so many guys complain that they went out of their way to drive and meet a lady only to be disappointed once they saw her face to face.  Usually the complaint is that she lied about her weight.  Sometimes it is that she lied about her age and used old pictures.  Ladies the only thing this gets you is one date and the guy is just staying for the remainder of the date to be nice.  But guys lie as well.  Some lie about their marital status, their age, or present a current relationship as a past relationship. 

Rule #2
Post a photo.  Use a recent picture that accurately represents how you look today.  I have seen even guys put up an old picture as their main photo then post recent photos in the more pictures section of the profile.  (These are the same guys that complain about the women being untruthful).  In my  opinion, this is deceptive and the person who uses a younger photo as bait for interest will prove to deceive you in other ways as well. 

Rule #3
Put your best face forward.  The photo is your first introduction to potential dates or mates.  Do post a photo.  Most people will not communicate with those who refuse to post or provide a photo.  Do what is needed to ensure your photo provides the best possible introduction.  Have a studio photo taken or use a friend with a little photographic skill.  Stay clear of  blurry photos or photos with other people.  Your face needs to be solidly visible in your primary photo.  A full body shot should be posted as a secondary photo.  Never ever post photos of you with members of the opposite sex.  

Rule #4
Invest in your profile.  Take the time and effort required to write a good profile.  It is all about marketing yourself and your profile is your marketing copy.  Every good marketer knows features tell but benefits sell.  You are marketing yourself.  Get in touch with what makes you unique and special and talk about it.  The dating sites do a good job of describing your features.  Communicating your benefits is up to you.  Stay positive and steer clear of negative comments in profiles.  If you do not write well, get help.  Hire a professional profile writer.  Just make sure the finished product is an accurate representation of you. 

Rule #5
Use spell check.  Written presentation is important.  Write your profile in word; edit, spell check, and save.  Then copy and paste to your online profile.  The word file will come in handy should you decide to post a profile on multiple dating sites.  This small attention to detail can win big points.   

Rule #6
Have a shopping list.  Know yourself and be very clear about what you are looking for.  Don't continue to date or communicate with those that do not fit the bill.  You are only prolonging the inevitable and increasing the probability of someone getting hurt.  One of the best reads I have seen on this subject is Date or Soul Mate by Neil Clark Warren, founder of eharmony.  Although I am not a huge fan of eharmony, the book is full of rock solid dating advice.

Rule #7
Be considerate.  Choose a place and time for the first meet and greet that will allow for a quick and courteous exit should either one of you so desire.  This is much preferred over a day long outing or an expensive dinner.  A coffee shop or lounge in a popular restaurant work quite nicely.  You want to check for mutual attraction as well as general compatibility.  Do meet someplace conducive to conversation.  There is always the option of extending the evening should things go well.

Rule #8
Apply the litmus test for chemistry, the kiss test.  If when sitting across form your date and looking into their eyes, you don't feel the urge to kiss, run for the hills.  No matter how tempted you may be to try a second date, you are wasting your time - an essential element of attraction is absent.   If you kiss 'em once, make sure you want to kiss 'em again. 

Rule #9
Proceed slowly.  Be wary of too much too fast unless.  If your objective is a one night stand or a short term physical relationship, be honest and up front.  There are singles of both sexes with just that agenda.  If you are a woman or man who becomes emotionally involved with sexual intimacy, you should wait until you are fairly certain of continued mutual interest.   Be aware that there are those who play the "catch and release" game.  They are always looking for that next email bringing a better option.   If you have been intimate and decide to move on, please give the other party the courtesy of a face to face break up.  Online dating etiquette deems it  inappropriate to end an intimate relationship with an email. 

Rule #10
Be patient and persistent.  You may have to meet a lot of toads before you find your prince or princess.  Don't wast a lot of time chatting on the Internet or talking on the phone before meeting in person.  One can spend hours upon hours in interesting conversation only to discover upon meeting the total absence of physical attraction.  Phone conversations can reveal information as to personality but true compatibility is only assessed through face to face contact.  Go ahead and schedule a quick meet and greet.  Potential can often be assessed in the first 5 minutes.  The quicker the weeding, the better the harvest.  

Rule #11
Be smart.  Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 or 2 drinks on the first date.  Too much alcohol clouds judgment .  If you drink too much you may participate in activities you later regret. 

Rule #12
Keep your options open.  Don't be too quick to close doors.  You never know but your #1 interest will loose its glitter.  If you have closed a door too tightly, you may not be able to go back and open it again. 

Rule #13
Follow the 2 year rule.  Please do date for 2 years before getting married.  Many who have broken this rule have lived to regret it.  The two year time frame gives plenty of time for the masks and good behaviors to be tossed to the wind and you will know the good and the bad about your potential mate.  You will have the information you need to make a sound well thought out life decision. 

Rule #14
Take a chance.  Step out of your comfort zone, use good judgment, and have fun.  You may just find the love of your life!