This article opens doors for generalized complaining, moralizing and sanctimonious preaching. While it's true that not everyone online in the dating world is nice, I'm really glad online dating exists.

Here are some principles I apply in order to preserve my sanity and my serenity:

1) don't take myself too seriously - everything that happens is easier to digest with a smile and a reminder that life is but a joke

2) don't take it personally - yes, I got dumped again, after 2 weeks of adorable niceness and several IRL meetings where it felt like we were doing so well. It's not about me, it's about the other person and what she has going on. Maybe I was her #1, and now I am not.

3) be nice, be kind, be respectful, always - even when someone treats me in an unkind or disrespectful way, do not retaliate and do not play the victim. It's OK. We'll close out that story and move on, without any unkind words written or spoken by me.

4) this is raw marketplace dynamics: supply and demand - the woman I find beautiful, intelligent, fascinating and adorable, is also seen that way by almost every other man who sees her profile. Accept this and stop feeling entitled to being loved. Entitlement is breeding ground for resentment. Let the universe randomize my journey through this amazing dating experience, and let me be the best version of me that I can be, and no more.

5) keep an open mind - stop thinking I know exactly ehat I want and how my dream partner should look, sound, be. It's better if I know less and don't have a template.

6) don't ever stay longer in a relationship just to not hurt her feelings. Feelings will get hurt. That's life. If I am kind, respectful and considerate, that's all I can do. If I'm not feeling the chemistry, then it's time for me to leave. Staying longer is not right for either of us, even if your feelings may be temporarily hurt.

7) common sense makes the best radar for scammers and fakes. Don't let my emotions and desires override my natural sense of red flags and concerning behavior. It's usually quite obvious when you're interacting with a schemer of some kind. Stop. Leave.