To date or not to date? That is the question. If you are going to be brave and bite the online bullet, there are a few things to consider first.

Whether you are starting over after a relationship has ended or you simply feel that you have been single for long enough, you have decided to give online dating a go. It can be a fun experience as you can chat to potential romantic partners from the comfort of your own home.

Before the internet it seemed like the only option to meet someone new was to don your finest dress and heels as you try to shout over loud nightclub music—not that we need an excuse to dress up).

Yet, we all know how busy modern life can be between work obligations and trying to balance a social life with friends and family. Any way that can make dating a little easier cannot be a bad thing, can it?

Although, as fun as it can be, online dating can sometimes have its own set of worries. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you commit to trying it.

Which website should you choose?

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for that new pair of shoes, a bag or even a date—there are a lot of website choices out there. For instance, you might be familiar with various advertisements for dating services such as Match.com, eHarmony or Elite Singles.

While these websites may offer reliable services, they will also charge you for the privilege of doing so. If you are trying online dating for the first time, however, you might wish to go the free route, which includes services such as Tinder and Plenty of Fish. Who doesn’t like free things, after all?

In actuality, there are too many dating sites to list here—particularly as they often cater for different needs and preferences. The best approach would be to have a sneaky Google of all the options available so that you can find the right one for your first try.

Are you willing to fill out information about yourself?

This is not exactly a problem, but does anyone really like trying to fit a description of themselves into a small box? Offering up information about yourself needs to be a delicate balance between revealing too much and not enough to interest people.

The best way to go about it is to not worry about it. Don’t worry if you think you don’t have enough hobbies, or if someone will think that they are dull. Instead, just write what comes naturally as you can always edit it later. You will not be able to please everyone; besides true awesomeness cannot be contained to a single box.

Are you prepared to hear the cheese?

As in real life, the people you come into contact with online may not always be the most polite or straightforward. Yes, I’m afraid I am referring to the dreaded cheesy pickup line that will eventually appear in all its terrible glory.

Depending on your sense of humor, you might enjoy being called a ‘fallen angel’ or a ‘fine-apple,’ Dating is supposed to be a fun experience after all.

However, if you are unfortunate enough to receive any vulgar content, most websites will allow you to report it, and the user can be blocked.

Are you prepared for surprise personal pictures?

A rare occurrence, but it can happen that you end up seeing more of a person than you had intended. Luckily, most pictures will generally be of a person’s face, a beloved pet or perhaps a shirtless male torso (men do like to try show off, don’t they?)

Again, if an unwanted picture is ever sent to you, there is nothing to worry about as you can easily report and/or block the sender.

Are you willing to take the plunge?

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, are you willing to take the plunge into the unknown world of the internet and swim with the dating fish? If the answer is no, then that is perfectly fine.

Dating the old-fashioned way is something to be admired as talking to a complete stranger face-to-face can be intimidating. So, congratulate your sexy, confident self for having the courage to do what many don’t.

If the answer is yes, then that is equally fine. You have decided to try something different, something that can often be judged to be abnormal. Well, the world is an ever changing place, particularly when it comes to technology, and often we need to adapt with it.

We find new ways to shop, make bookings, to bank and seek advice, so why not add dating to the list. In any case, you again have the courage to do what many won’t, and the confident boost you might get from a little flirting is an added bonus.

In the end, there is no right or wrong way to date. The only thing that matters is what makes you comfortable and happy, so remember to have fun and don’t let anyone stop you from doing things your own way. Have you tried online dating? What advice do you have for other readers?