How to Ask Someone Out Via Instant Messenger

Social networking has become a big part of the Internet phenomenon, replacing many aspects of life that traditionally happened between two people face-to-face. If you have embraced this trend, then you are likely among the millions of people who communicate using FaceBook or MySpace, AOL Instant Messenger or Google Chat, email or Skype. Although there are no formal rules for online communication, a little etiquette goes a long way. If you are thinking about asking someone out via instant messenger, there are a few steps you should follow.

Instructions

1. Respect the other person's time. Before you broach the topic at hand, ask the other person if she is busy, or if she can spend some time talking to you.

2. Ask the other person if he is alone. You don't want to compete with someone else for his attention, and you don't want this personal conversation to be on a screen that many people can see.

3. Avoid having other online conversations with other people at this time. It shows that you are not truly vested in securing a date with the other person, and it's easy to accidentally type a response meant for someone else into the wrong chat window.

4. Remember that you are interacting with a person who has feelings. Although you are looking at a computer screen, you are actually communicating with someone. Talk to the other person the way you like to be talked to.

5. Mind your manners. Say "please" and "thank you." Refrain from using swear words.

6. Use Internet acronyms--such as lol, brb, and gtg--sparingly. If you care enough to ask someone on a date, you should take the time to type what you want to say.

7. Remember that an instant messenger chat can be saved. Don't say anything that might embarrass you in the future.

8. Take your time. Don't start the conversation by asking the person on a date. Gradually build up to that moment.

References

• The Core Rules of Netiquette
• The Instant Messenger Handbook