Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but there's no substitute for meeting up in person in the long run.

One of the main problems with modern technology, including the internet and SMS text messaging, is that it is very easy to slip into using these methods to avoid having difficult or sensitive conversations.

According to psychologist and author Dr John Friel, this is definitely not the best way to communicate with a partner.

"If you are always taking the easy way out in those situations, it probably means you are going to start taking the easy way out when you are in a committed relationship," Dr Friel told WCCO.com.

Although the expert accepts that technology certainly has a place in the initial stages of dating, he advises meeting in person, or at the very least talking on the phone, once a relationship has been established.

"Using email and text messaging as a crutch to avoid an uncomfortable conversation is a big mistake," he added.

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? Adfero Ltd