First impressions are lasting, but when chatting online, you don't need to check your teeth for food or spend hours on hair and makeup.

Also, you can't rely on your cute outfit, irresistible perfume or flirty touches on his arm to make a good first impression.

So how are we supposed to mind our manners in the world of online chatting and flirting?

Be bold, and take the first step. Feel free to initiate the first contact with a guy whose profile caught your eye. Be brief but friendly, and refer to something in his ad, like "I also went backpacking through Europe."

Guys need their egos boosted, and he wants to feel like you picked him over all the other potentially great guys.

DON'T SHOUT BY USING CAPITALS IN YOUR EMAILS. Your mum was right: it is rude and unattractive. Also take care to spell correctly and don't overdo emoticons.

Don't tell too much too soon, Emily Calvo, author of "25 Words or Less: How to Write Like a Pro to Meet That Special Someone through Personal Ads" says.

She says: "A little mystery is better than a lengthy soap opera detailing all that analysis has taught you."