In an ideal world, singles could embrace online dating uk without any misgivings, engaging in friendly conversation before arranging romantic get-togethers. But life is never that simple. For all that matchmaking websites are dedicated to providing a convenient platform for singles to get to know each other, the very nature of this method of communicating can be problematic. So how can you tell if the person you are messaging is telling you the truth all the time? What are the giveaways which indicate they might be toying with your affections? In short, when it comes to identifying when your relationship might be about to implode, what are the warning signs to look for?

Trust issues
Just as in the offline world, online relationships rely on trust. When this becomes eroded, this is a clear sign all is not as it should be. In order to forge a real and genuine connection in an online environment, it is always vital for both parties to be above board at all times, giving an honest account of their feelings. But if the person you are communicating with is consistently coming out with stories which seem difficult to believe, or they repeat themselves with different variations each time, you have to read between the lines. Why are they not telling the truth? Is it because they are feeding exactly the same lines to other site users they are connecting with?

Communication lapses
Another dead giveaway is communication. Does the person you are connecting with sometimes go off-radar for a considerable period of time? It would only be natural to give them the benefit of the doubt, thinking there may be something going on in their private life, such as someone requiring hospital treatment. But another assumption it would only be natural for you to make is they are playing the field when it comes to their online connections. Perhaps they are hedging their bets, chatting up someone else before getting back to you again.

This is even more exacerbated if they are continually making excuses why they don’t want to web chat with you. What do they have to hide? Is there any possibility the version which would presents itself during a Skype call would radically differ from the profile picture they’ve been using?

Lack of images
What about that profile? Another warning sign would be if they have presented scant images. Do you really think this means they are shy? Or isn’t it more likely they just haven’t got the same intensity of feelings as yourself? After all, if you truly care about them, you would have no qualms about sending them as many pictures as they wished to see. If this is not reciprocated, it would only be natural for you to wonder why they don’t feel the same connection. If the emotions within a relationship are unbalanced, this will be even more exacerbated in an online environment.

Offline commitment
Finally, the greatest warning sign of all concerning an online relationship comes about when discussion centers on taking matters to the next level. For most people, a dating site is merely an introductory platform, somewhere to make the initial connection and get to know a potential partner before embarking on the actual face-to-face dates. But if the person is continually making excuses about not wanting to meet you, then you have to ask yourself why this might be? Would it be because they have an existing girlfriend or even wife whom they do not want you to ever find out about?

Even the most apparently healthy relationships will go through ups and downs. In the early stages, whether you met through online dating site or in your local pub, couples will be experiencing the first flushes of potential love. This honeymoon period will be characterized by excitement. You’ll be finding out all about each other’s personalities and passions, and discovering activities to enjoy together.

With time, all that enthusiasm will diminish, replaced by contentment and habit. But even in any relationship where the partners have become completely comfortable with each other, complacency can have a negative impact on their happiness. Here are four tips which will guarantee any partnership remains strong.

Meet issues head on
Whenever there are disagreements or contentious issues, the worst thing you could do is simply try to hope these will sort out themselves. Whenever anything arises which has the potential to cause long-term resentment, no matter what the source of the problem might be, it is imperative these are dealt with from the outset. There is no point putting on a brave face because you don’t wish to rock the boat. This ‘head in the sand’ attitude will only lead to conflict further down the line. It’s far better to maintain an open and honest arena where any problems can be debated. Some couples go out of their way to avoid confrontation, but dealing with anything head one will actually bring you closer as a couple.

Learn how to deal with friction
It’s important to be able to put disagreements in perspective. It would be unnatural for a relationship to coast along, with neither party ever feeling the need to disagree with the other. But arguments can always be controlled if both partners are prepared to compromise and not allow the situation to spiral out of control. As a couple, you should relish healthy and vigorous debates on any subject. Even if these do become heated, they can actually be a satisfying way to let off steam. It’s healthy to have opposing viewpoints. As long as you accept there are lines which must never be crossed, and compromises which must always be reached, your relationship will be strengthened.

Keep an upbeat attitude
Another excellent tip towards maintaining the positivity in any partnership is to try and maintain an optimistic outlook at all times. It is only natural there will be incidents which arise that can provoke feelings of disappointment. But stress and trauma can be overcome by striving to remain positive. This is where one partner can be particularly supportive of their other half. No matter how despondent they might feel about something, if you can be on their side, providing support and encouragement at all times, then the old adage will prove to be true: a problem shared is a problem halved.

Accept no relationship is perfect
There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. The reason for this is quite straightforward. Relationships involve human beings and each and every one of us is flawed in some way. Being less than perfect is one of the prime characteristics which makes us human.

This can actually be a source of positivity for any couple if they accept there will be times when unpleasant characteristics come to the fore. Aspects like weakness, selfishness, greed and many others may not be that pleasant when they are exhibited. But they are nothing to get unduly concerned about when placed in this context. We are all capable of behaving to less than impeccable standards. The important thing is to accept shortcomings and to be prepared to forgive and move on.