When you are 40 plus, dating online can be a completely different social world than you have been used to in the past. Online dating etiquette is a bit different than when you meet in person, so it's important to learn what is socially acceptable in the online dating world.

Q: Is it OK to correspond with more than one person at the same time?
A: Yes. If you are not actually officially dating anyone yet, this is the way you will get to know them. By corresponding with many different people, you will be able to choose which one seems like the best match for you.

Q: How long should I wait before responding to someone?
A: The internet world moves fast, so it's a good idea to try to respond within 24 hours if possible. Remember that you are competing with thousands of other profiles, so the other person will just move on if they don't hear back from you.

Q: If I don't think someone is right for me should I still respond back to them?
A: Not necessarily. 40 plus dating online etiquette is different than we have been taught in that it is polite to reply to all correspondence. In the cyber world, it is acceptable to not reply to every email, especially if you feel the sender is not compatible with you.

Q: How much information should I reveal in my emails?
A: Your first few emails should be short and upbeat and not reveal too much personal information. You are just sending out feelers at this point. Long, drawn out emails telling your complete life history are a turn off and may not even be read. Remember that unlike in person, they can dismiss you without a thought with that ever-looming delete button.

Q: At what point should pictures be exchanged?
A: Some people will ask for pictures right up front and that is perfectly OK. We are visual creatures and it is natural to want to know what people look like. It is not acceptable to send nude photos and also keep in mind that when 40 plus dating if you send photos of yourself in your 30's that you will have to deal with the consequences eventually.

Q: If I start dating someone, should I take my profile down right away?
A: If you are serious about starting a relationship with that person, then yes. If you are just starting to casually see people, such as coffee dates, then you don't have to take your profile down yet. Most online dating websites allow you to suspend your profile so that it can't be viewed publicly, but don't delete it entirely. If things don't work out, you can always turn your profile back on.