For shy people online dating can often be considered the Holy Grail. It can allow the opportunity to get to know someone on a deep and personal level without the pressure of real life interaction and the complications that come with it. However, online dating comes with its own pitfalls. Crafting the perfect introductory message or finding that witty reply to knock her socks of is often a monumental task. When you're plagued with shyness and insecurity this can be even more difficult. However, being shy does not need to be a bad thing. To find out how to use it to your advantage read on to discover 5 essential dating tips for shy guys.

1. Start Off Slow

There is no need to throw yourself in at the deep end. Take your time to find your feet. You might feel pressured to really take advantage of all the dating website has to offer and message as many suitable women as you can find. However, this pressure isn't real. You need to take things at your own pace. Even if you only talk to one woman in a week, that's one more than before.

2. Turn Negatives into Positives

Instead of viewing your shyness as a negative aspect of your personality. Take some time to think and re-interpret it. Shyness can also be an example of thoughtfulness and introspection, indicating a level of self-awareness that many extroverted people lack. This in turn indicates sensitivity, which is a trait that many women desire.

3. Perfect You Profile

If making the first move is something you are extremely uncomfortable with, then don't. Work on your profile and really sell yourself. Take the time to craft your personal descriptions in order to give other users the very best view of you. The more detail you have on your profile the more likely it will be that people will come to you first. This way, you never need to panic about making the first move.

4. Stick to Your Guns

Just because someone contacts you it doesn't mean that you owe them your time or your conversation. If you feel that the relationship really isn't going anywhere, then don't feel obliged to continue because you're scared to branch out again. If you've done it once you can do it again.

5. Think About What You Want in a Partner

Before your start you online dating journey, you should sit down and really think about what you want in a partner. There may be some things that are deal breakers for you and it's best to identify these before you start. This will make it far easier for you when you begin to browse through profiles and connect with others. Specify your needs and wants on your profile so that you know you won't be getting any time wasters.

Being shy is difficult, and in the world we now live in where people communicate 24 hours a day, the pressure of social interaction can be huge. However, you don't need to let it rule your life or your love life. Online dating could be the key to your finding happiness and even becoming more outgoing and social. Take a look at our lifestyle sites to find the perfect site for you, and start your journey to life filled with love and companionship.