Time…it’s literally our most precious commodity even more important than Starbucks coffee or those little hamburgers you can get from White Castle. Yup, THAT important. When you’re looking to find that special someone but you’re short on time, you usually turn to online dating. It pushes itself as the solution to help you find that special someone without taking up as much time as trolling the bars or “traditional” dating.

But, the problem is that if you don’t keep yourself in check, online dating can end up taking up WAY more time or at least as much as traditional dating. Sure, you won’t be in a bar every couple of nights, but you’ll still be missing out on the important life things you need to be doing in hopes of finding Mr. or Ms. Right.

But, never fear! We’re here to help you save your time AND still find that special someone. All you have to do is follow these three simple time Management Rules of dating and you’ll be set. Okay, it will take a tiny bit more than just these three simple rules to find that special someone, but these are insanely important. If you are brand new to online dating, make sure you check out our beginner’s guide to online dating where we cover all these “other things” you need to do along with managing your time well.

1. Don’t let your online dating interfere with what is important.

You have to have priorities. Yes, finding that special someone is important, but not if it starts to mess up everything else in your life. If you start slacking off at work, neglecting your friends, and getting distant from your favorite hobbies all to find that special someone, what happens if you do find them? You’re going to be jobless, friendless, and hobby-less. Do you really think they are going to be excited to date someone with those traits?

Yes, finding love is important and online dating can help you get there. But, don’t let it take over your life so much that you start to lose sight of who you are. You need to be quality when you meet that special someone. If you’re just a shell of who you really are, they might not be attracted to you and you’re going to miss out on an awesome love opportunity.

2. Sometimes less is more when it comes to your time investment.

Yea, we know you have probably heard this cliché phrase before especially if you’re a cook or you get a little wild with the wine or the makeup. But, it pertains to online dating too. It can be a little creepy when someone responds to ALL of your messages in under five seconds. It can also look a little creepy if every time you get online, you see that other person on as well. Do they ever sleep? Do they ever take a break from this stuff? Are they obsessed?

As you can start to see hopefully, less is more. When other people that you’re interested in see that this dominates your life, it can make you look desperate and that is definitely not a great look for anyone.

3. Take a break when you need one.

If you feel like you’re getting in a little too heavy, take a break. Step away for a few days or even a few weeks if you need and come back with a more level-headed and balanced approach. We do recommend that if you’ve been talking to anyone you let them know you’re going to be taking a little time off so they don’t think you ghosted them. Yes, you’ve never met them before, but you can still be courteous.

Take that break and get your head straight. Get your priorities in order and then come back to table with a better time Management schedule.

That special someone is out there waiting for you, but you don’t need to try and rush the process. A great analogy is working out. Can you work out 24/7? No, because it’s not healthy for your body and it ends up being counterproductive. But, if you work at it in smaller doses and you’re patient, you’ll start to see some awesome results!

Do the same with your online dating life and the doors that will open for you will be incredible.