If you find yourself continually striking out online, it might be time to take stock of your online dating behavior.

Here’s 5 major things that are sure to get you dumped online, before you even make it to the first date. Do any of these sound familiar?

1. Messaging the other person again and again, without a response –

One of my biggest turn offs is when a guy messages me repeatedly without giving me a chance to respond. When someone doesn’t reply to your first or second message, do not continue to message bomb them with a million different follow ups – especially when all of your follow ups say the exactly same thing. A few years ago, I remember I received the same message from the same guy every single day for a six weeks. The message said “how was your weekend? You should reply to this. You might be glad you did.” Needless to say, I’m glad I didn’t write back! Not only is sending these kinds of repetitive messages weird, spammy and irritating, it also shows that you don’t really value the other person enough to craft an unique message or respect their personal space.

If someone wants to write you back, they will. However, if someone doesn’t write you back after one or two messages, don’t take it personally – it probably just means that they aren’t interested and are trying to let you down in the easiest way possible. Instead of wasting your time on people who clearly aren’t interested, focus on the ones who are. Trust me, they’re out there and you’ll find them as soon as you stop composing your 26th message to that girl with the killer abs.

2. Getting sexual right away –

Guys, looking for a surefire way to get dumped online before you’ve even been on a date? Get overly sexual, right away with your online love interest. Nothing is creepier online than a guy who messages you to tell you how much he “loves your body” or wants to do X, Y & Z to you. Dude, there’s a time and a place for that and unless you’re both on an adult hookup site looking for a fling, online dating is not that place. It’s just too much, too soon. It also says, “I’m only interested in one thing…and it’s not a serious relationship.” Mind your manners and keep it classy, gentlemen.

3. Becoming a “text pest” –

I admit, I love texting but I have my limits – as I’m sure we all do. Texting in moderation is a great way to touch base and remind the other person that you’re thinking of them. However, when it comes to texting, it’s easy to fall into the territory of “too much of a good thing.” A few years ago, I dated a guy who would text me all day. everyday, every few minutes. If I didn’t write back, he’d send a follow up text with a sad face and something like, “did you forget about me????” Nothing impedes the “getting to know each other phase” like a barrage of texts that say, “What are you doing right now?” and “What about now?” (“AND NOW???”)  No one wants to feel cornered. Although it’s great to show interest, you need to give the people you date some space to do their job, eat their lunch…. and well, live without you texting them every two minutes.

4. Moving too fast, too soon –

Want to get dumped and quick? Start moving too fast, too soon with someone you’ve just met online. Professing feelings and emotional attachment to someone before you’ve even had a chance to hang out in person is an easy way to alienate the person you’re trying to get to know. Real relationships and emotional connections take time to build. Keep things upbeat and casual until you’ve had a chance to meet in person and gage whether you actually have any real life chemistry.

5. Posting inaccurate photos and lying about stuff on your online dating profile –

Ah yes, this is the oldest trick in the book and it needs to stop. Now. You may think that posting out of date (or fake) photos and exaggerating or stretching the truth in your online dating profile is how you’re going to land your dream mate, however in reality you’re shooting yourself in the foot. When your dream partner finds out that you’re not really a 26 year old fitness model with a multi-millionaire fleet of yachts, the jig will be up and they’ll be left feeling disappointed and angry. Think about it: you want someone to love you for who you really are – not who you wish you could be. It’s way sexier to just “be yourself.” Own the heck out of who you are. The right person is going to be drawn to you because of it.