How to Spot Dating Players Through Email and Texts

A friend of mine tried an Internet dating site recently. This is a grown woman, divorced, with two children who filled out the questionnaire truthfully. Right away a guy wrote to warn her that he was a player, in case that label turned her off. Not all Hef-Wanna-Be’s are so honest. Here’s how you can tell from digital message alone if Mr. Nice Guy isn’t.

Mr. Head Over Heels – Beware the guy who’s drop dead in love with you at first text message. He could be hooking up with every woman in town, or planning a killing spree.

Mr. Possessive – Feel out the vibe of your messages. Too much hinting at sex and you can count on him being the type to drape his arm over you and declare MINE on the first date. It doesn’t mean he’s into you. Seriously.

Mr. One of the Girls – If a guy brags about all his women friends, he’s either gay and doesn’t know it, or setting you up for later when he’s out with one of his many friends. This guy wants more than his fair share of cake for the eating.

Mr. Liar – This one’s harder to tell online. That’s why you have to get smart. Google your brains out. Your new policy on lies? Zero tolerance. Confirm this with your big sister/best friend/lonely office mate. Thank me later.