If you've spent any time online, whether emailing friends, posting on message boards, Instant Messaging co-workers, or chatting in online rooms, chances are you've learned your share of acronyms. And, since most online dating starts with cyberspace communications like email and IMs, you may think that now is a great time to show off your Internet prowess with as many acronyms as possible.

Unfortunately, that's one of the worst online dating blunders you can make. So forget about the KWIM, BRB, L8R G8R, ROFLMAO, and SYL. Instead, there are lots of reasons you should use plain, easy-to-understand language.

It's possible that your potential date is a relative newbie to Internet dating. She or he may not spend a lot of time emailing or Instant Messaging, and these types of acronyms might be totally new. You'll lose someone's interest in a hurry if they have to look up, or worse, ask you to explain everything you type.

And since there are hundreds of Internet acronyms, even the most savvy cyberspace communicators will sometimes find themselves faced with an unfamiliar acronym. It's possible that you'll look pompous, arrogant, and foolish if you use obscure acronyms in chat with a savvy user.

In general, it's best to stick with basic text when communicating with potential online dates. If you must use acronyms, stick with the basics that most users are familiar with, such as LOL.