Today, the stigma that scouring through online profiles equals a last resort is slowly fading, according to relationship guru and Until I Get Married creator Jozen Cummings.

“There’s plenty of attractive people online that are not resorting to online dating,” the Meet Market matchmaker says, adding, “There are some people who have given up on dating in the traditional sense, or they’ve said to themselves, ‘I wanna meet more people.’”

Contrary to popular belief, we’ve technically (pun intended) been playing the e-flirt game for years. Chances are you met a significant amount of friends, hook-ups or associates through social networks. Whether it’s a retweet, a Facebook chat or flirty Instagram comments, we make personal connections through digital portals every day.

But some date-seekers pile high hopes onto an internet crush as a way to divert heartbreak, something Cummings says will lead to a letdown. “Any girl that thinks online dating is a way to get through all the B.S. you go through in real life, you’re just fooling yourself,” he says.

“If you think guys don’t know how to act in real life, wait until they get online because they really don’t care,” he continues. “They are hiding behind the computer screen and they don’t have to face rejection.”

Despite potential disappointment, e-mingling allows people to interact with others outside of their comfort zone, whether it be online or offline. Unfortunately, the scrubs of the world cannot be buffered out when it comes to the digi-dating scene.

“Online dating allows you to put yourself in a different place in front of different people that have never seen you before,” he says. “If that person approaches you and comes correct online, the chances are that person would do the same thing in real life.”

We know what you’re thinking, this guy must know what he’s talking about, right? Well, click on to see the e-matchmaker’s top five tips for embarking on digital dating adventures and get back to us. 

1. It’s the setting that changes, not the people: “A lot of people want online dating to fix problems that they confronted in real life. When you meet somebody in real life, the way that they present themselves to you on the first couple of dates is not necessarily an accurate depiction of who they are. That’s the same thing online. The package looks a little bit different but you’re still dealing with the same issues. You just have to take a chance.”

2. Look at his pictures: “When you’re looking for people on a site, look at the pictures because you’ve got to be attracted to them. If you’re going to reach out and message them, reach out with something specific and not “I read your profile and it seems interesting.” Don’t just look at their values by religious association or what college they went to. You’re not here for all that. Don’t worry about whether this guy is a guy that you want to date. Worry about whether this guy is a guy that you want to meet.”

3. Eliminate the competition: “Don’t put up any pictures of you in groups of people. You don’t know if he could be more interested in your girlfriend. Why would you want to add competition? When I’m looking at your pictures and I see your girlfriends, I don’t know you and I’m looking at them, too. Do not have any pictures of you with other guys. I don’t care if it’s your brother. I don’t care if you say that it’s your brother. Put no more than four pictures of you. One picture of just you is better than three pictures of you with other people.”

4. Keep your pictures tasteful: “Keep yourself comfortable and stylish. Don’t look too done-up. Look natural, smile and look at the camera. Just make sure that there’s nothing falling out so that we can focus on what you want us to focus on. If you got a hell of a body and you want us to focus on that, then put that picture online. Get a second opinion when it comes to your pics. Don’t always put up the nightclub pictures of you in the club or at the bar. I know how you look at the club. I know that you look great. A picture during the day does more for you than a picture at night.”

5. Take charge: “Do not be afraid to be more forward when you’re online. If you find yourself getting discouraged about online dating, it’s probably because you’re not doing enough. Don’t be afraid to reach out.”

If I ever had the chance to verbally go toe-to-toe with the woman my man may be cheating with, would I? Hell no. There is no long-term satisfaction that will come from confronting the female your man is seeing behind your back.

I’ve had plenty of chances to confront the female that sent my ex half-naked pics or the female “best friend” that came for my man, but I never felt the need to. To have her see me sweat and demand answers she’s not obligated to answer? Never. If I find out about the other lays my boo entertained, I’m going to do one things: chuck the deuces to our relationship.

But, will the other woman confront me? Every time.

The ex-girlfriend of a guy I began talking to thought she was going to put me in my place by confronting me. (A hoodrat move.) After she confronted me, I confronted him (as she should have) and ended it. To this day, I laugh at her because she stayed with him, and he stays in my inbox and denies her.

There are so many consequences that may come from you confronting the female you view as the homewrecker. Not only do you look stupid, but, if that other chick still wants to date your man, she will with no remorse towards you. No relationship is perfect, we all know that, but never let a female know your house is broken.

For instance, I had a guy friend whom I was really cool with. (For the sake of his privacy, we will call him David.) David was my boy! He confided in me about some of his past sexual encounters, and I saw how some of his female jumps were sprung off of him, so of course those seeds of curiosity start to grow in my mind. I was like, what is it about David that drives these girls crazy?

At that time I hadn’t had many partners (Catholic upbringing), and as his friend, I just didn’t see it. I mean, he had some nice full lips (mind wondering), his body was well built and solid (mind wondering), he has a strong muscular back (mind for damn sure wondering) and he could dance very well (yes, my mind wondered), but I never thought to blur those lines because he was my friend…Until I came to realize his mind wondered about me as well.

It’s now 2 a.m. and David crawls in bed smelling like beer and peppermints. I don’t know why, but for some reason, the smell tickled my fancy, if you know what I mean. So David starts rubbing my butt (y’all know I love that). Then he starts to profess his longtime affections for me and how he thinks we should take it to the next level. I was already curious thinking “there’s something about David,” so when he was rubbing me and kissing me, I didn’t push him away. I knew everything about his sexual exploits, and I was still kind of green in that area, but lo and behold, we start to do what grown folks do.

David got in three good pumps and…What the hell?! His penis is so small! I can’t even feel it! I’m not jacking up my body count for bad penis! Not gonna happen!!

He, bless his heart, is still pumping away, and by the fifth pump, I push him gently away and say, “D, we can’t do this (with sheer disappointment and disgust in my mind). We are too good of friends!” He replies back, “But we are already doing it.” I’m like, no, you’re already doing it! I felt nothing. Instead, I told him, “You know having you as a friend means more to me than blurring these lines ’cause we both have a little alcohol in us. Let’s just go to sleep.”

The next day, we talked and laughed about everything. Some time after, he tried to pursue a relationship that I just wasn’t at all interested in, especially since I knew David wasn’t serving grade A beef. Unlike what Burger King promises, I did not get to have it my way, therefore those five pumps with David did not count. I’m sorry, but if both customers did not 1) Feel and receive pleasure, and 2) Arrive to the occasion, then it doesn’t count.

If a woman is a lame lay, it doesn’t count. If a guy only gives you 10 good pumps and he arrives before you get yours, it doesn’t count! I now lost a good friend and two minutes of my life that I can never get back! (I definitely could’ve had a V8.)

With that said, how many of you have bad sexual experiences that just shouldn’t count? Oh yeah, start subtracting from your body count, kids. You’re welcome. — Alesha Reneé (@AleshaRenee)

I can’t remember the exact date or time, but I’ll never forget all the hoopla that went in to me getting it in. It was a cold winter night (cue the dramatic music) and my then boyfriend prepared for my special night: tickets to the Nutcracker ballet, a fancy dinner on a revolving rooftop floor and a lavish hotel room in the city.

While we both nearly drooled from falling asleep with our mouths open at the theater (hip-hop and R&B shows were more our thing), the in-tummy butterflies were still a-flutter from the anticipation of what was supposed to be a sleepless night.

Prior to this late night rendezvous, I was very green to getting freaky. IMX, 112 and Ginuwine laced my after-hours playlist, but I was 19 going on 20 and never clocked in for sexy time. My sexual résumé was only filled with innocent five-minute make-out sessions, so for my first ride, I was content with being in the passenger’s seat.

My only request: It had to mean something.

As a former wait-till-marriage enthusiast, I made the decision to revoke my V card for this fellow because I really was in love with him. He was on the older side, had a respectable job and showered me with affection whether I was a bitch or his baby.

Rewind to my special night. The look of wonder on my face when my eyes saw red rose petals sprinkled all over the white king-sized mattress, candles strewn all along the walls, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne in a bucket of ice. This was everything Disney didn’t tell me it would be and more!

Once the bubbly started circulating and the kisses became more slippery, I noticed that me and my man were so engulfed in the pre-sex that I was watching the hands on the wall clock move almost in slow motion. Not to say the act itself was agonizing, but it was such a new experience that we just kept going and going like the Duracell bunny.

Unfortunately, my A-game was so wiped out by the foreplay that me and my ex-man never got around to the actual deed. We tapped out and tried it once more the next morning only to, put it simply, nail it.

But even if plans didn’t go according to schedule, I wouldn’t change a thing.

If anyone deserves the royal treatment, it’s our moms. With just a few short days away, many of us may need to get on the ball with planning the perfect Mother’s Day. Consider this day a 24-hour vacation for your mom. It’s a much deserved day of pampering and a respite from the Wonder Woman cape that she wears all year long. From stressing over gift-picking to booking last-minute reservations, subside your worries and follow these five steps to begin prepping for a fabulous brunch, all in the convenience of your own home.

1.  The Morning. Start off with staging her favorite spring flowers throughout the house. Typically I am a fan of breakfast in bed, but you will have already prepared a lavish meal awaiting downstairs. Instead, bring a tray of hot coffee or tea, a vase of flowers and a personalized card to jumpstart the fabulousity.

2. The Menu.
We may not be able to throw down exactly like our mommas, but the great thing about these women is that they appreciate every effort. Be creative and arrange your own three course brunch menu. Have fun and design a special Mother’s Day drink (preferably consisting of champagne), create an exotic fruit bowl for starters and organize the grand meal of your choice. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Browse a few cookbooks or take a trip to Marthastewart.com for delicious recipes to spice up your menu. Ever made a ham and egg crepe? Yum.

3. The Décor.
Presentation is everything. View the eating table as a blank canvas, and it’s your job to paint the perfect picture. Decorate your table with the essentials: spring-appropriate tablecloths, votive candles, champagne glasses, flowers and pastry treats. Put on your party planner hat and fashion a color theme to liven up the décor. Transmit fresh energy into the home with a new set of tableware. IKEA has great and affordable arrays of china pieces, perfect to fancy up your table settings. Out with the old, in with the new. Trust me, your mom won’t be complaining.

4. The Mommy Jar.
Show and tell. In a mother’s eyes, you’re never too old for cute little gestures. Embellish a jar to fill with a cluster of “I love you” notes. There are a million reasons why we hold our moms to the highest regard, so utilize the day to creatively express your appreciation, i.e. “I love you for overcoming every obstacle to ensure I had the best life possible.” The mommy jar is a good way to get your siblings and family members involved, too. And to furtively hike you into the much sought after “favorite” spot. (I mean, isn’t this all an unspoken competition to be her number one?)

5. The Gifts.
A heartfelt gift is the quickest way to win your mother over. Expand your budget just a tad to present her with a few modest, mini gifts. A successful teaser to kick off the rest of the day in high gear.

My mind immediately races to the male anatomy and all the neat things I’d get to do with it from the same side of the coin. Though peeing while standing up sounds like a pleasant game of bullseye, I’d rather take it to the paint.

I want to know what it feels like to go hard. (Word to DJ Khaled.)

When women are in the mood, it gets a little damp in the nether region and sometimes, even that requires some patience and probing (no pun). When a dude is in the mood, things start looking north within seconds.

Unlike their emotions, being able to point out when a man is “excited” makes things a helluva lot easier. There’s no lengthy amount of foreplay, no pill-shaped mechanisms or X-rated flights of fancy necessary.

Things are either up…or down, and it can all be triggered by a slight brush of boob or the sight of Rihanna.

Trying to locate the G can be a hit or miss, but when you’re a man, every time is a standing O.

I’m not insecure, I don’t have trust issues and I’m not overprotective, but I wouldn’t be comfortable with my man with a female best friend. He is more than welcome to be buddy-buddy with a few women, but that tight-knit, kicking-it-like-I-kick-it-with-my-girl bestie situation isn’t happening. Been there, done that and one thing I learned from dating a man with a female sidekick is eventually feelings surface.

I fell in love with a guy who spent a lot time with a close female friend. Since I attended college fours hours away from him while we were dating, our long distance relationship made him believe it was a-OK to hang out more than usual with said girl. But I trusted him because, well, we were very honest with each other.

But soon the tides changed, and she started inviting him “and his friends” to events that became more like one-on-ones. My female intuition was quiet at first, but after a while, they were ringing the alarm…and the “best friend” was trying to get out of the friend zone.

She finally admitted she had feelings for him, and (surprise, surprise!) he told me he was feeling her, although nothing had happened yet. My next move? I gave him a choice: Either he could hang up his chill time with this broad or he could chuck the deuces at our relationship. Let’s just say, we ended it.

So there you have it, Vixens. Despite open communication, trust and being in love a guy, sometimes the female best friend card gets you played. That incident alone helped me realize that, sure, he can have female friends but I’m his bestie.

Cue Drake.

I had to learn (the hard way) that it’s very important to be as open and honest as possible. There are many red flags before being drafted into the friend zone that we usually tend to overlook. For instance, him backpedaling out of any über-emo convos is a glaring hint that he wants to keep things light with you.

Personally, I had to break out of the “sweet girl” role. I find that nice girls tend to finish last. Too often being kind will have you constantly avoiding making people feel uncomfortable at all costs, preventing you from addressing needs of your own. Never ideal for romantic situations. (Ever notice the type who are usually susceptible to falling into the friends-only trap?)

Although the lingering fear of ruining a friendly connection by asking boyfriend-girlfriend-style questions remains, you have to swallow whatever reluctance you have and allow yourself to openly communicate with the guy you are attracted to. Don’t let that good-girl-next-door role dictate your moves. It’s typically the conversations we avoid that hinder us from the progressive breakthrough moments with the ones we want.

Ultimately, the best way to swerve the friend zone lockdown is by understanding the difference between a friendship and romantic relationship. In theory our relationships should be great friendships, but draw a line where the friendly you keeps you from being the desirable woman you are. — Nikki Breeden (@coca_colee)

He had been dealing with contract issues with his job. I told her that when men are going though challenging times, they tend to shut down. “Give him space and when he is on better ground, talk it out,” I said.

Like most girls, her mentality was that she did not get into a relationship to deal with her stress on top of his. I don’t know what it is with men and women but for some reason we just handle stressful situations differently. Women are nurtured by nature so we have the innate ability to multi-task when it comes to dealing with matters of the heart and life.

Men, on the other hand, are more logical, problem-solving types from what I’ve learned. If they are not stable financially or career-wise, they shut down till they find a solution.

As a girlfriend, you are looked at as a want, not a need. You’re not his wife or mother, which require some degree of necessity, hence why a man won’t make your emotions his priority.

My girl and her man broke up because he couldn’t handle dealing with their issues combined. She called me crying and this was the advice I gave:

“Here is what you do and nothing more. You send him a text and say, ‘I love you. I know you have a lot on your plate. I want you to know I am praying for you and here for you. If and when you need to listen or talk, I hope what ever it is that is troubling you, you find a solution to soon. He may respond, he may not but he will get the message.”

Sometimes men just need to know that you can be there without the emotion. I’m not co-signing the way he handled things but when the storm is over, you will be able to set some boundaries for how you both tackle hurdles moving forward, especially if now isn’t the time.

The next day, he responded with a “ thank you.” She asked what she should write back and I said, “Nothing.”

A week later, he texted her to see how her day was going. Asking for guidance once more, I told her to talk about everything else but their relationship. Soon, the texts turned into calls, calls into lunch, lunch into dinner until he was courting her all over again.

They were able to come to a better understanding of why he had acted the way he did. Sometimes you just have to ask yourself: if women are from Venus and men are from Mars, why is it so hard for people to understand that sometimes you just want to be left alone on your own planet? —Alesha Reneé (Actress/ TV Personality)

Catch Alesha Reneé on Girl Code premiering Tuesday, April 23 on MTV at 10:30/9:30c.