Yes, they're an easy out when you can't think of what to buy, but anyone can purchase a gift card.
On the other hand, if you're trying to get out of a relationship, I would highly recommend said purchase. In the novels, it takes people years before they even kiss one another.
In Jane Austen's time, everything was a production (after all, they had a lot of time on their hands). Take relish in the little things and savor everything that goes along the way (whether it be the pain, suffering, or glee of it all).
One of the primary purposes of etiquette in general is to make others feel comfortable.
Consequently, the comfort and, by extension the safety, of yourself and your online potential mate is at the mercy of manners.
It is both rude and hazardous to ask for or give a home or work address to someone you meet online at a dating site.
So mind your manners and keep sensitive information to yourself online and never ask for his identifying information.
An advantage to online dating is the ease of ending the relationship.
If you are having an online dating relationship and decide that it isn't the match for you, you can e-mail your soon-to-be ex and tell him simply that you enjoyed getting to know him but the relationship isn't a good fit for you.
couples married in the last three years met at an online dating site.