It's all too easy to loose touch with old friends and family thoughout the years.  It happens all the time and we're all guilty of promising to stay in touch and then never do.  With internet dating, the importance of staying in touch is crucial.  All to often we disregard an email that we have just received from a member of an internet dating site. Perhaps we just skim it over and decide that it doesn't interest us enough or we don't have enough time to respond back in the moment and make a mental note to respond to it later.  How many times have you forgotten to respond to an email, any email?  Not only do I make a mental note of responding to any emails I've received in my mailbox or otherwise, but every Monday morning, I sit down with a strong cup of coffee and systematically go through my inbox, and my accounts on various sites to ensure that I have not missed anyone.  You will be surprised at how many you catch that have been forgotten or didn't notice earlier. The fact is responding to any correspondence you receive is important and even with the ones you are not interested in communicating with on an internet dating service, then a simple thanks but no thanks goes a long way.  You have no further obligation to respond to anyone if they persist on emailing you when you've let them know that you are interested but at the very least you will be sure that you have not let the potential right partner slip away.