Traditional avenues of meeting a better half or a soul mate via a third party are gradually becoming a thing of the past, thanks to online dating. According to one study, three in ten American adults reported using a dating site or app. Moreover, 12% of those who reported using an online dating platform later married or are in a committed relationship with someone from the platform.
Online dating platforms have several benefits, like zero third-party meddling, convenience, more matches, and vetting a potential partner before the meeting. However, consider the following tips to become online-dating-savvy and meet your dating goal.
Consider Online Dating Matchmaking
Traditional matchmaking services entail hiring third-party with access to background information on other individuals looking for love. Matchmakers were primarily elderly individuals, and you had to trust their instinct on compatibility.
However, things have come a long way, and multiple companies currently offer matchmaking services online. Online matchmaking provides a viable alternative if you have a limited social life and if you would instead not join mainstream dating platforms for privacy reasons.
Unlike typical dating apps and platforms, the best online matchmaking platforms focus on the quality of the dating experience rather than the numbers game. First, the matchmaking site leads you to a questionnaire with questions on dating history and personal preferences. The matchmaking site’s algorithm then processes the submitted questionnaire and generates potential matches.
Besides leading you to a potential match, online matchmaking services advise on other dating aspects to consider, like attachment styles, chemistry, and compatibility.
Select an Online Dating App That Alights With Your Goals
Traditionally, people went on dates or courting to meet a soul mate and live out their “happily ever after” fairy tale. While romance remains the primary motivator for going on dates, people today date for reasons outside “happily ever after.”
Such reasons include enjoying sex, social contact, escaping loneliness, getting out of a comfort zone, and having good conversations. Consequently, dating apps and platforms meet the demand for diverse dating goals; you can find dating apps for almost every niche societal group.
For example, some dating sites have profiles exclusively for specific religious groups, the LGBTQ community, casual sex, heterogenous relationships, and alternate lifestyles like polyamory and thropples. You stand a higher chance of meeting like-minded individuals if you sign up on a dating site or app that aligns with your dating goal.
Have Clear Expectations on Your Dating App Profile
One primary advantage online dating apps have over meeting a person in real life is that you can communicate your preferences before committing to a date. Therefore, you can list one or two deal breakers on your profile to narrow down your list of potential matches. For instance, if you are consciously living a child-free life, you can state your preference for people who don’t have children and do not want to have any children in the future.
However, the last thing you want is to come off as rude or insensitive on your profile, as this will limit the number of potential suiters reacting to your profile. Your online dating profile is like a job resume; therefore, you want to keep it short and sweet.
Besides your dealbreakers, include your interests and your outstanding characteristics. Communicate briefly but as honestly as possible to sound authentic and approachable; a small degree of vulnerability is also acceptable. However, avoid sounding needy as this may steer off potential matches or attract the wrong people.
Your Profile Photos Matter
The statement “the first impression is the last impression” holds when considering the profile photos on dating app profiles. Therefore, upload profile photos that communicate your essence and enhance your likeability.
First, ensure your photos are consistent with your age and current physical appearance. Second, maintain a natural, relaxed pose and smile.
Third, the outfit you wear in the photo matters, so steer clear of snobbish office wear and risque outfits. Instead, consider well-fitting outfits that suggest you clean up nicely. Also, avoid dark and neutral colors and go for something with bold colors and prints.
Have An Open Mind
Most people have the typical physical characteristics they find attractive, including height, body shape, hair color, and eye color. However, as earlier stated, online dating creates an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and meet wonderful people you wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Therefore, remember that your dating preferences are wants, not needs, and widen your search. Consider dating people outside your hometown, race, profession, or someone with hobbies and interests different from yours that pique your interest.
Second, an open mind includes realistic expectations because while online dating has its advantages, it can be disappointing. Therefore, be open to not meeting a compatible partner immediately.
Furthermore, online dating takes time, and you may not feel a spark instantly. Therefore, be open and give potential suitors a fair chance before ditching them because you may develop wonderful plutonic relationships, which are also valuable.
Avoid Dragging Out the Pre-Meeting Phase
Most people fall into the “chatting trap” when dating online, whereby they spend too much time chatting before scheduling an in-person date. The chatting trap builds expectations that may not be met, leading to an unpleasant online dating experience.
Conclusion
Online dating may seem intimidating, but it could be the best decision you have ever made. With the best dating apps, nothing can come as a hassle. These apps will help you find the perfect mate as per your preference. Therefore, follow the above tips to set up your online dating profile, meet new people, and, most importantly, don’t forget to have fun.
