We feel you: Navigating the world of online dating can be tricky, to say the least. Luckily, we’ve got your back! Below, you’ll find some helpful tips to keep in mind along your online dating journey!
Know What You Want Before Signing Up
If you haven’t the slightest clue what you want from online dating, take a beat and figure it out. Decide if you’re looking for a committed relationship, a casual fling, or something in between. Sometimes writing it down in a journal can help. Once you have your clear intentions, you’ll be better able to evaluate profiles by assessing if what they want aligns with what you want.
Upload Different Photos for Your Online Profile
Any photo on your public dating profile can be searched on Google and connected to every other profile you have using that image – Instagram, Facebook, etc. This is why it’s best to use different photos that aren’t already out there on those platforms. Also, try to use a variety of pictures to prevent others from thinking that you’re fake, a hacker, or not the person you say you are. Prove them wrong and show off different photos, maybe some where you’re indulging in your favorite hobby.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself With Options
Becoming a member of an online dating community is the first step. The next step is to look at other users’ profiles. Matches will start to come in, and you’ll soon have numerous profile options to peruse, which can be overwhelming. You also don’t want to overwhelm yourself by falling down the swiping rabbit hole. Minutes lead to hours. And before you know it, you’ve spent the entire night searching for a match. At that point, you’re more likely to swipe “no” or “yes” out of impatience or exhaustion.
Don’t Singlehandedly Give “Your Type” Attention
It’s tough to keep an open mind while online dating, but limiting yourself to a “type” is never a good idea. For example, you might think you only want to match with someone with a certain height or body type, but this could hinder your dating possibilities. Instead, think outside the box. You could end up finding the love of your life.
Don’t Push Aside People Because They Have a Different Culture
Foreign names and traditions shouldn’t deter you from an online dating match. You may know nothing about the person’s culture or the slightest idea of how to pronounce their name, but don’t let it scare you away. There’s a reason they say opposites attract!
Check Out Your Potential Daters on Social Media
Safety is a very high priority when meeting people online, which means you don’t want to put yourself in a scenario with a potential catfish situation. Do a light check on all social media before going on a date with someone. Do a reverse image search on Google to see their social media accounts. Check out what mutual friends you have. It’s better to know that they’re real – and who they say they are – before taking the next step. Of course, always meet in a public place, and never divulge too much personal information about yourself upfront.