Whether you’re in it to find love, a hookup or just to have fun, there are some things you need to know for online dating success.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, pessimistic or disappointed by the process. But commitments are formed from online dating all the time, and you can succeed by following some simple rules.
1. Be honest
Whether you’re looking for love, just a hookup or something in between, honesty is the best policy when it comes to online dating. Lying on your profile will eventually catch up with you, and when it does, it won’t help you in the long run.
In addition, being honest about your preferences and lifestyle can help you avoid wasting time on incompatible matches. “If you don’t want kids, are a cat person or have a fetish for licking stamps, it’s better to say that up front,” says accredited relationship master coach Teresha Young.
However, if you are honest, it’s important not to overshare or come across as needy. It’s also a good idea to ask a trusted friend to read over your profile to make sure that it doesn’t come off as too negative or needy. After all, the goal is to attract people who are a good fit for you and not to scare them off.
2. Be open
You may think of yourself as a savvy online dater but there are some things that you can’t pick up from photos or text messages. That’s why it’s important to be open-minded and willing to try video chats before meeting someone IRL. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds and it can help you avoid being catfished.
It’s also a good idea to be open to meeting people the old-fashioned way as well. Many people still meet their future partners through work or friends and it’s a great idea to keep those doors open even if you’re using dating apps.
Lastly, be open to the fact that you might have to kiss a lot of frogs before finding your prince. There are a lot of factors that go into attraction that can’t be picked up from photos or text messages so be patient and trust your gut instincts. It’s also a good idea to set clear intentions of what you are looking for in an online relationship early on to save time and energy swiping right or left on matches that don’t align with your goals.
3. Be patient
For every success story you read on blogs, social media and company pages, there are dozens of frustrated men and women who can’t seem to get any likes or matches. It’s important to have patience and pacing when it comes to online dating.
It takes time to build trust and find the right match. It’s also normal to meet a lot of people who are either meh or downright awful. You might even meet someone who makes you question the whole experience. But that doesn’t mean you should give up, especially when committed couples are meeting each other online all the time now.
It’s a good idea to limit the number of online dating platforms you use at one time, as this will help you stay focused on each. It’s also important to recognise if your expectations about online dating are unhealthy, and learn how to reframe them in a more healthy way. The more patient you are, the more likely you will be to find the right match. Having unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment, so it’s important to take your time with the process.
4. Don’t rush
In this age of instant gratification, many of us are used to getting what we want when we want it. But when it comes to dating, that can be a bad thing. It can also be dangerous, especially in online dating.
It’s important to take your time when dating online. Try to set aside time for it each day, and limit the number of profiles you look at. This will help you stay focused and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and pessimistic. Also, be sure to prioritize your profile and keep it updated. A well-written profile is key to success.
When writing your description, it’s important to avoid using overly generic phrases. Instead, use 70% of the space to talk about yourself and 30% to describe what you’re looking for in a partner. This will ensure that your message is read and that you’ll receive responses.
Online dating can be a lot of fun, and it can even lead to serious relationships and marriages. But it’s important to remember that it’s not a quick fix and that it takes time, patience, and a lot of self-awareness.
5. Be yourself
If you want to be successful at online dating, it’s important to be yourself. This means being true to your personality and interests, but also being willing to try new things. It’s easy to get stuck in a routine when it comes to dating, but keeping an open mind can help you find the right person for you.
Another important tip is to avoid using cheesy or cliche pick-up lines. These can be extremely off-putting to potential matches and can make you seem unoriginal. Plus, they can come across as creepy or desperate.
Finally, be sure to keep your first messages short and sweet. Greetings like “hey” or “how’s it going?” are boring and will make you sound similar to everyone else your match is talking to. Instead, try something more original and exciting, like “hey, I just saw your photo of you hiking on the weekend — it looked so cool!”
Being yourself in online dating isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to have a chance at finding love. So, next time you’re tempted to swipe left on that cute guy or girl with the pretty smile, remember to stay true to yourself and be patient!
