The world of online dating has experienced incredible growth in the past few years. What was once seen as last resort for the desperate has now become a staple part of single life.
Rather than relying on meeting people while you’re out and about, or expecting your friends to set you up, you can take your love life into your own hands.
Before you start searching for “the one” online, there are a few things you need to know. Just like in real life, etiquette matters. Getting to grips with how people operate on each platform will allow you to get down to the business of finding a date much faster.
There are so many different online dating options, including paid and free options. Rather than wasting time setting up dates that aren’t going to go anywhere, it makes sense to choose the right dating platform for your preferences.
PlentyofFish is great for people looking for compatibility
Tinder is great for people looking for a quick connection
Lumen is great for mature dating
eHarmony is great for those looking for commitment
Bumble is great for women who want to feel in control
HER is great for women seeking women
Hinge is great for millennials looking for love
Badoo is great for those keeping an open mind
This is just a small proportion of the online dating sites and apps available. As you can see, it pays to be a little bit picky at the start so that you don’t wind up juggling multiple sites. Decide what you’re looking for, and then choose the online dating site that best matches your goals.
Your main photo is the most important one, but it helps to include a few different ones. Don’t lead with a photo that is filtered or photoshopped as this could lead people to think you have something to hide.
Lead with an incredible photo that says a lot about your personality. If you’re not happy with any of the photos you already have, ask a friend to take a few candid snaps. Lead with a photo that makes a great first impression, and then offer a few more photos that will hint at your personality.
Writing an online dating bio will likely make your toes curl. Save yourself from the embarrassment (and the dry profiles) by asking a friend to help you write it. Your friends know you best, and they’ll do a far better job of highlighting your assets than you will. It can be hard to complement yourself, but your friends will have no trouble doing this.
When you’re writing your online dating profile, make sure you focus on the positives. No one likes to read a negative dating profile. Instead of focusing on what you aren’t looking for, focus on what you are looking for!
Once you’ve matched with someone, this is when the fun really begins. You need to learn how to flirt with someone by text so that you can set the scene for your first date. It might seem brutal, but those first few messages with a person can make or break the connection.
Never send the same message twice. You should always tailor the message to each individual. And don’t feel that you need to adapt your responses to someone else’s tone. Always be yourself, as this is the only way you will be able to build a real connection with someone.
If you want to spice things up, why not check out our guide to sending better sexts.
Online dating is easier than ever before, which makes it prime territory for scammers and criminals. This is why it’s important to stay safe while online. Here are a few tips for staying safe online:
Be cautious about sharing sensitive or private information, even as your relationship progresses
Always arrange to meet in a public location
Let your friends know where you are
Don’t be afraid to do a little background research
Trust your instincts. If the person doesn’t have much in the way of an online presence, ask questions or just walk away.
Be wary of premature declarations of love or similar
Remember that tabloid horror stories are rare, but it’s still important to protect yourself.