Online dating is a fun concept to try, but it might not be as easy as it seems. Analyzing and understanding people in real life is itself a Herculean task. Add to it a virtual curtain, and the whole process gets ten times more difficult! Swiping fatigue, the quandary of whether they are suitable for you or not, maintaining interest—the list goes on and on. Whether it be old-school dating or online dating, effort is an unavoidable element. Here are a few tips and tricks to navigate the troubled waters of online dating.
Be Real
Dating in general triggers a tendency to impress the other person, especially during the initial phase. However, you must not compromise your individuality in a bid to impress the other person. Because, honestly, it’s not worth it. Do not hesitate to be yourself, be vocal about your choices, have opinions, and express yourself. Dating doesn’t mean you have to blend in with the other person and alter yourself to fit their interests. Because a healthy relationship begins the moment you accept the individuality of the other person. While cliche movie dialogues like “he makes me forget myself” are quite fancy to hear, the story is quite different when you add the filter of reality.
Patience is Key
At some point in our lives, we might have gone through the torturous desperation of waiting for a message notification from the human of our dreams (yes, dating tends to sabotage our ability to differentiate dreams from nightmares). Every second that passes begins to feel like an eternity and checking the time every five minutes becomes your new hobby. This is your sign to stop. When it comes to online dating, patience is the key. While the idea of “love at first swipe” is quite romantic, take your time to weigh the pros and cons. Be alert and always keep an eye out for red flags. It is quite possible that the person you are talking with is juggling several matches simultaneously, and trusting too early is the direct ticket to heartbreak. Take time, talk, go on dates, and let things take their course. After all, it’s dating, not a marathon. And remember that dating and relationships are only a small part of life; don’t base your entire existence on them.
Apply Proper Digital Etiquette
Boundaries are of paramount importance when it comes to online dating. Maintaining healthy boundaries will eventually aid in the development of a healthy relationship. Do not suffocate the person with continuous texts, and calls. Give them the required space. Let them breathe and think. They have a life of their own, just like you do, and dating you shouldn’t make them feel like their life is being disrupted in any way.
Be Clear About Your Intentions
More often than not, dating opens a Pandora’s box of mixed feelings and confusion. At times, it gets difficult to delineate your feelings. However, always be clear with the other person about how you feel about them. Nobody likes to be left hanging. A foolproof way to avoid confusing signs is to put yourself in their shoes. Even if you have the slightest doubt, express it openly without waiting for Cupid to do his job.
Try To Meet Your Date Soon
Take your time, but make it a point to meet your date. A real relationship requires face-to-face conversations and bonding. Connections cannot be forged through texting alone. However, before meeting your prospective date, make sure that you feel comfortable and safe enough to meet them. Because we live in a dangerous world and do not give it a chance to bare its fangs.
Pick Your App Wisely
You should be a little picky about the dating app you choose. Certain apps are known for being hookup apps, while others are intended to link people who share a religion or another common interest or trait. Try to use apps based on your partner preferences.
Apart from that, there are a lot of dating apps in the market, but try to choose the most common ones, as the newer ones might not have that much user engagement or might not have verified or safe users, and thus, there might be a doubt in your mind about the authenticity of the person as well as the app. And this is bad for your mental health.
Have an Interesting Profile
Spend some time on your profile. Nobody likes a profile with a picture and an empty space for a bio. Even if you are philosophically inclined, staring into a void isn’t exactly fun. Be quirky, and fun while coming up with your bio. Unleash your writing skills because curiosity drives human beings, and a bio that sparks curiosity will definitely bag a right swipe. But then again, be cautious. Some great writers are amazing players, too.
