Whether you’re new to the scene or just going through a dry spell, it can be challenging to find helpful tips for using dating apps effectively.
Not long ago, online dating was widely considered a last resort reserved only for the most desperate amongst us. This attitude has been largely put to rest in recent years, in part because of the boom in mobile app dating.
These apps have rapidly become the most convenient way for people of all ages to meet potential partners and form new relationships on the go.
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Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s any easier. This new world comes with its own unique set of challenges. To overcome them, just follow these 5 Tips for Using Dating Apps.
1. Be Yourself
According to eHarmony, the cardinal dating profile sin is being too generic.
Don’t waste space describing near-universal hobbies like eating food, watching TV, or going out with friends. Instead, take some time to really think about what really makes you tick.
We all have passions, interests and experiences that make us unique. Whether it’s rock collecting, bird watching or even competitive dog grooming, embracing your individuality will enhance your dating app experience in a more ways than one. It can:
- Help you stand out from the crowd
- Give your matches an easy way to start conversation
- Result in matches with people who have similarly unique interests or experiences
If you’re actually looking for a real relationship, be real in your bio. Just be yourself.
2. Avoid Negativity
Many online daters feel a need to represent themselves as “too cool” for dating apps to protect themselves from disappointment in case don’t go well.
Here are a few surprisingly common examples:
- Claiming your “friends” made you try this
- Listing specific requirements (physical, financial, etc) for potential matches
- Talking about all the things that you DON’T like in a significant other
These types of statements make you seem indifferent, snobby and just plain negative. None of which are attractive to serious daters.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably serious about using dating apps to find a new relationship. Running a profile free of negativity will help make that intent crystal clear to your future matches.
3. Expand Your Horizons
One seemingly positive aspect of online dating is that you can set most services to only match you with people with your preferred characteristics relating to age, location, income, etc.
The reality is that these filters often lead to dating frustration. You may spend weeks, months, even years waiting for the “perfect” match to show up.
Be open-minded and try to avoid having a preconceived notion of your perfect match’s traits. Make an effort to get to know each new person you match with. You never know who you might click with and where it may lead.
Expanding your filters can also expand your horizons — you’ll probably find that the old cliche “opposites attract” rings true after all.
4. Do Your Research
One study suggests that 53% of men and women lie on their online dating profiles. They aren’t always of the little white variety, either.
Whether it be their true martial status, criminal history or even identity – these lies usually come to light only after you’ve invested time, emotion and energy into the fledgling relationship.
If that’s not enough to worry about, dating sites are frequent targets of romance scammers and other fraudsters looking to take advantage of innocent love-seekers.
So how can you avoid falling victim to both of these types of people?
Do your research before getting involved.
Run a background check on their name, email address or phone number using a people search engine. Your search can provide you with a wealth of information that may help you see the full picture. The results might include:
- Marital/Relationship Status
- Criminal/Arrest Records
- Sex Offender Status
- Social Media Profiles/Pictures
- Known Aliases
- Location History
5. Be Bold and Act Quickly
You’ve probably noticed there are many out there on dating apps just to pass the time. They’re not interested in or comfortable with actually taking things from the app to the real world.
If you’ve experienced it, your matches have experienced it. Don’t string your match along like the rest. Ask them out.
Just like in real life, acting confidently (even if you don’t feel that way) can help you stand out from the crowd. If you think there’s a spark after some initial conversation, be bold and make the first move to take things to the next level. Odds are they’ll be flattered by your direct approach, admire your assertiveness and say yes to a date.
One thing to remember about mobile app dating is that if you get turned down, who cares? Nobody will know except you and that random person you’ll probably never meet. It’s a low-risk, high-reward proposition.
So seize the day – be bold and act quickly.
You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain if you just follow these 5 Tips for Using Dating Apps.