These days, if you’re single, it’s pretty hard to avoid online dating. Most people don’t meet in bars and pubs anymore, instead opting for online dating sites like Badults. While some might lament the loss of organically meeting partners, online dating has a lot of benefits. You get to screen potential mates before meeting them, something that you definitely don’t get to do in real life.
There are definitely some things you should do and shouldn’t do if you want to get the most out of online dating. To help you achieve your goals and find the partner of your dreams, here are the dos and don’ts of online dating.
Do: Put Your Best Face Forward
Your profile is the first thing that potential mates see. If you put up blurry photos and barely spend anytime crafting your bio, it’s not likely that anyone is going to be all that interested in meeting you. This is why it’s essential that you really invest some time into your online dating profile. Take some quality pictures that make you look warm and inviting. Instead of just typing a few words and calling it a day, take some time to write a bio that truly paints a picture of who you are and what you care about.
Don’t: Be Pushy
Sometimes you might stumble across the profile of someone who you’re very interested in meeting. If you message them and they don’t reply, it can drive you nuts. This is why many people end up bombarding people they’re interested in with nonstop messages, hoping desperately that they’ll finally get a reply. While it’s understandable that you want a reply, you won’t get it by bugging the person. If you haven’t received a reply to your initial message, either continue to patiently wait or move on. Remember, there are thousands of other people out there.
Do: Look For People Whose Bios Intrigue You, Not Just People You Find Attractive
History is full of millions of awkward dates where the people had nothing in common besides physical attraction. Yes, it’s important that you be attracted to your potential mate. But if looks are all you have in common, it’s not going to make for a very satisfying partnership. Instead, look for someone with whom you have lots of things in common and who you also find attractive. Finding someone who fits this description might take some patience on your part, but the wait is well worth it.
Don’t: Be A Creep
Everyone wants to meet someone with whom they experience an intense physical spark. However, there are very few people who enjoy receiving obscene messages from someone they barely know. Sending lurid messages might feel like flirting, but it can make people extremely uncomfortable. You want to be known as someone who’s interesting and polite, not someone who’s a total creep. This is why it’s best to keep your messages family-friendly. If you hit it off with someone, there will be plenty of time for explicit messages when you’re in a relationship.
Do: Practice Good First Date Etiquette
There’s no point in online dating if you’re just going to blow the first in-person date. This is why it’s crucial that you show up on time, dressed in attire that’s appropriate for wherever you and your date are going that evening. When it comes to conversation, keep it light but interesting. Nobody wants to delve into painful, intimate memories on a first date. However, they don’t want to be bored and endlessly discuss the weather either. Find that neutral middle ground between conversation that’s too intimate and conversation that’s too casual.
Don’t: Pressure Your Date
If your date wants to cut the evening short or avoid alcohol, don’t pressure them to do anything to the contrary. People don’t like to be nagged for not doing something they don’t want to do. Similarly, don’t pressure your date to come home with you or to move to another location if they don’t want to do so. People are more likely to want to pursue a relationship with someone who makes them feel comfortable and puts them at ease. When it comes to people who nag them or make them feel uncomfortable, most people will simply run away or never message that person again.
Online dating can seem overwhelming. If you follow these dos and don’ts, the whole process becomes a bit easier to handle. Finding love is a challenge, but it’s completely worth it.
