Online dating can be a wild world. On the one hand, it’s an exciting opportunity to meet a variety of people. You’ll be opened up to new things, new personalities, and maybe even a great relationship. On the other hand, it can also be full of ghosts and catfish who may not be who they say they are.
So, how can you make your experience a success?
Following today’s online dating rules can make it easier to find your perfect partner and have your happily ever after with a good dose of fun on the way!
Today’s Online Dating Rules
Rule 1: Be open about what you’re looking for
When it comes to finding your perfect match, research has shown that you should be upfront and honest about what you’re after.
A study found that people who used the word ‘love’ in their dating profiles were more successful in finding long-term relationships online than those who took a more casual approach to build their profiles. Be honest, and it can lead you where you want to go!
If you’re looking for a serious relationship, let the world know. If you’re just looking to date around and keep things casual, be clear about it. By making your intentions known, you’ll be weeding out any unsuitable matches right from the beginning.
Rule 2: Use photos, accurate ones
Nobody wants to look at a profile without a photo. A lack of photos may cause potential matches to wonder what are you hiding?! This is not the way to go about making a good first impression.
Use a couple of recent photos of yourself that accurately depict what you look like. We all want to look great in the photos that we post online, but don’t make your photos so unrealistic that your date gets a shock when they meet you in person. You want them to be attracted to what you really look like and the goal is to meet in person! There’s no point hiding behind inaccurate photos, it’s only a waste of both your time.
Rule 3: Really get to know each other
One of the great things about starting a relationship with online dating is that you get to work on your communication skills right off the bat. In the beginning, there’s no physical affection to cloud your mind on whether or not you get along.
Plus, if you’re looking to find The One, the time you spend chatting online can help boost your connection and heighten emotional intimacy before even meeting.
Rule 4: Don’t be afraid to try new things
Most people think they have a certain type they stick to when finding a romantic partner, be it a blonde, brunette, or boho artist!
Whatever your type, why not use online dating to step outside of your usual go-to and see who else may actually be a great fit?
You never know what kind of amazing person you’re missing out on by narrowing your search requirements. Take a chance and see what you’re missing out on.
Rule 5: Choose your dating app wisely
If you’re not selective, there can be a lot of options and distractions when dating online. That’s why it’s so important to choose your dating app wisely. Do your research and see which dating app suits what you’re looking for.
Some dating apps have a reputation for being more suited to casual dating, while others may be more likely to match you with a serious partner. Research online, speak to friends, and test them out until you find which is the best dating app for you and your preferences.
Rule: 6: Meet sooner rather than later
Online dating can feel like a never-ending circle of dates that don’t lead anywhere, a time-waster that doesn’t amount to even one in-person date.
This is not uncommon in the world of online dating. A survey published by the Pew Research Center found that one-third of online daters will never meet the people they’re talking to.
But you can beat the odds by making a plan to go on a date within the first two weeks. It’s important to get to know each other first and make sure you’re comfortable meeting up in person, but once you feel the butterflies, don’t wait!
Rule 7: Always be safe
Not everyone has the best intentions so be aware of dating safety, while still having fun! Here’re a couple of steps you can take to make sure they’re the real deal:
Above all else, trust your instincts. If something smells fishy or seems too good to be true, it just might be.
All these online dating rules may seem a bit tedious. But it’s quite the opposite. Being aware of these dating commandments can help you have the best time out there! Online dating opens up opportunities to meet a whole new world of wonderful singles. Remember to enjoy the process and be open to where it can lead you. Good luck and happy dating!
