We all have that one friend who dates online: the girl who constantly meets new men and either comes home starry-eyed and awaiting a goodnight text, or with a horror story to tell about the most boring night of her life. Many of your friends may have met through an online dating service and, as a result, swear by it. You may even have created a Match dot com or a Tinder profile two years ago and let it collect dust in your browsing history. Regardless, of whether or not you’ve been exposed to the world of online dating, you’ve undoubtedly been privy to the stigma attached to it.
Many use to deem meeting online as a less authentic form of dating, potentially dangerous, awkward, or worse—desperate. Don't be dissuaded by those that put online dating down. With all these technological advances the population initially hesitates about, online dating has lost its stigma and is now framed in a new light as both convenient and progressive. In a fast-paced, increasingly virtual world where meeting the love of your life (or just scoring a date) simply isn’t an option at your nine-to-five, there is zero shame in using social media or dating platforms to your advantage. If following the crowd is more your thing, consider the fact that according to a 2010 study conducted by Standford, online dating is now the most popular way to meet potential partners, whereas in past studies it was trumped only by meeting through a mutual friend. If your bestie has exhausted her cache of bachelors and you still haven’t met Mr. Right, consider that when online dating is done right, it could become your new not-so-secret weapon. Bearing in mind that there is a right way to meet fellows online, let the dates begin!
Finding The Right Platform
With so many top online dating sites out there, figuring out which is the right one can seem quite the process. Know that certain sites offer different kinds of interaction and use this to your advantage. According to Google Tinder has surpassed Match and can boast that they have the largest user database available in the US, so statistically speaking, you’re more likely to find McDreamy there. Moreover, in the midst of all of the popular sites geared toward the hookup-driven, Match has been around for years and, according to users, offers a greater chance of a long-term relationship. OkCupid offers a similar service as Match but it’s completely free, meaning it is also completely accessible, which could be a blessing or a curse. If you’re an on-the-go online dater, the uber-popular smartphone app Tinder may be a good option for you. It offers a much less comprehensive matching system as you simply swipe left if you don’t like his shirtless mirror picture or right to see if the interest is mutual. Communication can’t begin until both parties have swiped right, which is a godsend in the world of the spam-filled Match inbox. If you download Tinder, keep in mind that it has the stigma of catering to hookups, as opposed to long-term relationships. But I did not find that. Here is a cute story on 30 dates in 30 days that found true love on Tinder.
Sites like AdultFriendFinder and Ashley Madison are legit one-night stand websites for individuals seeking no-strings-attached hookups. These websites offer a range of features that cater specifically to those seeking no-strings-attached encounters, including advanced search filters and the ability to send explicit messages. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, users should prioritize their safety by being careful about sharing personal information and communicating their boundaries clearly with potential partners. By taking these precautions, individuals can use these sites to explore their desires and potentially find fulfilling, short-term connections.
Creating Your Profile
According to a study at the University of Wisconsin, a whopping 81% of online daters lie about their height, weight, or age in their online dating profiles. So before you upload a photo of Shakira because you both have curly blonde hair or claim to weigh what you did when you were on your high school gymnastics team, consider setting a new precedent. Would you rather receive 1,000 hits based on your presumed self or 10 based on your authentic self? Including a photo that shows your face as well as your body is a must but considers what other photos might say about you. An old survey from 2015 conducted by Direct Line finds that almost half of Brits find animal lovers more attractive, so if you’ve got a fluffy friend, be sure to include a picture of you two watching Desperate Housewives or summiting Denali together. Another study proved that your linguistic approach to your profile is key as well, as PlentyofFish finds that those who include the word "love" in their descriptions are more likely to find it. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a Netflix-and-Chill buddy or the father of your first child, it’s important to be clear about what you want in your profile, regardless of how you assume others might take it.
Meeting in Person
Amid all the detailed planning and fantasizing, you’ve forgotten that your goal is to actually meet someone. Apparently, one-third of online daters never even meet those they’ve been corresponding with online! There are definitely some weirdos out there, so this may not come as a huge surprise, but assuming that you’ve kept an eye out for red flags and feel genuinely excited to meet the person, you may as well take the leap and meet over drinks or dinner. A red flag may be subtle: having only one photo, limited profile information, greeting you with an obvious copy-and-paste pickup line, using terms of endearment immediately (you ain’t his baby yet!), or a correspondence that makes you feel uneasy in any way. More obvious red flags include an insistence on meeting in a private place or sending obscene messages or pictures. Either way, go with your gut: it’s likely that if you get a sketchy vibe from your correspondent, you should end the conversation. Regardless of your success rate, dating can be a great way to rise to the top of your social game, build confidence, learn something new, or get to know yourself and what you seek in a partner. More and more of life is happening online, and while many see this as a little dismal, you may as well seize every opportunity that life offers to you, whether or not it begins in a virtual setting.
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How to Get Started With Online Dating
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