The Internet can really help you with your search for love – or just something for the night. Here are just eight tips for going online, joining a dating website, and utilizing it for maximum potential.
Upload Recent Photos: Everyone wants to look good in their profile picture, but imagine if your prospective date used a photo from six years ago when he had a full head of hair and no beer belly. Wouldn’t you feel cheated that the picture didn’t match the reality? Don’t do the same to others. Not to mention, this doesn’t lead you anywhere positive. It might get you a meet-up you might otherwise get, but your partner probably won’t want to go much further than that if you aren’t looking like your photos show.
Avoid Generic Descriptions of Yourself: Don’t say that you’re “funny” or “romantic.” You’ll find these words in 99 percent of dating profiles. To make a more lasting impression, throw out descriptions that are both specific and unique to you. For example, you might say that you “have an edgy sense of humor” or that you “prefer hot dog dates to candlelit dinners.”
Advertise What You Want: If you’re hoping to meet singles for no strings attached sex tonight, make sure you mention that on your profile. If you’re looking for a committed, long-term relationship, go into those details instead. Let the world know exactly what you’re looking for so other like-minded individuals can find you.
Fill Out All Forms and Surveys: Don’t be alarmed by a dating website that asks you about your favorite foods or political afflictions. They aren’t trying to trap you; they’re trying to match you. The more detail they put into their compatibility algorithms, they better chance they’ll have of recommending other members to you that align with your interests and values. You can skip these things if you want, but it’s going to make it harder for you to find good potential matches.
Look for Specialty Sites: If you’re striking out on a general dating website, broaden your horizons and look for something more specialized. There are hundreds of sites out there that cater to specific tastes, so it doesn’t matter if you’re seeking mature dating, Christian dating, disability dating, or hobby dating: there’s a place out there for you and your kin. People have even made dating and sex-meet-up sites that focus on particular fetishes, so if you have a unique fetish, consider seeking one of those websites out.
Be Brief: Again, think about what you like to see in other membership profiles. When you find someone who’s written a novel about themselves, do you read every word? Or do you scoff at their ego and move on? Don’t make the mistake of writing too much on your profile. Give details, but keep them brief.
Make the First Move: Don’t wait around for someone to message you. Get out there and send the message yourself! You don’t have to agonize over its contents; a simple greeting and expression of interest will do. “Hi, my name is X. I saw your profile, and I like X hobby too! I’d love to chat.” It’s as easy as that. Make sure to put some effort into your initial message, though. A simple “hi” is something that most people probably receive on a daily basis; you want your message to stand out among all of the other messages.
Vet the Site: Last but certainly not least, make sure you can trust a dating website before you give them any membership dues or sensitive personal information. How long have they been in business? How many users do they have? How well are they reviewed on third-party sites? Don’t sign up unless you’re absolutely certain that they’re legitimate.
These are just a few things to keep in mind as you utilize dating or hook-up sites. Whether you’re looking for a future spouse or just a good time, these tips should be enough to get you started in a virtual search for love. Good luck!
