When the world’s first dating website appeared, it was largely considered to be a lonely hearts club for computer-savvy losers. Fast-forward to the present day and online dating has become the preferred method of meeting potential partners for millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, this can make it pretty hard to get noticed! Whether you’re new to online dating, struggling to make connections or just want to lift your game, these ten tips will help to improve your chances.
The following tips cover all areas of online dating, from profile creation to physically meeting up. The only thing we haven’t included is sex tips – you’re on your own there!
Profile tips
- Three photos is the ideal number: Survey respondents believe that, as a rule, they need to see at least three photos to make a fair assessment of a profile. So don’t skimp on the profile pics!
- Do not take the creation of your profile too seriously: Your profile is important, but do not forget that this is not a resume, you just have to reveal your personality enough to arouse the curiosity of other users. Adding a little humour in the description to wake up a smile is never a bad move.
- The more you share, the experience is more enriching: Like in real life, not everything is in the appearance. Using the features offered by dating apps enriches the profile, either with a description, photos that reflect your universe or indicating the songs that you like. Try and use all the tools your preferred app offers – a visible lack of effort is unlikely to arouse interest from other users.
In the app
- Send a message, any message: People spend a lot of time trying to think of the perfect formula to break the ice, or worse, use the same sentence to start the conversation with everyone. Instead, just say hey! Or a simple ‘hello’ is enough. If the person is interested in your profile, the conversation will then flow naturally.
- Get out of the virtual world as soon as possible: People usually spend too much time communicating in chat before meeting and knowing if there really is any chemistry between the two. Don’t worry about seeming too over eager – the whole point of most dating apps is to meet in real life.
- Do not go from ‘flower’ to ‘flower’ in dating apps: Never forget that behind each profile there is a real person, treat them as you would like to be treated and not as just a name within a list.
Tips for the first meet up
- Choose a suitable place: Unless you’re looking for a purely physical connection, it’s better to avoid noisy clubs and bars. After all, the most important part of a first date is to be able to listen to the other person. Always choose a public place. It’s the first time you are meeting the other person face-to-face and it is important to stay in a place where you both feel safe.
- Conversation and behaviour: There are basic rules of behaviour to go by: don’t overact, do not exaggerate or lie, and always be yourself. On the first date, it’s usually best to avoid contentious topics such as politics, religion or exes.
- Clothing: How do I dress? Best to choose clothes that favour your body and at the same time correspond to the style of each day and with which one feels at ease: the main goal is to take advantage of the meet up without being self-conscious or without making either of you uncomfortable.
Last but not least:
- Get out and live your life: Dating apps are just tools to make it easier to meet new people. Your life is there and you have to enjoy it. Apps like Happn should only increase your reach and give you a little help in animating your social life.
Claire Certain is head of global trends and events at Happn.
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