Although more and more singles are taking advantage of online dating these days, newcomers still approach this platform with trepidation. Perhaps they’ve seen some of those sensationalist TV shows highlighting the issue of ‘catfish’ (site users who use fake profiles). Or they might be under the impression connections require face-to-face meetings.
Firstly, the former only generates viewer interest because they’re the exception, not the rule. Secondly, modern dating sites are designed to make it easy to interact. If you’re thinking of dipping into digital matching, don’t delay any further!
To help you on your way, here are seven tips to take on board that will guarantee success.
1. Be open and honest
This is one of the most crucial pieces of advice. Unlike dating in offline situations, where people can spend time flirting and dropping hints about what they’re after, the digital environment encourages openness. You can sign up for a specialized platform to get a hookup tonight with other singles in a relaxing atmosphere.
When exchanging messages in discreet communication channels, don’t beat around the bush. Explain what you’re looking for in a partner, whether that’s a casual fling or you’re actively seeking a soulmate. You’re bound to come across someone compatible within a fairly short timescale. If not, just be patient. These websites and apps are so popular that someone ideal will be waiting just around the corner.
2. Show respect through communication
There are many ways to break the ice when you’re flirting in a virtual setting. Thinking of conversation topics in advance is always a good idea, and unique to online dating. Chatting in social settings requires quick thinking and being spontaneous. You can prepare for digital interaction, taking control of the situation. Icebreakers to initiate conversation might include your hobbies.
Telling a prospective partner how much you love travelling will open up all sorts of possibilities for romantic excursions and weekend breaks. This will fuel discussions about the types of places you like visiting, indicating how compatible you’d be with each other. These respectful discussions will go a long way to stoking the chemistry between you.
3. Always be courteous
There’s no reason to be blunt when exchanging messages. Dating sites are social hubs, where singles get involved in regular chat room interaction with other members. Word of site users with a reputation for rudeness will spread – anyone being labelled anti-social or untrustworthy will rapidly find their attempts to reach out falling on deaf ears!
It would be far better to be polite, and use a lot of humour when contacting other singles. However you prefer communicating – emails, texts, phone calls, video chats – be self-deprecating, and prepared to flirt a lot!
4. Ask leading questions
The key to developing a good report with a prospective partner is discovering common ground. You’ll never find out anyone’s motivations by asking questions where the only answers are yes or no. You’ll be able to tease out a lot more useful information by asking what are termed ‘leading questions.’
These invite the other person to open up about themselves, giving a sense of their character and revealing interesting sides to their personality.
5. Create a strong profile
Another factor you must bear in mind is how popular modern dating has become. The websites and apps you can join cover a variety of topics. This means you’ll be entering a crowded marketplace, so it is important to stand out from the crowd. The best way to achieve this is to build a profile page that will attract attention.
You don’t want to get bogged down in unnecessary descriptions about your interests and achievements. Nobody will be expecting to browse through copious information about you as if they’ve come across your CV! It would make more sense to summarize your best qualities and leave anyone alighting on your page hungry for further information.
Your profile should contain a high-quality image of yourself, taken without any background distractions. This is the first impression of you other site users will come across. It needs to be welcoming.
6. Take a step back
Modern dating isn’t a race. You can certainly arrange casual hookups easily if all you’re looking for are flings, and many sites offer geo-location to allow instant connections with consenting singles who happen to be nearby.
But greater success will be guaranteed if you’re more cautious about reaching out, seeking people on your wavelength who you can eventually create a strong bond with.
7. Don’t rely on digital connections
Finally, remember there’s a huge world beyond your web browser. It would be worthwhile keeping your options open, so as well as online dating, spend time socializing with friends. You never know when an unforeseen opportunity might present itself.