22/07/2022
HOW TO DO IT RIGHT
Setting up a dating profile a certain way is by no means a guarantee for meeting the love of your life. However, there are some pointers on how to share information about yourself and how decide who to take a chance on.
Here are a few tips:
1. Pick your apps wisely
Online dating isn’t one of those see-all-of-your-options-and-then-make-a-decision games. Be selective. Some apps have a reputation for being hookup apps; others are designed to connect users of the same religion or some other shared hobby or attribute.
2. Be honest
Research shows that people tend to fall for people similar to themselves when it comes to things like relationship history, desire for children, pet preferences, and religion. Being honest about what you want and who you are makes it more likely that the people you end up talking to and meeting are people things might work out with, and if you have a “deal breaker” issue, mentioning it upfront can safe a lot of time and effort.
3. Choose a photo that puts your best foot forward.
Photos should accurately depict your physical appearance — but they should be photos you generally like. Photos can have a big bearing on likeability and someone’s initial attitude toward you. Specific attributes that generally increase attractiveness and likeability, according to his research, were: a genuine smile (one that makes your eyes start to crinkle up) and a slight head tilt.
4. Get to the point — and DO include what makes you interesting in your profile
Nobody’s going to read a six. People swipe through profiles quickly. State things that are really important to you and be done with it.
DO include what’s distinctive about you. People tend to be interested in interesting people. And DO include what you’re looking for in a potential match.
5. Be open minded
Just because someone isn’t a runner or has a hobby you’re not so sure about, don’t give up on them. Try to be as open minded as possible to the idea that you could actually grow in new ways from someone you might meet online.
6. Keep conversations (somewhat) short and non-generic
There are certain aspects of a relationship you’re never going to be able to gather from online interactions alone.
Keep online, pre-meeting exchanges to two weeks or shorter. And actually make an effort to get to know someone. Ask about a specific part of someone’s profile or about likes and dislikes.
7. Have fun
“Using dating apps should be fun. It shouldn’t feel like work. Check in with yourself regularly. If it’s feeling like a chore, you’re not enjoying yourself, or you are feeling bad about yourself, then take a break and try something else.