Netflix users, food delivery services, and Amazon stocks aren’t the only things that went up during the pandemic. Online dating apps have also seen a large spike in users, all searching for that certain someone. If being stuck inside has taught us anything, it is the value of companionship!
Even though we are – for the most part – able to voyage outside again, with millions of daily active users, going online is the ideal place to find your perfect match. There’s no need to sit around empty bars all night waiting for a miracle. So let’s talk a bit about what to expect when venturing online to find your significant other in 2022.
1. Making the decision
The first step is to take the plunge and decide that online dating will be right for you. More importantly, ask yourself what it is you are hoping to get from it. Choosing the right dating app will affect the kind of person you are bound to find, so pick well. There are a lot of mainstream sites to choose from and just as many niche sites to consider.
To increase your chances, don’t limit yourself to only one app. You can broaden your horizons by signing up to a few online dating sites simultaneously. If you are joining more than one, then opt for free online dating sites just so you don’t break the bank finding love.
2. Setting up your dating profile
Now that you have signed up, it’s time to create an eye-catching profile. One of the best online dating tips is just to be yourself. If you are quirky, be quirky. If you are an animal lover, post photos with your pets. You are trying to attract someone who will like you for who you are, so be a bit vulnerable and always be 100% transparent with your expectations.
Use bright colours to increase the chances of everyone stopping and looking through your profile. According to psychologists, red seems to work the best, and it is the colour of passion, so only fitting.
3. Search, Swipe, Match
Your profile is all set up to catch someone’s eye now let’s see who grabs your attention. Take your time to go through profiles of potential matches. Don’t get stuck on looks, you are searching for someone who is a good fit for you, and sometimes someone with the sexiest photos can barely hold more than a one-word-at-a-time conversation.
Swipe on or like any profile that has some true potential. If not sure, then give them a fighting chance anyway as you might be pleasantly surprised by someone you weren’t expecting to be attracted to. After all, there is nothing wrong with a bit of online speed dating.
4. First contact
Yay! You found a match. Your profile has caught someone’s eye, and they are interested in getting to know who you are. So who makes the first move? Well, you should. Why wait for someone else to say hi, take charge and start things off on a funny note. Try out a witty or cheesy one-liner. Beginning things with a laugh will show that you don’t take yourself too seriously, that you are open to having fun, and will make you unforgettable.
5. The talking stage
Here is where you get to find out more about the person on the other side, and in return, let them get to know you as well. Be comfortable enough to talk about things you like and dislike. Take the time to find out what they are looking for in a partner to see how well you would get on.
Most of the getting to know each other phase will happen in real life, but this is where you get to decide whether things will even progress that far. Before going to the next stage make sure you are comfortable with the person and keep an eye out for any red flags or dealbreakers. Remember to stay safe as there are still some dangers of online dating.
6. Meeting IRL (The 1st and 2nd date)
Awesome! You are on a roll, and things are going well. First dates can feel equally intimidating and exciting, so meet them somewhere you can be relaxed and be yourself. It shouldn’t have to feel like an interview, but here is where you get to know each other in a lot more detail than what you could over text.
Doing something more adventurous aids in making things more exciting and helps with the nerves. Have a few topics ready to talk about so the conversation doesn’t ever die down. Talk about where they are from, discuss hobbies or talk about your favourite places to eat. Boom, you already have a second date locked down.
7. Deciding to be exclusive and exploring intimacy
After being on a few dates and spending a good amount of quality time together, you might broach the subject and decide that you both want to be exclusive. You are starting to develop stronger feelings for each other and no longer have eyes for anyone else.
You might have already shared some intimate moments by now, or you will use this time of exclusivity to explore this side of each other. Always be open about what you are comfortable with and go at a pace that feels right for you.
8. Saying goodbye to online dating
It might come as a surprise to know that online dating is only truly effective when you are at a point where you need to delete it. After being exclusive for a while, and now knowing each other on multiple levels, you both decide to make things official. You have found your long-term partner and no longer need any dating sites. Congrats!
It was fun while needed, but heading into the next chapter of your relationship it is time to say goodbye to those dating sites. Having both of you delete your dating apps together is a great way to show your commitment to each other.
The result will inevitably be up to you. Seeing how well online dating worked for celebs like Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas, who is to stop you from being the next example someone uses when asked: “Does online dating work?”
We leave you with a whole list of online dating websites that you can try for yourself. Now go out and find your perfect match. We are rooting for you.
