Dating in this generation is not just about liking someone or being liked back; it has become a game of strategy. Thanks to dating apps, finding someone you like has become more like scrolling through a menu and picking the one in your range rather than just luck or a meet-cute. And the dating app scenario is not the same for everyone!
Some people are swamped with matches, while some find it hard to get even a single good and genuine match. If you are in the latter category, worry not. Just a little bit of personal guidance and strategy will help you reach your first match. Read through this article to get realistic tips for the same.
- Choose Pictures Carefully
People can become conscious while choosing pictures for a dating profile. Thus, they end up choosing the wrong pictures, which prevents them from being swiped right. Always put genuine and clear pictures of yourself so that the person on the other side can have some clue of what you look like. Avoid group photos, explicit pictures, random meme images or those that are not relevant. If you are not comfortable posing for the camera, get your pictures taken either with a pet or while doing an activity you enjoy. Such pictures look genuine and create character.
- Don’t Ignore The Prompts!
If you do not follow any other dating advice, that is fine, but do NOT ignore the prompts! Your pictures may or may not land you your first match, but your prompts will decide everything. Opposed to the contrary belief, people do spend time reading what you have written about yourself. You don’t have to talk about everything in detail, but try to write about things that make you stand out. A favourite joke, life’s philosophy or a filmy quote you live by, maybe a music lyric too!
- Authenticity Over Style
Most people avoid putting effort into their dating profiles. Even when they do, they take the easy route and copy what everyone else is doing. Over-editing the pictures, Googling prompts, faking interest—all these things are easy to call out. If you want to land your first match, you need to be authentic. It’s easy to scam people or be scammed in the era of online dating; so, avoid trying to act too cool and just be your authentic self. Building trust is important here.
- Customize Your Preferences
Sometimes, an individual can have a great profile but still not end up with a match because of profile settings. In most dating apps, you can customise your preferences and get matches based on what you are looking for. It is best to customise your profile according to your interests, dating goals, must-haves and what exactly you are looking for. This helps the app to understand your preferences, and it is more likely to show you people who would swipe on you.
Online dating is like gambling. No amount of dating advice can fully prepare you for what is out there. So, even after you follow all these tips, it is very important that you stay patient. Patience and confidence in oneself are the two most important things in dating, whether it is dating online or offline. You are already taking a step in the right direction by putting yourself out there. Doubt yourself less and practice being your authentic self more to find your person!