Preparing for your first-ever online date? Want the perfect Tinderella story? Online dating has now become the easiest way to meet someone without having to put in extra effort. However, there is always the worry of safe online dating.
Lack of trust is one of the big reasons why people don’t trust online websites. Columbia University Medical Center Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Philip Muskin told Elsevier, “People present themselves in the best light online,” he said. Most people you meet online will present themselves as doing something. That’s because everyone knows that no one is going to respond to a person who stays at home or doesn’t have a job.
The digital world is flooded with several online dating apps to help find the right person from the comfort of your home. Dating apps like Bumble, Tinder, and OkCupid, connecting with the perfect someone has never been so convenient. However, there are complications involved too. Here are some sturdy tips for someone who is new to online dating.
1. You will not find your better-half right away!
Simply by downloading an online dating app, you will not find your true love. Safe online dating apps are a great way to meet new people. They introduce you to people who share common interests, hobbies, passion, and even common friends. However, you have to be wary. An online profile is not a certified one. There are billions who create fake profiles just to show off and often to have fun. It is therefore, important to be cautious before swiping right or left by just looking at the profile picture. Now, this doesn’t mean that you should immediately write someone off just because the profile doesn’t seem well-rounded. But, you can browse to see if there is anything interesting than mere looks.
2. Learn to say NO
Once you have gotten used to the workings of safe online dating app, you will quickly realize that not everyone out there is worth dating. Do not get carried away by raunchy pick-up lines. Remember, men are smart. Also, there are players who have been using online dating sites to get women under them. Be wary and say NO when you get uncomfortable. Do not let men on the other side of the app misguide you with their charming skills. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding to meet someone. See if you have anything in common and then take the big step.
3. Be clear about your intentions
Before you begin your stint in the online dating world, be honest with yourself. There are different dating apps for different purposes. If you are newly single and are looking for a casual, fun relation, then opt for tinder. However, if you want something serious, something meaningful, then say it. Do not keep the other side hanging loose. Be vocal about your intentions and you will automatically attract the right crowd.
4. It’s time consuming so be prepared
Once you have joined, the vicious circle of online dating seems to have no end. Although it’s fun to browse through several profiles, and the fact there is a pool of good-looking men and women open to online dating, the whole process can be quite taxing. If you are spending more time looking through different profiles, chatting, and exchanging messages than actually meeting people in person, it is time to take a step back and to take a break from these apps.
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5. Safe online dating is priority
While chatting online and exchanging love messages online seem easy, meeting your online date in person is a different ball game altogether. Since you have not met the person physically, there can be several questions running through your head. In the chaos, remember, never ever agree to meet somewhere private for a first date. Always choose a public place like a restaurant, a café or a coffee shop for your first meet. Meeting at a place you are already familiar with gives you to the freedom to head back home if things are going south. Public places also act as a good icebreaker as it allows you to talk about things around.
To be sure, always tell a friend about your meeting. The more the merrier. Ask them to call you at a certain point through the date and use them as an out if things are not flowing smoothly.
6. Don’t lose yourself
Especially the desperadoes! Never ever make the person you met online the center of your world. We all know online dating can be quite addictive, however, making the newly met friend your bestie can do more harm than good. Since you have both met online, there is a possibility, and trust me a big one at that, that the other party is exploring his/her options. Give the other person the necessary space and see how things go. In the meantime, don’t give up on your hobbies and interests. Keep doing what you love and let time decide the next course of action.
7. Don’t carry your baggage around
Rule of the thumb is to keep it positive. First three dates are a deal maker or breaker. Give the other person some time to understand your likes and dislikes. Please do not bombard him with your personal problems. Wait for the right time and when the other side it comfortable, expose your vulnerabilities. But, know when to draw a line. Enjoy your date and never ever talk about exes, past, good or bad, etc. Give each other enough time to feel comfortable talking about personal issues.
Our suggestion – keep it simple. Online dating can be a lot of fun when done cautiously. Keep your safety at priority and take a dip in a safe online dating pool.
Do you have an experience you would like to share? Tell us in the comments below!