8 best tips for online dating in 2020

In a world where online dating is becoming the most popular way to meet people, it’s basically essential for singles to learn the best way to present themselves online. Unlike the good ol’ days, your first interaction will now take place right on your cell phone and not at the local bar or restaurant. Applying advice and insider tips for online dating can help you make a great first impression and put your best foot forward.

Remember, dating isn’t reserved for a certain age range, but love is for everyone. From teenagers to senior citizens, with the right tools everyone can successfully date and manage online apps to meet great people. So, toss out all of your excuses and focus on these tips for online dating if you’re serious about finding your match.

Read their profile, properly

Don’t just look at their photos. Sometimes, people become even more attractive after you’ve seen how they’ve presented themselves with words. Other times, certain red flags may be mentioned that you’d later learn during date two or three, making it a time saver.

If you’re going to invest time and money into another individual, it’s worth it to pay attention to everything they’re saying online.

Don’t get too emotionally involved too soon

Some people fall into a pattern where they never make it past date one. It’s not because things went badly, but it’s because they psyched this person up way too much prior to meeting them and ended up a little disappointed.

Even if they seem great, make sure to downplay it in your mind. You want to fall for them, not just their profile. So keep it cool and remain open at the same time and give it a fair chance in real life first. 

Create an honest profile

Sometimes, we may be tempted to stretch the truth a little on our profiles. It’s because we want to look more appealing. But also, there’s this inner fear about looking flawed. At this stage, both men and women should know that the perfect person doesn’t exist. It’s okay to have a little baggage, or maybe a few strange hobbies. 

Those are the qualities and experiences that make us unique. But if you claim that you’re not a smoker, but later reveal that you bum a few off of your buddies every day, it’s not exactly honest? That’s not an accurate portrayal of who you are, and it might leave you heartbroken. You want to meet someone who is attracted to the real you, so don’t be afraid to put that out there.  

If they’re not into you, don’t hit back

Sometimes in response to being ignored or not replying to messages, people can respond with negative name-calling or other toxic behaviors. Just avoid this altogether. They may have hurt your feelings, but are your negative comments necessary? Not really. They just make you look insecure. 

The more this happens, the more toxic online dating can become. Always treat people the way you want to be treated, and if they ghost on you, take the high road and be thankful you didn’t waste any more time on them. 

Figure out how you feel first

When it comes to someone who has potential, avoid weighing in too heavily with friends and family. Gossiping about the awkward exchanges and what to wear on your date is different, but let YOUR instinct guide you. 

Think about the show Say Yes To The Dress. When a bride brings in her three close friends, they all have opinions, but know their place when it comes to the dress evaluation. However, when a bride brings in 15 people, suddenly everyone else’s opinions overpower her own.

Similarly, with dating, it’s possible for you to get too much input about a match from friends who’ve never even talked to them before. Introduce them to your loved ones when you know it’s right and you’ve figured out how you feel.

Stay safe

Almost everyone dates online today, it’s not a strange scenario. But the truth of the matter is, it’s still meeting a stranger that you know little about. Don’t blow off your own safety.

Even if you’re meeting someone who seems sweet and innocent online, always let a friend know about where you’re going. You can even schedule a check-in text halfway through. It’s just a smart move to get into the habit of doing. 

Don’t show all your cards on the first date

This is important for three reasons. For one, it’ll ensure you have plenty to talk about on your second and third dates. It’ll also be a good rule to put in place to make sure you’re not talking about yourself too much and monopolizing the conversation. But, it’s also a good strategy to avoid harassment or stalking if things get out of control later. 

Someone doesn’t need to know where you work or your home address on a first date, or all the details of your last relationship. Keep things more relaxed and test out the chemistry and connection before getting too personal. 

Be open to second chances

When you’re really nervous about a date, you might be a little late or fidgeting. It’s possible you’ll also talk too much, or nervously stumble over words. All of these things may seem like deal-breakers, but if you genuinely have a lot in common with your date, you should see if a second outing will be easier for both of you. At that point, they know you’re interested and both of you will probably be more at ease. 

Like with most things, online dating gets easier the more you do it. Sometimes, you’ll find a match. Other times, you’ll meet people who may turn out to be romantically incompatible, but still fun on other levels.

Just make sure you don’t let the process get you down. Bad dates can outnumber good dates, but those good dates make up for it. Use these tips for online dating to make the most of your dating experience and get out there and have some fun!