From creepy dudes to matches who ghost you. Suffice to say, there are lots of bad things that you can say about online dating.
But a trusted love coach argues that you shouldn’t delete the dating apps on your smartphone.
Arguing in favor of online dating
It’s fairly easy to understand why some people hate online dating.
True, you have plenty of options to choose from. But in terms of quality, the numbers take a sharp nosedive – from people who lie to those who hardly make an effort to attract potential matches.
And then some people don’t even bother responding. Worse, you have downright creeps whose only intention is to get a quick hookup.
Ask anybody who has used online dating sites or have dating apps installed on their phones, and they’ll say that those criticisms are valid.
Honestly, online dating is flawed and leaves much to be desired.
But on the flip side of the coin, there are a few reasons why you should give online dating another try.
Diversity of matches
One of the chief advantages of online dating over traditional dating is the sheer diversity of people you meet.
Sure, you’ll match with a creep every now and then. But there are also a lot of interesting guys you can match up with. Most of these matches wouldn’t be possible if you insist on meeting potential partners the traditional way.
Broadening your worldview
True, you might not meet Mr. Right on an online dating site or app.
But the sheer act of meeting new people can help broaden how you view the world and people in general.
Simply put, online dating has a way of undermining and restoring your faith in humanity.
You get to know yourself better
As you meet and date more people, you become more acquainted with what you are looking for in a romantic partner.
Although online dating offers no real guarantee that you’ll find someone with who you can have a committed relationship with, it does offer you an opportunity to understand yourself, your needs, and other people better.
How to make online dating work for you
Finding a romantic partner is similar to finding a new job.
When you lose a job, you do everything in your power to find another one, using all available options like networking and using job search websites.
In dating, you can’t just rely on traditional methods. Finding a romantic partner is a numbers game. And unless you live in a densely populated city, the chances of meeting someone special are relatively low.
That’s why you should consider dating online. Think of it as a multiplier, allowing you to date three or five times more.
Listed here are a few tips to help you get the most out of apps and websites catering to online daters.
Choose your tool well
A cursory search on Google or apps stores will yield you tons of platforms to choose from, including Tinder, eharmony, and OkCupid.
However, that doesn’t mean that you need to be on all of the available platforms. Instead, pick and choose the tools that best serve your needs.
Also, be aware that some apps might have earned a reputation as a platform for hookups and casual dating. If that’s not your cup of coffee, pick another one.
Open yourself up
Again, if your goal is to find a serious relationship, you need to start things on the right foot.
Instead of trying to impress potential partners with your achievements, just be honest about your wants, needs, and current situation.
According to psychologists, most people are attracted to others who are similar to them. If you are honest, you are more likely to find people you are likely to be attracted to.
Keep your profile direct and simple
Don’t leave anything to chance. Be upfront and tell potential partners why you might be a good date.
Write a profile that’s direct, simple, and interesting. Ideally, your profile should provide a potential match a good idea of who you are and what you are looking for in a date.
Be willing to date outside of your type
Having a hard time finding a good match? Why not reconsider the people you’d typically pass on?
If you keep an open mind and meet the people you usually don’t want to match up with, you might end up surprised with your next date.
Leave some things for the real date
Keep your online interactions short and general. Simply put, you’re not going to completely evaluate a potential date with just virtual communication.
For online interactions, find common ground and talk about similar likes and dislikes.
Remember to enjoy
Whether offline or online, finding a romantic partner can be challenging. If you want to give dating online a chance, allow yourself to enjoy the process.
You might not be able to find Mr. Right, but you’ll get to meet a lot of interesting people. More importantly, you’ll get to know yourself better.
So download dating apps, create an online profile on a dating website, and tell the world you’re ready for love.
