If you’re new to the world of online dating, welcome!
Online dating can be a wonderful way to meet amazing people.
You’ve probably heard a lot of advice and stories – good and bad – from your friends.
The truth is, that online dating is different for everyone, and not all advice applies to all situations.
You won’t know what works for you until you try it.
When navigating the waters for the first time, here are seven things you should know as someone who is new to online dating.
1 . You Probably Won’t Find Your ‘Perfect Match’ Right Away
Unfortunately, when you join a dating site or download a dating app, you will likely not be presented with the profile of the greatest true love in your life right away.
If only it were that easy!
Dating apps help introduce you to people so you can find out who you want to date, but instant love connections often don’t happen on the first click.
You’re likely to browse profiles, chat with people, and maybe even decide to meet a few people in person before meeting someone who really intrigues you.
But that’s part of the fun!
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find “the one” right away and just try to enjoy the ride.
2 . It’s Normal To Try A Few Different Dating Apps
Not all dating apps are created equal.
Some allow you to “swipe” through potential partners, saying “yes” or “no” to many profiles in quick succession.
Others allow you to spend more time looking for matches based on variables like age, location, and interests.
It’s totally normal to try more than one type of dating app to see what you like best.
3. Stay Cautious
Once you’ve put yourself in the world of online dating, it’s important to remember that people aren’t always what they seem.
Unfortunately, while most dating sites work to protect their members, there are still scammers out there.
If you ever have doubts about someone, err on the side of caution.
If someone’s online dating profile looks too good to be true or you shy away from meeting them in person, maybe it’s for a reason; they could be lying about something.
If someone sends you a message that makes you uncomfortable or presses you for too much personal information, you have the option to block or report it.
Have fun, but also be careful.
4 . Online Dating Can Be Incredibly Long
Once you join an online dating site, there is seemingly no end to how much you can do.
It’s fun to look for new people, message potential dates, and mess with your profile.
But there’s also a flip side to having so many options, and you can easily get sucked into an online dating vortex.
If you spend more time looking and browsing profiles, chatting, and returning messages than actually meeting people in person, it might be time to take a step back and cut down on screen time.
5 . It’s OK to Say No
Once you get to grips with online dating, you’ll quickly realize that you don’t want to date every person you see.
And that’s okay!
Don’t agree to date someone just because you feel bad saying no.
6 . Kindness Counts
You can say no without being rude.
If someone texts you and you’re not interested, there are ways to decline without hurting feelings.
We suggest it be simple and direct: Hi, thanks for your message, but I think we would be better suited as friends.
Good luck there!
7 . Remember To Be True To Yourself
It’s not a good idea to fill an online dating profile with what you think other people want to read.
Instead, be honest with yourself about what you’re looking for in someone else.
If you’re ready for a serious relationship, that’s great!
If your ideal date is having dinner at home and watching a movie, speak your truth instead of pretending to be a party girl.
By honestly filling out your online dating profile, you will attract more people who like the same things as you and have a better chance of finding true love that lasts.
When you’re new to online dating, it’s easy to be intimidated and maybe even feel overwhelmed.
Do not stay!
The power is in your hands – you can date as little or as much as you want, talk to whoever you are into, say yes or no, and take breaks too.
It’s a tool to help make dating easier, and you’re the boss.
