Online dating has quickly become a popular, effective way to meet new people, whether you’re trying to attract women or men. In fact, according to a study from Pew Research, 59% of people say that online dating is a great way to find a new connection. Online dating sites, like Match.com and eHarmony, are so good at what they do, that a study of the U.S. by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that more than a third of U.S. marriages in 2013 were between couples who first met online. All of this to say that online dating may be just the thing for getting back into the dating scene.
However, like dating in the real world, finding a possible match on online dating sites is fraught with challenges. As The Huffington Post writes, 54% of people say that dating site users misrepresent themselves. For others, attracting women and men on the service is just as difficult, if not more so, than doing so in the real world. If you’re struggling with these issues on your favorite online dating website, these tips are for you.
Four Tips for Online Dating Success
- Know the Right Websites for What You’re Looking For
- Consider the Tone, Not the Content, of Online Dating Profiles
- Pay Attention, Ask Smart Questions
- Keep the First Date Casual
As GQ suggests, not every dating website is the greatest at giving you what you’re looking for. For instance, OkCupid is known to be extremely useful for the man or woman looking for casual encounters. HowAboutWe is built for people looking for meaningful, long-term relationships. Use the right site, and your chances of finding the type of relationship you want skyrocket.
If you’ve ever tried it, you know that writing an online dating profile is one of the most awkward experiences you can have. That’s why Mashable believes you should assess the tone or feeling of each profile, instead of the content. Why? People get really weird and don’t know what to say when they’re writing a marketing article about themselves. Try reading between the lines to find what each user is really after.
Looking for a date online doesn’t mean that real world rules of civility fly out the window. Just as you should be an attentive listener and an active part of the conversation when dealing with people in real life, so, too, says YourTango.com, should you be actively engaged when talking with people online. It’s a matter of people skills and manners.
For AskMen.com, the last thing you want to do when you’ve finally gotten someone to meet you in real life is scare them away. In short, don’t overdo it. Not only will keeping your first date simple save you some cash if things go south, it will also ensure there’s no extra pressure on either of you.
As you’ve seen, online dating can be a great way to find a lasting relationship, but you need to be smart about it. Follow these tips, and help ensure your online dating experience is a good one. Great references here.