Online dating in 2022 is not for the faint-hearted. From the pitfalls of creating the perfect profile to the frustrations of being ghosted by a match, we’d been messaging, finding love in the digital age comes with its own unique set of challenges.
So why do we do it? Well, statistically, online dating offers the most likely way to meet someone special; we all know at least one couple that met online and is now living the married-with-kids dream. Plus, it’s more convenient - we get to look at our options and chat with someone we may be interested in before progressing to the date stage. Not to mention just how many profiles are available online, meaning that we’ve got a much better chance of finding romance here than bumping into it in a local bar.
But how to navigate the online dating scene without suffering a dent to our self-esteem or becoming disenchanted with the whole process before we’ve had the opportunity to make a great match? Keep reading for ways to actually enjoy the online dating adventure, and keep things in perspective if it gets tricky.
Know What You’re Looking For
First off: it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for before you enter the world of online dating. Are you hoping to find a long-term, serious relationship or something more casual? Would you like to meet potential partners with similar life circumstances (such as other
single parents) or within a certain geographic location?
It may seem simple, but knowing what you want from the online dating journey will be key to achieving it. For example, some dating apps are designed for those interested in a fun fling, while others are geared towards something more serious. There are also plenty of niche dating sites catering to those over forty, for example, or to young professionals or those who want to find a like-minded partner who has sustainability and green living as a lifestyle priority.
Once you’ve gotten clear on what you want from a dating platform, then take some time to have a look at lists of the best online dating apps of 2022. This will give you an idea of how each app works and which one would suit you best. You can also read plenty of member reviews and compare prices and packages.
Create the Perfect Profile
Many problems with a person’s experience of online dating can be traced back to their profile. It can be really hard to write down what’s great about us and equally as tricky to pick out or take photos without being tempted to apply a filter. The result can be a sketchy profile that doesn’t serve us well.
Let’s start with the bio. It’s vital to fill this in as completely as possible for the best chance of getting great, viable matches. So, complete all of the necessary sections, including any related to what you’re looking for in a partner; if you wouldn’t even consider matching with someone ten years younger, then set this on the age parameters. Include some information about yourself, your loves and interests, and your hopes for the future. Add humor if you can.
Next, the all-important photos. Choose no more than one group shot to add to your profile, and never have this as your main pic. Select images in which your face is clearly visible and that feature no filters or other wizardry: a potential match wants to see what you look like for real. It’s also worth noting that most people say that a filtered photo is a key reason for swiping left. So give yourself the best possible chance at finding high-quality matches by only using shots that showcase your natural beauty.
Up Your Messaging Game
When it comes to online dating, the messaging element can be the hardest and most frustrating to handle. With so many members signed up to any one online dating platform and so many matches being made, you’ll need to stand out from the crowd to reduce the risk of messages going unanswered.
Avoid ever using an opening gambit such as ‘hey’ or ‘how are you?’ Your messaging game needs to be stronger to get the results you want! Instead, read through your potential match’s bio again, and ask a question that's relevant. People love talking about themselves, so if they mention in their bio that they’re a major foodie, ask them what restaurant they’d recommend or the most unusual dish they’ve ever been served.
Keep Things in Perspective
It’s extremely easy to get swept up in the world of online dating - we can start to imagine a beautiful romance unfolding before we’ve even received a message back from someone who’s caught our eye, or begin obsessing over just how many - or how few - matches we’re getting every day.
To combat this and protect our well-being, it is crucial to keep things in perspective. Don’t get so caught up in the online dating scene that you begin to neglect some of the things that you love doing and that makes you who you are. Continue to meet with your friends regularly, and take time to pamper yourself every day to stay grounded.
Remember, too, that the people online aren’t lucky enough to know you yet: however great your profile is, it’s only a shadow of your true gorgeous self. Bear in mind that, while it’s tempting to speculate, we can never know what’s going on in someone else’s life: the guy that you were messaging that suddenly disappeared, for example, could have had a major work issue come up.
Most of all, try to enjoy the process and see it as a great way to gain some personal insight and build resilience and confidence. That way, when love comes looking for you, you’ll be in the very best place to meet it with open arms.
