By: Natasha Archary
So, you were ready to start dating until the universe decided to unleash a lethal global pandemic, calling for social distancing, no physical contact forcing the world into a curfewed lockdown? It’s a story to recount to your kids one day.
In these desperate times, online dating numbers have increased, with a spike in new profiles on dating apps like Tinder up by 82%. With people reluctant to break their pandemic safety boundaries, going on an actual date with the current state of things, may not happen.
Don’t let this deter you from “meeting” new people online. Improve your chances of a match with the following guidelines:
-
Complete your profile
This is your virtual first impression and it needs to be a strong one. It gives potential matches a glimpse into your personality, interests and informs their decision of either rejecting you (swipe left) or wanting to know more (swipe right) about you. Keep your bio short, light and honest.
-
Keep your profile pictures PG
While dating apps like Tinder and Bumble don’t have restrictions on the types of pictures users upload, nudes on profiles are just in poor taste. Nothing is more cringe-worthy than finding an appealing bio, only to scroll through their profile to find topless or provocative images.
-
Paid features
Users can see who likes their profile to improve the chance of a match for a minimal subscription fee. It may seem unnecessary but if you are serious about finding a partner, the paid feature means you are no longer swiping blindly.
The paid feature also allows you to circle back to a profile you may have skipped in haste.
-
Have a conversation
Being active on your dating profile requires your time and attention. Having an active profile only to ignore messages and not engage is ambiguous. You may be unmatched for being unresponsive.
-
Stop focusing on the number of matches
Take each match as it comes and accept that your success rate with matches will vary each day. There are thousands of profiles to swipe through, and you have to wade through this dating pool carefully.
-
Set a standard
Have a general idea of who your perfect match will be. Take note of the physical features you are attracted to, the character and personality traits you find appealing and those that turn you off. If a profile doesn’t fit your list of ideals, keep swiping, there are millions more to get through.
-
Don’t come on too strong
Remember a match doesn’t mean that you’re going to hit it off. Should you not be compatible or the conversation isn’t to your liking, let your match know and move on. There’s no point in forcing a connection or being pushy with your match. You’re either into the person or not. If it’s not mutual, it’s not worth pursuing.
-
Exchanging numbers too early
Rushing to take the conversation off app can work to your disadvantage. Exchange of numbers should be reserved for the matches you have an intention to meet. If all you want to do is banter back and forth, texting on the app isn’t that difficult to do.
-
Don’t water down details about your life
Most people feel the need to hide parts of their life from prospective matches. You do not have to omit that you are a single parent, separated, divorced, widow or widower. Be forthright, paint a clear picture and give matches the opportunity to decide if the connection is strong enough to pursue further.
-
Have fun
Obsessing about your online dating status is not going to help land you a relationship. Taking your Tinder-escapades too leave little room for building your online persona. Remember, users can share or report your profile, and the aim is to have a popular dating profile.
That should help improve your match rate. Hopefully, when the pandemic is over, you can meet them in person and have that first date.
