By Charlotte Jenny
We live in strange times and unfortunately it is harder than ever to meet that special someone. Whereas we might have once been able to stroll into a bar, strike up a conversation with someone new, get their number and hopefully begin a burgeoning relationship, nowadays it is not quite so easy. Instead, strangers are viewed with suspicion and trepidation, with the threat of COVID and the fact that a face mask covers half of your face often putting a big stopper to anything that might or might not have occurred in the past. This is why so many more people are turning to online dating. A safe way to meet someone from the comfort of your own home and get to know them, it is ever more popular. If you are deciding to foray into the world of online dating, there are a few tips that you need to know to get your started…
Put yourself in the mindset of what you are looking for
Only you know what you are looking for when you sign up to an online dating profile. It could be that you have just come out of a long-term relationship and are looking for something casual, or it could be that you are looking for your soulmate. Whichever it is, when you build your profile, be sure to reflect this outcome. Be careful with the language, tone and vocab you use as this could influence who you meet and match with.
Be safe at all times
Remember that when you are speaking to someone online, you need to always be careful. It can be too easy for inhibitions to lower and once you have been messaging for a while, to feel like you know them. If you do decide to meet up for the first time, be sure that you tell a trusted friend where you are going - you could even set up a double date so you can go together! Meet them somewhere busy such as a bar or restaurant and make your own way there so they don’t know your address and you can make your own way home if at any point you feel uncomfortable. It could be worth looking them up online too to check they are legitimately who they say they are. The last thing you want is to find out further down the line they are on a sex offenders register or have a past that might put you in danger.
Be yourself
It is all too easy to hide behind a keyboard or screen and portray ourselves as someone that we aren’t. While this might land you a match in the beginning, it is never going to work out in the long run when you eventually meet and they find out you’re totally different in person. Avoid all of this and start the process by being yourself completely. If someone doesn’t match with you because of this, then that’s fine, you know you are being true to yourself and when the right one comes along it is more likely to work out.
These are just a few simple online dating tips to ensure you have an enjoyable but safe experience.
