Tis’ the season for online dating! According to an article written for USA Today, the Sunday after New Year’s Day is the most popular day to begin online dating. Dating apps like Match, Coffee Meets Bagel, and Tinder have reported the highest user engagement spiking up to 75% on “Single Sunday.” (Brown, 2019 Dating Sunday). Singles are feeling refreshed after the holiday, ready for a new year, and ready to make some connections!
There is no arguing that dating apps have revolutionized dating. To be able to meet someone new with a swipe of your fingertip is quite novel. It can be intimidating, but the intention I invite you to set as you refresh or create your dating profile is authenticity. Whether you are looking to just get to know people, striking up a friendship, or for a life partner, you want to start these relationships off on the right foot, and that is by bringing your truest self to the forefront. Why? Because YOU deserve to be loved for YOU. The following are some tips to refresh your dating profile:
Tip #1- Refresh your photos! Ditch the grainy photos from your digital camera days, and provide some fresh ones from the last year. Pick the ones where you feel like your best self. Choose photos that show you engaging in hobbies, cool places you’ve traveled to, or surrounded by those who you can be yourself around.
Tip #2- Let’s give them something to talk about! Include details about what makes you, you. Dating apps have really great questions that allow the person on the other side to get to know you pre-match! Don’t skip these, and include your own personal touch in your bio. Do you value family? Enjoy spending your weekends relaxed by the lake? Let people know! “Would you rather” questions are also superb convo starters. For example; Would you rather get rid of books or get rid of music for the rest of time? (People are dumbfounded by this icebreaker. I am a personal book nerd here!)
Tip #3- State what you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to openly discuss your purpose for dating. Whether it be looking for a partner that could lead to long term commitment, an open relationship, or casual dating. This helps weed through those that are looking for different things. Name your values, qualities you’re looking for in a person, and your relationship vision. Something simple like, “I am looking for someone I can laugh with, who appreciates community, and is committed to growth.” Try to stray away from things you are not looking for, and focus on what you are looking for.
Tip #4- Make a profile on more than one app. Having more than one can widen your net, and each app has different benefits as well. One might have an easier layout to navigate through, some have better prompts, or a different algorithm. Experiment and see which ones fit your needs! Dating apps can lead to another phone distraction to get that dopamine hit, so be mindful of not getting too carried away.
Tip #5- Have FUN! (unrelated to your profile specifics) There can be so much pressure on finding a connection (thank you brain for trying to protect us from the threat of disconnection). We are humans who thrive off of connection, it makes sense. It is okay to validate that, and remember that this is an opportunity to meet some incredible people. They could teach you something new, even if they aren’t your person. Be open, curious, and enjoy yourself out there!