With technology advancing at a rapid pace and new apps popping up left, right and centre, it can be difficult to keep up with the newest do’s and don’ts when it comes to dating in the online world. And even if you’re up to date with everything that’s going on, sometimes a little refresh around dating etiquette can help you re-align yourself to your goals when it comes to finding love.
Whichever situation you find yourself in, don’t worry. We’ve got your back and have listed the top five tips to keep in mind when it comes to dating apps.
1. Be respectful
This goes without saying, but can also never be said often enough: be respectful to others. Think before you write and ask yourself how your comment may affect the receiver – consider how you would feel and, if necessary, re-evaluate your words.
Being respectful includes being open-minded. This could mean being open to new experiences, whether it’s a new date location or giving someone a chance you may not have usually matched with. Many of us have a specific expectation of how our date should look or how our date should go which can be quite limiting. But, with an open attitude, you may be surprised at who you actually connect with or the new experiences you get to enjoy.
2. Be honest
Ensure that your profile reflects who you are and also what you want. Being upfront about what you’re looking for also helps send a clear message to potential matches. The added benefit is, that you hopefully weed out those who don’t match what you’re looking for.
3. Don’t lead them on
You’ve matched – yaayy! The conversation starts, but you soon realise that you’re just not feeling it. And that’s totally okay, it happens. When this occurs, let the other person know, and don’t string them along or ghost them. They deserve a message, especially if you’ve been chatting for a while.
4. Texting tips
Respond to your match in a timely manner. This doesn’t mean you have to be glued to your phone 24/7, but leaving your match hanging without a message for a few days is also not a good sign. The silence in itself may lead the other to read it as a sign of disinterest.
Engage with your matches and try to keep the conversation balanced by not only responding to their questions but also asking some in return. Become curious about who they are and don’t be afraid to initiate a new conversation if your previous one naturally comes to an end. After all, the main way to know if you connect is through talking to each other. And, if you’re sick of texting, why not suggest a video date?
5. Be present
You’ve chatted for a while and you’ve decided to meet up or go on a video date. Before going on the date, turn off your notifications. Offer your match your full attention by being present. No one enjoys being on a date with someone whose phone is constantly dinging and vibrating with notifications – especially not if the notifications are from their dating app.
Even if throughout the date you find that you don’t click, learn to be respectful of the other person and their time, and as pointed out in #2 don’t lead them on and just let them know.
These dating tips are just the initial building blocks for your journey to finding love, and although they may not guarantee anything, following these tips will lead to more genuine connections on and off the app.
If you’re interested in learning more about love and relationships, sign up to the Lovedoc waitlist and be the first to get a sneak peek at the app and hear about launch updates.
