So you’re on a dating app. Big deal, so is everyone else. The trick isn’t just being there, it’s about not being a complete disaster from the first click. Your profile is your advertisement… so dont make it a bad one. A good profile has recent photos, yes from this decade please, and a bio that says a little something. It shows you actually care. Even if you are just on a one night friend hookup website, putting in zero effort makes you look lazy, and nobody wants that. A blurry photo from a party five years ago and a bio that just says “ask me” is a pass. A hard pass.
Chat Game: How Not to Be a Bore
The match is made, the first message didnt suck… now what. Now you have to talk. The goal is a back-and-forth, like a tennis match. You ask a question, they answer and ask one back. Dont just fire questions like its a police interrogation. And for the love of all things holy dont just talk about yourself. Nobody cares about your fantasy football team that much… really.
Also, be careful what you say. Words get twisted fast, especially in text. Things get lost in translation and you might find yourself in some common English misunderstandings if you aren’t careful. Saying you’re “stuffed” after a big meal could mean something totally different to someone from another place. Keep your language simple and clear to avoid weird moments. And if you’re not feeling it anymore, just say so. Ghosting is for cowards. A simple “hey, you seem cool but i dont think we’re a match” is all it takes. It’s better than vanishing into thin air.
Spotting Weirdos & Staying Safe
Let’s be real… there are some strange people out there. You have to keep your head on a swivel. Trust your gut. If someone seems too good to be true, they probably are. Anyone who says they love you after two days of chatting is a giant red flag. Same for anyone who asks for money… just block them immediately.
Dont give out your life story in the first chat. Your home address, where you work, your mothers maiden name… keep that stuff to yourself. There’s no rush. And be honest about what you want. If you’re looking for someone to hit up exclusive parties with, say that. If you want a serious thing, say that too. Dont say you want marriage when you really just want a date for your cousin’s wedding. It wastes everyone’s time. And if someone pressures you for your number or to meet up before you’re ready, tell them to back off. Your comfort is what matters.
From Their Screen to Your Face
So the chat is going well and you want to meet. Great. Now’s the time to be direct. Dont say “we should hang out sometime”. That’s weak and puts all the pressure on them. There are better ways to ask for a date that actually work. Be specific. “Hey, there’s a new club opening downtown Friday night. Want to check it out with me?”. See? A plan. An actual plan.
For a first meeting, keep it public. A coffee shop, a busy bar, a park. Not your apartment. Not their apartment. Dont get in a car with them. Meet there. This isn’t about being paranoid, it’s about being smart. Inviting someone over for a “private massage” or a trip to the sauna for a first date is creepy, not romantic. And if you have to cancel, give them a heads up. Just not showing up is a jerk move and guarantees you’ll never hear from them again. A simple text goes a long way.
In the End…
Look, online dating isn’t rocket science. It’s just talking to people. The main rules are simple: be a normal person, dont be a liar, stay safe, and dont be a jerk. Whether you’re looking for a soulmate or just someone for tonight… a little bit of manners makes everything better for everyone.
