Dating Sites and Apps

Dating Sites and Apps

Dating as we know it in these modern times has come a long way from the days when being introduced by friends or family, set up on blind dates or meeting by chance were the top options for meeting someone.  Although the personal ad has existed for quite some time, the advent of the personal computer and now the smartphone have completely changed the game, with a bevy of dating apps and websites connecting you with (seemingly countless) potential dates you can size up simply by viewing their pictures and profiles.  

Love online

Love online

Obviously, there are no guarantees you will find success through this type of dating, but you’ll never know unless you give it a try.  Instead of waiting for Mr. or Ms. right to magically appear in your life, you are taking an active role in meeting someone you have some shared interests with.  If you are thinking about taking the plunge into this new dating scene but haven’t yet, there are a few things to consider before you dive in head-first.  

Mr. or Ms. Right or Right Now?

Mr. or Ms. Right or Right Now?

Probably the single most important thing to evaluate before joining a dating site or app is figuring out what you are looking to gain.  Are you seeking a long-term commitment, marriage, a casual relationship or even a one-night fling?  Choosing the right app or site is crucial for zeroing in on like-minded daters.  

eHarmony and Match

eHarmony and Match

Dating sites such as eHarmony and Match are the gold standards for those looking for serious relationships, with countless success stories and marriages resulting from their matchmaking abilities.  They use extensive questionnaires on everything from personality traits to deep philosophical beliefs to bring together individuals who are compatible and well-suited to long term happiness.  

Tinder and Bumble

Tinder and Bumble

However, if you’re looking for something a bit more casual, apps such as Tinder (the undisputed king in fostering the new hookup culture) and Bumble (created by a female Tinder co-founder) allow you to peruse photos of singles available in your geographical area and if you find each other attractive, you can begin chatting and perhaps decide to meet.  These apps tend to be extremely popular with the college crowd as well as singles in their 20s and 30s because of their convenience and the fact that they have created a whole new era in dating, introducing users to a vast database of people they might not otherwise encounter.  

Honest dating

Honest dating

In order to make dating in the digital age as pleasant as possible, it is wise to keep some things in mind.  It should go without saying, but be honest on your profile; lies tend to catch up with you sooner than later.  Try not to get too attached to anyone’s profile and instead look at this type of dating as a numbers game.  

Addicted to love

Addicted to love

Set aside a certain amount of time each day to go through new messages so you’re not constantly checking your notifications.  Once you do connect with someone, aim to meet up with them soon after so they know you’re truly interested.  Safety is always a serious concern, so be smart when meeting someone new.  Don’t give out any personal information, agree to meet in a public place and tell a friend or family member where you will be and why.  
While you may not meet the partner of your dreams online or through an app, you should meet some interesting new people to connect with, so just relax and enjoy this new adventure!

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