Online Dating Tips For Inexperienced Individuals

If you're not sure how to play the dating game, dipping your toe into the dating pool for the first time can be scary, especially since technology has introduced society to the world of online dating rather than the traditional face-to-face meeting style. To truly get yourself out there, however, you will need to embrace it. Here are a few tips for the inexperienced that will help you navigate the dating world safely and successfully.

1. Your Profile Is an Advertisement And Extension Of Yourself

Have you ever used an online job service? If you have, and even if you haven't, you know that attracting the right attention is all about appealingly advertising yourself. For example, you aren't going to post a vulgar or inappropriate username and picture and then list positions that are not relevant or attractive, are you? Exactly! You will do your best to make sure that your profile stands out and attracts the type of employers you are looking for.

The same thing goes for a profile on a profile. When you try to build a profile that will attract a potential date, you will need the right username, picture, and profile description to rope in your ideal partner. This means that you should keep things clean, professional-looking, and attractive. (Unless you are trying to attract someone that wants something unprofessional and not-so-clean, that is.) Try to produce a profile that gives users an idea of who you are, what you do for a living, what you are interested in, and make sure that you have a great profile picture and username to pull it together. This will impress anyone who is using the same platform.

2. Don't Get Too Attached To Anyone On Your Chosen Platform

The downside to meeting someone online is that it is directly related to hookup culture. When you start to use platforms, you will most likely encounter people who only want to have casual sex. In fact, you are probably going to encounter a lot of people like this. Ensure that you don't get too attached to anyone on your chosen platform, and don't let these types of situations affect your decision to try online dating. There are good people, and you will find the person who is right for you if you stick to it.

3. Be Crystal Clear In Your Communication With Other People On The Platform

People can't read your mind, and they especially can't figure out what you want from an online dating service. When you start communicating with someone you're interested in, be very clear about what you're looking for. If you're trying to have some fun over a couple of dates, make sure you tell the other person. If you're looking to start a serious, long-term relationship, make sure you communicate that fact to your potential date.

The same works for the other person as well. If they don't communicate their needs to you, the relationship is very unlikely to work in the long run. Keep communication honest and open, and you will set yourself up for success.

4. Take Safety Precautions Before Meeting With Anyone Online

While online dating is not necessarily unsafe, there is always the likelihood that something could go wrong. To prevent this from happening and to make sure that you are safe if it does happen, here are a few safety tips that you should use:

- Let A Friend Know When And Where You Plan On Meeting Someone: No matter how safe you feel, you should always let a trusted friend know where you are going with a stranger and what to do if you go missing. When you decide to meet with someone you met online, give your entire friend the details of where and when this meeting will occur. Also, keep them updated as the date continues. If you stop texting them and remain silent for long periods, they will know that something is wrong, and they will contact the proper authorities for you.

- Only Meet In Public Places: It is always a bad idea to meet at someone else's house for the first date. Even if they have no bad intentions, it is still not safe, and you should avoid this suggestion at all costs. Instead, recommend that you meet somewhere very public where there will be plenty of people to keep an eye on you as the date progresses.

- Use Your Transportation At First: Never get into the car with someone you do not know. If you don't own your car, choose another form of transportation to get to and from the date. Catching a ride with a friend is the most preferred method, but a taxi and an Uber will do the trick as well. It would help if you only got in the car with your date once you've become familiar with them and ensure they won't do anything dangerous.

- Do Not Drink Alcoholic Beverages On The First Date: Drunkenness can cause you to do crazy things, and it can also allow someone to overpower you should they want to. Always avoid drinking alcoholic beverages on the first date and if you do, keep your drink in sight to prevent shady individuals from slipping drugs into your drink.

- Practice Safe Sex If It Happens: Sex happens, even on first dates with strangers. If it does happen, make sure that you are prepared and have all the safety tools you need to keep STDs and other infections at bay.

5. Be Yourself

There is nothing worse than underselling yourself or overselling yourself online or in-person. It would be best if you always tried to be yourself when you are on dates. Yes, there is a certain amount of advertising and impressing that you need to land a date. However, this does not mean that you should try to prove to the other person that you are nothing special or, on the other end, try to convince them that you are the living embodiment of perfection. Just be yourself, and the right people will stick around to learn more about you.

6. Be Flexible With What You're Looking For

Here's the thing about dating: you rarely find your "soul mate." There are tons of people globally, but it is very unlikely that you will meet the one person online who meets all of your qualifications. That being said, there are some things that you should never be flexible with. For example, it is expected that your partner should be honest, kind, and care about your relationship. However, you can't control their nose shape, dislikes, or the type of clothes that they wear. Don't turn everyone away simply because they are not a perfect match. Give people that you like a chance, and you will see that not everyone needs to meet all of your expectations to be great for you.

7. Give A Relationship Time Before You Move On

Much like it is unlikely that you will meet your "soul mate" online, it is also unlikely that you will hit it off with someone on the first date. In fact, you may not even hit it off after the third date or later. Don't give up on a relationship with someone else if you don't connect right off the bat. However, you shouldn't keep trying for a long period if you feel nothing is happening between the two of you either. All you need to do is give it a couple of tries and try your best to connect with that person. If it doesn't happen, don't stress. Just move onto the next profile.

8. Be Confident And Have Fun

The final piece of advice that I have for you is to be confident and have fun. Dating isn't a chore unless you make it one. Be confident on each date you go on and have fun with each of those people. If a relationship has run its course, say goodbye and move on. The world of online dating will be an amazing experience if you follow these steps.

Are you still nervous about online dating? Are there still some questions that you need to be answered, or are there some things that you need to overcome before you jump into another relationship? If so, I highly recommend that you visit https://www.regain.us/start/. ReGain is an online counseling platform that specializes in relationships and all of the topics related to them. By clicking the link above, you will be brought to a page on the website to help you connect with the right online relationship counselor for you!