Ask any number of people in a relationship how they know their partner and you’re likely to notice a trend among their cute “how we met” stories. Chances are, many of them met online. In fact, nearly 40% of American couples first met each other via a dating website or app.
This shows that online dating no longer has a stigma attached to it like in its early days and that it’s actually possible to find love through non-traditional means. If you’re still not convinced that online dating is right for you, here’s a look at how it can help you meet your one true love.
It Casts a Wide Net
Hanging out at your favorite bar or hitting the gym after work can certainly help you meet other single people you want to date. But after a while, you may find the social circle at these local establishments to be on the tight side. And your friends only know so many available people they can introduce you to.
Online dating, however, opens you up to a whole new world of possibilities. You could end finding your match in someone who lives out of state, or even in another country.
Online dating is a lot like having a LinkedIn profile. While it’s not the only way to get a job, it helps recruiters and hiring managers—sometimes working for companies you’ve never heard of—to find you.
You never know who may click on your dating profile, and most of the time it’s someone you never would have met through your social circle.
It’s Convenient
It can be physically demanding to try to get out on a regular basis and go where other singles are. You may feel that you need to be on your game and pulled together when you head out for a drink with friends.
Dating online can be done from the comfort of your home during your free time. You can browse matches in your pajamas any time of the day. Just keep in mind that when it’s time to meet someone in person for a date, you’ll want to dress to impress.
Online dating is a convenient option for busy people who find they have little free time to meet potential dates in person.
It Gives You Greater Control Over Your Dating Life
Online dating allows you to screen potential dates and safely reject those that don’t meet your standards. It provides an easier way to turn people down rather than doing it in person. You also don’t have to deal with socially inept people face to face who don’t get the hint that you’re uninterested.
Many apps and sites allow you to hide your profile and block other users for an added level of privacy and security.
You Could Make a New Friend
Even if you don’t hit it off in person with someone you met online, there’s always the possibility that a date can turn out to be a new friend. When this happens, they may introduce you to their social circle and you could end up meeting the love of your life through their acquaintances.
It’s Good For Introverts
Dating can be challenging for introverts or people who have social anxiety or shyness. Not everyone can feel as inhibited as strippers such as The Love Bunnies. How is one supposed to find a partner when the thought of approaching a stranger cripples them with fear?
Online dating makes it easier to break the ice since the initial interaction is done through texting or sending a message. It’s a great way for people who find social interactions difficult to “get out there” and meet somebody.
Tips For Online Dating
Now that you know all of the benefits of online dating, there are some basic tips that everyone should follow so they can increase their chances of finding love.
Use Friendly Looking, Recent Photos
Your profile photo should be recent (taken within the last year) to reflect what you accurately look like today. Choose one of you smiling or at least wearing a pleasant expression on your face. Photos showing no emotion or worse, a stern look, can be a turn-off.
Your face shouldn’t be obstructed by sunglasses or a hat. Use a photo that clearly shows your eyes and entire face.
Resist the urge to include photos of your children, pets, or any photos that don’t include you at all. Potential dates want to see what you look like, not your car and family members—at least, not yet.
Keep Your Profile Concise But Interesting
Your dating profile shouldn’t read like a novel, but it shouldn’t be boring, either. Strive to include some fun factoids about yourself that shows off your uniqueness (maybe you make a killer coconut cake or you just tried zip lining for the first time).
Write a dating profile that makes you stand out. Show a bit of your personality. Stay away from cliches such as holding hands while walking on the beach (because who doesn’t enjoy doing that with the one they love?)
Stay Safe When Meeting a Date
Online dating does require following some common sense safety tips. You definitely want to meet in a public place for the first date. Ideally, it should be a location where other people frequent.
Let a friend or family member know where you’re going to be on your date. You may want to withhold your last name and other identifying information about yourself when you meet a date in person for the first time.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to end the date and leave. Your first meeting should be a brief one, for coffee or a drink, so that you don’t feel obligated to spend a lot of time with someone you’re not clicking with.
You Could Find Your One True Love Online
It is possible to meet your one true love online and the good news is, there are many dating sites and apps to try. If one isn’t working for you, take a shot with another one. You never know…the match who makes your heart sing could be waiting for you online right now!
And when you do meet the right one? Here at Fresh In Love, we have plenty of date ideas for you and your online amour to try. Check out these date night ideas to help spice up your relationship.
