Online dating can be an enjoyable way to meet new people, but it’s essential to remember that not everyone you meet is suitable for you. Online dating often leads to uncomfortable situations; fortunately, there are ways to prevent these encounters and make the experience much smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
1. Establish a Plan Before Meeting Someone
The first date can be nerve-wracking for those unfamiliar with the situation. To make things easier, create an itinerary in advance that includes where and when you’ll meet, as well as providing yourself with transportation so you can leave whenever you feel uncomfortable. This way, there will be no awkward surprises on your date!
2. Avoid Pre-written Conversation Starters
If you’re new to dating apps, it can be tempting to rely on pre-written starters for conversation starters. Unfortunately, these often lack creativity and interest from potential matches. 2. Steer clear of pre-written conversation starters
If you’re not an expert in online dating apps, avoid this trap by not using pre-written starters.
3. Avoid being too pushy and sharing too much information
Online dating can be an excellent opportunity to meet new people, but it also presents the risk of people taking advantage of you. Too often, individuals will give too much personal information without considering how it might reflect on them or how their message might come across to others. 3. Exercise discretion when sharing personal details
Despite its benefits, be wary of people who seem overly eager or boastful.
4. Avoid getting stuck in a conversation black hole
It may be tempting to discuss the weather or your day’s plans on your first date, but these topics tend to be boring and lead to awkward silences during the introduction. To prevent this from occurring, read someone’s profile carefully and gain an understanding of their interests, sense of humor or other topics that could spark conversation during your first date. This way you’ll have some idea what kind of person they are before starting any conversations together.
5. Don’t ignore red flags
It can be difficult to tell if someone is lying to you, especially on online dating platforms. If you’re feeling uneasy or uncertain, it may be best to steer clear of online dating altogether.
6. Recognize and act upon feelings of rejection
When dating, it can be hard to tell if someone is rejecting you or not. But if you find yourself constantly searching for the next guy to swipe left on, Reis suggests changing up your strategy. Instead of swiping left on every guy who has ever asked for your number, focus on picking “relationship-ready” guys instead, according to Reis.
7. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t go according to plan
It is essential not to give up easily when things don’t go your way on first dates, but it is also essential to recognize that not all first dates are successful. While you may feel bad about ending up with someone on a bad match, if you can learn to accept that this is part of dating, then you will likely be happier overall and more likely find another suitable date in the future.
