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How Should You Act On Dating Sites?

by Nataliya

 

We spend most of our time on the Internet, so it's no wonder that we meet people here. However, online dating has its own etiquette and dangers.


There is little time left for dating amidst the daily rhythm of work, home, openings of new exhibitions, and visiting cafes. That's why online dating is not only maintaining its popularity — it is evolving with new formats, applications, and sites so that everyone can find something (and someone) suitable for them. But what is the best method to meet singles online? Why do some people find their soul mates on these sites, while others spend years without success?


Several rules and life hacks can help you meet people online more effectively.


WHERE TO MEET

In the early days of the Internet, there were no dedicated dating sites; people met in chat rooms and through ICQ. Today, countless specialized platforms exist, each with its own unique features. Being on a dating site can feel like a tired child staring at a shelf full of candy—everything looks appealing, but nothing seems truly satisfying. No matter how unique you are, to others, your profile blends in with thousands of others, and at first glance, you're no more remarkable than anyone else.


For someone to finally send you the cherished "Hi, how are you?" message, it's not your inner world that initially grabs their attention—it's your profile. Here are a few ways to make it stand out:

  • Photos: You can upload as many photos as you want on dating sites and apps, but make sure your main photo is bright, attractive, and preferably professional, with a close-up of your face. Don't be afraid of disappointing someone by using your best picture. If you use a dull or unclear one, the meeting might never happen.

  • Hooks: What should someone latch onto to avoid being boring when they message you? Include a question in your profile, offer a riddle, share interesting facts about yourself, or post a picture with a pet—this will engage potential matches and provide an easy conversation starter.

  • Interests: To find your kind of person quickly, list your main interests and lifestyle choices. Cycling, hiking, traveling in Europe, yoga, or snowboarding can help you find like-minded people without sifting through endless profiles.

Related articles: Dating Outside of Your Race


  • Precautions: Given the popularity and anonymity of dating sites, both genuine matches and scammers are present. It’s essential to keep a few safety rules in mind to avoid falling for any tricks.

  • Address: Never share your address on a dating site (after dating for six months, it may be a different story). Scammers often ask for addresses under the pretext of sending gifts, only to use this information for crimes like arranging a date and robbing your apartment while you're out.

  • Passport: This is a simple but common scam. After hearing the compliment, "You don't look your age," they ask for a picture of your passport to verify it. This is then used to take out fraudulent loans. Never share your passport details or take photos with it.

  • Married: Dating someone married is your personal choice, but if you want to avoid being part of an affair, be cautious of profiles without photos. If someone hides their appearance, it’s often because they don’t want to be recognized on the site, possibly because they are married. And there are plenty of profiles with photos to consider instead.


NO MEANS NO

Even after sharing a beautiful photo, crafting an interesting profile, finding a perfect match, engaging in fun correspondence, and going on a lovely date, you still might not be right for each other. You shouldn’t take it personally or try to "save" the connection by proving how awesome you are. The great thing about specialized sites is that if it doesn’t work out the first time, there are hundreds or even thousands of profiles—one of which could be your soulmate.

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