Effective Online Dating: The 5 Golden Rules

Stuck in a dating rut, or simply don’t know where to begin? Here are five key tips to help you navigate the online dating wilderness, and create more meaningful connections. Effective online dating is possible - if you play by the rules.

More people will meet their partner online than offline if current trends continue. Indeed, 2037 has been pinpointed as the year when the majority of babies in the UK will be born to parents who met via the internet - so it’s easy to see why as many as 48% of singles are keen to take a dip into the online dating pool.

But it’s a jungle out there - and thanks to so many daters behaving badly, the journey from singleton to ‘plus one’ has become even more daunting.

So here are five of our top tips that can help to put you on the right trajectory from the offset.

1.) Find the right platform.

If you’re serious about finding a great relationship, then you need to be looking in the appropriate place. Sure, Tinder might be the perfect platform for casual hook-ups - but if you choose to step into the circus, you can’t complain when all you find are clowns.

Do your research, and select a dating community whose ethos, rules, long-term goals and values are aligned with your own.

2.) Invest your time wisely.

When it comes to searching for your future partner, dating should be seen as a worthwhile investment. Your profile is your shop window; your opportunity to tell prospective partners who you are.

Incomplete or ‘lazy’ profiles might suggest that you’re either too busy, or not serious enough to commit to the process.

3.) Be honest.

This is vital when it comes to dating. Don’t be tempted to lie or exaggerate in your bio, or use filtered, out-dated pictures – even if this may help you to gain more swipes or likes initially. Behaviour like this is misleading and can cause more serious issues later down the line – for example, when you come to meet in person.

Start as you mean to go on to ensure honest, open communication where trust is ensured from the very beginning.

4.) Be proactive.

If you are interested in someone, then take ownership and act upon it. Do send that message – what have you got to lose? And do put some thought and effort into your interactions by showing that you have read their profile and are genuinely interested.

You’ll miss 100% of the shots your don’t take!

5.) Be thorough.

Stop and look at all photos properly, be patient and have realistic expectations. It’s important that you know how to screen people and are aware of how to identify red flags.

Only swipe on people you can actually see yourself wanting to go on a date with - don't just select profiles that seem 'okay' based on looks. Think quality over quantity, and trust your gut feeling.

Your time is precious, and so is your energy - so remember not to waste these commodities and know that the right person will be worth waiting for.

Don’t give up. Believe that the right person is out there, and that by focusing on what you truly want, you will ultimately be lead to the person you are meant to be with. Take online dating one click at a time.

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