Getting dates online is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. When you use online dating apps or sites, you want to make sure that you stand out for all the right reasons. Having a strong profile backed by quality photos, and communicating respectfully with your matches will improve your chances of dating success.
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Post good-quality photos
Your photos should communicate that you’re fun, interesting, active and worth getting to know, so only post clear, high-quality, well-lit, unedited photos of yourself (preferably alone and without your ex). Don’t use filters, which can be distracting, and leave out the baby and childhood photos and any photos that make you look angry, moody, pretentious or vain. Choose several of your best snaps from recent months or years – these may include selfies as well as holiday, party and outdoor/active snaps.
Looking to update your photo stash? Book an indoor photography session at the Photography Studio & Dark Room at SAFRA Toa Payoh.
Write a catchy profile
Your profile should make you sound friendly, warm, approachable and authentic. Keep it short – no more than a couple of paragraphs – and avoid negative tones. Don’t be afraid to throw a joke or two in there. Be honest and humble in describing yourself, and give specific examples about, say, your favourite food or holiday destination, to give potential dates a better insight into who you are. Avoid cliches like “I work hard and play hard” and “I enjoy romantic walks on the beach” – such lines are common and won’t help your profile stand out. Before you hit “Submit”, check for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Remember to update your profile regularly – this will help the app find more compatible matches for you.
Always be respectful and polite
When communicating with your matches, try not to pry or get too personal, and remember to respect their boundaries. Flirting is fine but avoid discussing anything of a sexual nature. It’s okay to compliment them, too, but be specific – for instance, if you like what a match is wearing in one of her photos, tell her she has amazing style. As long as your compliments are sincere, they’re bound to make her feel special. Whether you’re on the phone or texting each other, avoid talking about yourself the whole time; ask her questions to show that you’re interested in what she has to say.
Give your matches a chance
Be open-minded about your matches, even the ones who don’t seem to be your “type”. If you find someone with an attractive personality but whom you don’t feel a strong physical chemistry with, give her a chance anyway. Establish a friendship with her first and see where it takes you. After all, the best relationships aren’t based on superficial qualities, but rather, shared values and a strong emotional connection. In addition, the more experience you get communicating with different types of women, the better you’ll be at figuring out what you’re looking for in a date.
Look your best for your date
So, you’ve finally arranged to meet your match in person. Remember to relax, have fun and enjoy yourself and let the outing unfold organically. Think about what topics you can talk about, based on your previous conversations, and try to be positive, open-minded and confident.
Once you’ve got the date locked in, work on looking your best. Get your skin in tip-top shape with skincare products from Lookfantastic and invest in a new outfit or two. Ethan Men offers wrinkle-resistant, easy-to-care-for tailored menswear, while Zalora stocks trendy apparel, shoes and accessories from over 3,000 international and local labels.
Still deciding where to take your date? Dining outlets like Spruce, Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria and KPO Cafe Bar are dishing up some excellent deals and discounts for SAFRA members and 11B Holders.
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