Dating Etiquette
Online Dating Etiquette: 5 Rules You Must Adhere To
Finding and attracting the right individuals on dating apps isn’t always easy-peasy. Especially in this day and age when these apps are becoming a more popular means for people to meet for serious relationships, hookups, and even so-called friends with benefits (FWB).
You’ve probably seen the diversity of the dating pool if you’ve spent time browsing through one. While some keep their profiles simple, others include as much information about themselves as possible.
If, like many others, you’ve been struggling to find love via the murky seas of online dating, you should at least be prepared to have sufficient online dating etiquette.
Things to Keep in Mind When Seeking Love Online
Knowing the following can help you connect with more people online, have stimulating conversations, and meet possible partners in person safely:
Don’t Be Inauthentic
With so many people trying to win others’ affections, I’m aware of how tempting it can be to try to please someone specifically. However, there’s no need to go overboard by pretending to be someone you’re not.
According to a 2024 survey on authenticity and being true to oneself, over 90% of Gen Z daters consider authenticity to be important when choosing a partner. Four out of five also say they prefer people who accept their flaws.
To avoid causing problems in the future, the best thing you can do is be honest. If you don’t want to share certain aspects of your life with strangers, that’s fine. Instead of lying, you can leave that information out until it is more pertinent.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
People enjoy questions because it encourages them to talk more about themselves and makes them like the person asking. It also shows that you’re really trying to get to know them.
Ask about the simple things, like how their day is going or what they had for breakfast. You can also use the details they provided in their profile as a basis for your questions. The questions don’t have to be serious; they can be lighthearted, absurd, or even humorous. Either way, they will provide a wealth of information about the individual you’re speaking with.
Asking thoughtful or thought-provoking questions can set the foundation for something deeper if that’s what you’re searching for. Or, it can leave someone with a smile on their face and some food for thought after you’ve parted ways.
Don’t Play With Response Time
As tempting as it may be, it’s important to avoid playing games when it comes to communication. An example is purposefully postponing answers to avoid coming across as needy or because they responded to you an hour later.
One good factor to take into account is that you may not reside in the same time zone as them. For example, you signed up for an Asian online dating service while you’re living somewhere in the West. The person you matched with also has her own life or she may be preoccupied with her job.
Use the same “timings” as you would with a friend, which is probably when you have time and something to say.
Keep Things Polite
Being sensitive and courteous in your first interactions is crucial. Asking for inappropriate pictures could instantly remove you from the list of possible suitors, so don’t even try.
Be careful to ask first and respect someone’s answer because it’s important to comprehend that some people simply don’t love sexting or don’t find it enjoyable. Personally, it’s best to keep those spicy chats for later down the line or until after you’ve met in person.
Ask Them Out
There’s no better way to truly get to know someone than to ask them out and see them in person. This doesn’t have to happen right away because it’s more crucial that you two become comfortable with one another.
However, try to keep your online chats brief because not everyone wants a pen pal forever. Tell your match you’ve been enjoying your conversation and that you’re intrigued and at ease enough to want to meet up in person. Then, encourage them to share their feelings with you and move from there.
If some of these online dating etiquette rules seem a too much or difficult, then maybe internet love is not for you. These are for people who want to establish a connection with others online. Don’t be too hard on yourself, though. The love you deserve could still be right around the corner.
Reference:
HILY. (2024). “Gen Z and Authenticity Study: Is Online Dating Making Us Less Authentic?”. Dropbox.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5vlptcbag9j31l3zmox8i/AL4fu1wpiF0aC1s7qZozZU8?e=2&preview=Gen+Z+and+Authenticity+Study+by+HILY+.pdf&rlkey=4xjrfx1vmdkeu61sx9d2ivsmk&st=o10osge0&dl=0
