Over the past couple years, as online dating has grown in popularity, it’s grown in a lot of other ways too. The apps we use have changed, the way we communicate has changed, and the social norms have changed too. Technology moves fast and, as a result, so does the way we use it. If you’re single trying to online date, it can be hard to keep up at times. That’s why we went straight to the source and asked single men and women who are online dating to give each other some online dating tips about what they’d like to see from each other.
We already gave the guys their online dating tips from women, so now it’s your turn ladies. We surveyed over 3,000 men on the online dating site and app and asked them about their experiences and what their top online dating tips for women are. What we got was some great insight and some short but sweet tips you can start using right away.
1. “Do what feels right for you.”
2. “Don’t be so quick to judge, there are a lot of choices out there especially with a dating site. And if you judge someone negatively after the first lull in a conversation, you may just be passing up Mr. Right.”
3. “Any pictures you post, especially your main photo, shouldn’t hide your face or body. Be proud of you. Show yourself. Post pictures of you!”
4. “It helps if you provide a conversation starter in your profile. I think we’d both prefer that I ask about your career or a hobby over a generic, ‘Hey, you’re cute’ message.”
5. “Figure out what matters most to you in life, then find someone who has matching priorities.”
6. “If you’re viewing someone several times a day/week, don’t be afraid to say something. You might lose out by remaining silent, because we’re not sure if you’re really interested, or just passing by.”
7. “Be yourself. You’re not trying to win a man, you’re trying to find the right fit together.”
8. “Don’t rush things, of course. Though we’re all looking for a special someone, it’s more fun when you don’t try looking but rather stumble right onto it. I know it’s ironic that I’m saying this about a dating site, but I’m really just looking for a good conversation before anything else.”
9. “Using more emoticons while online is really helpful. Sometimes it’s hard to read into the meaning of a conversation via a text chat.”
10. “Don’t be afraid to be the first one to say hi. We really appreciate it.”
11. “If all a guy can start off with is hi, don’t blow him off because he’s not blowing your mind with the most amazing greeting you’ve ever read. Give him a little patience and a moment to open up. You could be ignoring someone that just needs a moment to get the pleasantries out of the way.”
12. “Many of the things you look for in a relationship, a man is looking for as well. Things that you like, men like: compliments, engaging conversation, eye-contact, all of it.”
13. “Some of the best guys in the world don’t know how to interact with women but have so much to offer. So be kind to the shy guys.”
14. “Be a little flirty and go for it!”
15. “Try to limit any talk about exes, unless someone makes a direct inquiry.”
16. “Make plans too. Don’t rely on the man to make all the decisions.”
17. “Be understanding. Many guys are dense as doorknobs and you have to be direct with them.”
18. “Use pictures of yourself doing the things you say you do. For example, instead of saying you like to walk on the beach, have a picture.”
19. “Most men are poor at picking up the subtle cues, so some explicit direction is sometimes needed for us to make those early connections.”
20. “Focus on what you want in your profile, not on what you don’t want.”
21. “If you like a guy’s profile, then go ahead and message him, even if it’s just to say that you liked his profile.”
22. “Spend some time trying to get to know someone by asking questions about him. In our culture a lot of people make quick judgements and move on without truly getting to know someone.”
23. “Don’t be afraid to go somewhat deep in your conversation.”
24. “If the person is within the scope of what you’re looking, spend some time and see how it goes with no pressure.”
25. “Be open to new things and new kinds of men. You may be surprised.”
26. “Don’t put in your profile that you want ‘to be treated like a princess,’ that you are ‘high maintenance but worth it,’ or that you ‘want to be spoiled.’ It can come across as selfish instead of confident.”
27. “Don’t use a photograph with other people in it, especially men.”
28. “Stop with the one word answers. It’s hard to keep a conversation going.”
29. “Don’t be too shy. When you’re chatting online or texting it sounds like you aren’t interested.”
30. “Keep it simple and don’t try to learn everything about each other in the first conversation.”