Online Dating

Isn’t it funny how times have changed?

Go and ask your parents or even your grandparents how they met. I can guarantee you that they will say something so simple like they met through friends, or a local youth club etc. I can tell you that my grandparents met in the war, and my parents met at a bar in Israel and then again in the middle of central London, randomly.

In 10-15 years, our generation of kids will be asking us how we met our partners and I am more than certain that around 80% of people will answer this… “We met on the internet.”

Some of my best friends met their partners on a social media platform be it Tinder, Okcupid or even Facebook and Instagram. I also met my boyfriend via social media.

But with this time change comes a fast paced world of internet dating. What was acceptable a year ago may not be now. You wouldn’t want to ruin your chances of meeting your future love by not being up to date with online dating etiquette.

So I have come up with a list of things in my opinion, can help you find the best match via social media.

• Steroid Steve & Bikini Belinda..
  Guys, if you have a picture tensing your muscles and showing off your abs in your bathroom mirror, we swipe left immediately. I am glad you are proud of that hot bod you have accomplished, but to us, you look like Steroid Steve who needs to take a good shit by that facial expression you are making. As for the ladies here, bikini pictures on your dating profile. Are you that boring that you cannot win a man with your intellect and humor that you must use your body? Don’t get me wrong, I am all about body positivity but you immediately have a man interested in your body and not your mind when you do that.
• Be Original
  For those who have been on the online dating carousel for a while will know how boring it gets when you receive the same messages over and over again. A simple “hi” or “hello” with not much more input becomes extremely tiring. Whilst it isn’t an actual issue, it shows you have not put much thought to the message and are probably messaging for the sake of it. If you want someone to be interested, be a bit more original to make sure your message gets noticed. You can do this by relating your first message to something on their profile or something in common, winner winner chicken dinner!
• Outdoor Life
  There is something so fresh about walks in a park or happy days near the ocean. A dating website called Zoosk recently did a study and found out that 19% of women responded more to guys with outdoor pictures. (I am one of the 19% – that got me!)
• The Secret Life of Pets
  When I used to use Tinder, I can honestly say that if a guy had a picture with his pet dog, I would swipe right. More so because I would imagine our little pups having play dates together and eating pasta like Lady and the Tramp. Knowing someone loves their pet or animals in general, shows a soft side to them and who doesn’t want someone that has a kind, passionate and sensitive side to them?
• Say Cheese!
  Smile people; please make sure you have at least one photo where you are smiling. What happens if you don’t? Someone will agree to a date with you, meet you and then when you smile you will show off your grimey gums and your date will all of a sudden have an emergency and have to leave. I am sure you can tell that this happened to me. Yes, tis true. I learnt after this experience that I only date people whose gums and teeth I can see in pictures. His gum disease was so tragic I sick burped! Plus, your eyes glisten when you smile and instantly make you more attractive.
• Hold Your Horses!
  How excited can someone be? I will tell you. “Hey you are so my type, wanna go for a drink tonight?” No no dear internet dater, relax. I may be your ‘type’ looks wise but what if we meet without talking beforehand and we find out we have nothing in common? Internet daters like to have a good conversation before meeting someone to see if there are common interests so you can become excited about the date. Also, those who quickly go for the ‘let’s go for a drink’ message basically want to get you drunk and get you in the sack!
• Honesty is the best policy!
  Divorced? Cool. Divorced with a kid? Not a problem. Be honest about it though. It is really hard to write a bio about yourself in the first place, but keep it simple and be honest. Once you start talking with someone, keep the honesty flowing. No point in lying because the other person will always end up finding out the truth and also, it is the right and decent thing to do. It is not fair to make someone interested in you to then tell them later on that actually you are divorced with 4 kids, not just 1. Yes, again, happened to me.
• No Essays!
  Keep your profile short. Whilst sitting on the loo having a swipe, no one wants to sit there and read your life story. Keep some mystery for the date itself – if you get there.

Don’t be afraid to be honest and true to yourself. You will not get far if you try to be something or someone you are not.
It may take time but stay with it. The right person will come along and like you for you.