Online Dating in a Hook-up Culture: Tips for Finding a Serious Relationship on Online Platforms
Online dating. Many people will tell you it is great or they will tell you not to waste your time. However, online dating gives you the ability to be open and honest about what you are looking for and helps you select people with the same intentions. Many online dating platforms such as Tinder are notorious for promoting hook-ups and low-commitment relationships. So which platforms and profiles are ones to consider when pursuing a committed, romantic relationship?
Before we get into platforms and profiles, let’s start with you. Your profile matters more than you know. If you are looking for a serious relationship––say it. Don’t be afraid to be bold. Put what you think a relationship is while keeping light-hearted information about who you are and what you like to do. Your personality and hobbies are important parts of finding a person who you can see yourself spending time with. Additionally, the photos you put also show what type of relationship you’re looking for. For example, a picture of you with friends at a bowling league or on at brunch shows that you are a social person who enjoys these specific activities. In the same way, pictures of you biking or hiking show that you value physical and outdoor activities. Carefully consider what you want someone to see about you and how you prefer to spend your time as a couple in the future. Post your personality and write your intentions.
Now, onto swiping on others’ profiles. Platforms such as Hinge and Bumble have settings that show what type of relationship people are looking for. Consider using these platforms and their settings to select people that are looking for serious relationships. Next, consider the person’s profile. Do this person’s profile pictures and account reflect what I want my life to look like? Does this person seem interesting to me? If you answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then message them! It is really that simple.
Once you reach the messaging phase, remember that it takes time to get to know someone. Messaging and dating people is a huge time suck. For some, it is worthwhile; for others, it is not. It typically takes three or four dates to really get beyond the nerves and get to know someone. Potential serious relationships take time and energy. Online dating slows this process down in some ways, but in other ways, it speeds it up. The paragraphs above show you how to take advantage of the ways that online dating speeds up the dating process. It also shows you how to attract and swipe right on the people you want to date.
Happy dating! See the article entitled ‘YEG Dates’ for ideas of great Edmonton-specific dates with your matches!
- Anonymously Submitted by a fellow Girl Gang Member