So it’s worth giving it the ol' college try.

Different dating apps cater to different kinds of people.

Online dating works best when you actually know what you’re looking for.

Kelly Gonsalves

Are you interested in finding a committed relationship?

Or are you more interested incasual datingand sex?

Or maybe you’re just looking to meet interesting new people?

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Set a clear intention for what you’re looking for.

Focus on matching with people who actually align with your dating goals.

Write a profile that mirrors what you want.

Put some thought into your profile!

If you’re mostly looking for fun and laughs, a short and witty profile might be perfect.

Relationship therapistRhonda Milrad, LCSW, notes that it’s OK if your profile doesn’t speak to everyone.

“Write a selective and well-tailored profile,” shewrites at mbg.

Use clear photos of your face, ideally smiling.

It’s good to have a variety of photos of yourself on your dating profile.

Smiling photos tend to appeal to most peopleit makes you seem approachable and fun.

“ensure that your photos are current and realistic,” Milrad adds.

Send messages freely.

But you’re not going to meet anyone until you actually engage.

You already know there’s mutual interest.)

Write an interesting opener.

eHarmony.com

Don’t bother with people who aren’t interested in you.

If someone doesn’t respond to your first message or two, leave them alone.

Respect their time and accept their rejection.

There are plenty of fish in this online sea.

Don’t bite off more than you’ve got the option to chew.

“Set a limit for how many people you will be dating at once.

It is difficult and time-consuming to manage the dating process with multiple people,” Milrad says.

“If you start to feel consumed, exhausted, or discouraged, take a break.

Delete all your apps and cleanse for at least 30 days.

It’s OK to take a break every once in a while.

It doesn’t mean you’ve given up completely.

You’re just giving yourself a chance to reset.”

Be honest and transparent.

Let people get to know you!

Get into real conversations with people, ask them about their lives, and tell them about yours.

Authenticity and vulnerability are what will help you form real relationships.

Meet up as soon as you feel comfortable.

“You want to be face-to-face with someone as quickly as possible.

“You’re not here for a pen pal.

Define the relationship.

“it’s possible for you to’t have real relationships and meaningful connections without vulnerability,” she writes.

Be patient.

These things take time.

You might not meet someone for your first couple months of online dating, and that’s OK. Be patient, keep engaging, and stay positive.

And don’t forget to have fun!

That’s what dating’s all about.

While that all might sound a little unnerving, know that online dating has becoming incredibly mainstream today.

Among those under age 30, that number jumped to one in five.

Personalized messages are much more likely to get a response than short one-liners.

“Don’t just write ‘hi’ or ‘hey!'”

licensed therapistJaime Bronstein, LCSW, previously told mbg.

If you want a response, you oughta put some effort into youropening line.”

FAQ:

How can I increase my chances of meeting someone online?

How do you start a conversation on a dating site?

Ask an open-ended question that catches attention and sparks some curiosity.

From there, be patient and let the right person find you.

Release your expectations, dont expect results right away, and enjoy the process.