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Ready to dive back into the dating pool? You’ve probably heard online dating referred to as a cesspool. For me, it’s more like a dating ocean, complete with beautiful tropical fish, plenty of blowfish, and yes, the occasional shark.
Some areas of the ocean are dark. You can’t see the bottom but everyone else is jumping in so you jump in too.
Other areas are crystal clear, luring you into its sandy waters. You can’t even see the jellyfish…
With all of that going on, how do you pick a dating app that’s right for you? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size fits all approach. There are a few questions you need to ask yourself.
Do you know what you are looking for?
This is really an important piece of the puzzle. So many single people are out there in the dating ocean, searching for someone, but they have no idea who that person is.
You may not be looking for “someone”. You may just be looking to meet new people and make friends. You may be looking to date. You may be looking for some mental stimulation. Or you may be looking for a physical encounter.
No matter what you’re looking for, there’s an app for that!
What are your friends using?
My friends have used all kinds of different platforms, and we all still ask each other, “What apps are you on?” Be sure to ask around. What has worked for your single friends may not work for you, but it’s definitely a great starting point.
Does the app’s purpose represent who you are?
There are niche apps out there for specific users. You can find an app to match you with people from similar careers, lifestyles, religions… The list goes on.
It’s probably not a good idea to sign up for an app dedicated to farmers if you’re interested in living a more urban lifestyle. Farmers are up early taking care of farm business and if you like to sleep in, you probably won’t match well with someone who is up early to feed the chickens and milk the cows.
Same with religion-based dating apps. If you aren’t practicing the religion they are dedicated to, it’s best to not even go there. The people on those apps are looking for people within the same religion. There’s no need to waste someone’s time.
Where do you want to date?
Most people prefer to meet people locally, but others are willing to date long-distance. There are dating sites that will match you with people in other states, or outside a typical dating radius. Most apps also allow you to set distance so it’s possible to date someone who lives far away.
Does your dating app profile really show who you are?
This is a pretty important piece of the puzzle. Most apps are picture driven, but you also need the opportunity to tell the dating community what an amazing person you are! Can you do that in a limited space? All apps have their constraints, but there should be room for you to express who you are in written format, as much as through photos.
Finally, download an app and try it on for size.
It’s probably going to feel like work, and it is. I mean, look at how much work we put into our careers. You have to have the right resume to get an interview for that job. Your dating profile is your dating resume and the first opportunity for you to make a great impression.