Whether you like it or hate it, you can’t ignore the fact that online dating is here to stay. Filtering through potential daters, flirting with strangers, liking random profiles, starting up conversations, etc. is the new norm in dating. Although it can get a little hairy sometimes, free online dating sites offer you hundreds of possible love interests right at your fingertips.
If you are new to the entire online dating scene, don’t need to be intimidated by the response. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you navigate free online dating sites like a pro:
Do’s
• Be honest
Be honest with your profile by uploading recent pictures and an honest description of yourself. Make sure your profile is flattering, detailed, and eye-catching. Make sure that all the information about yourself that you give out is true. This way people can know exactly what to expect when they meet you so that you can connect with people who are genuinely interested in your personality.
• Meet in a public place
This one’s pretty obvious but it’s better to bring it up just to make sure. You’ll have plenty of time to Netflix and chill if you two hit it off, but don’t ever invite someone you hardly know over to your house or go over theirs. It’s imperative that if you meet someone in person whom you’ve only known from a free online dating site, your first date must happen in a public place to ensure your safety.
• Control your booze
Alcohol doesn’t assault people. People assault people. That said, all of us know that from experience that alcohol lowers your inhibitions and makes it difficult to be aware of your surroundings. So, when you meet someone whom you’ve only known from a free online dating site, make sure you have a great time but keep a count on the number of drinks you have. Instead of gulping down beer after beer, try sticking to a single glass of wine.
• Be safe
Take things slowly and be safe in your free online dating site endeavors. Establish certain boundaries when it comes to online dating. If they look great in their profile picture doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a good human being. We understand that it’s easy to get swept off your feet in the excitement of new opportunities but take things slowly.
Don’ts
• Don’t let your date pick you up
Having your online date pick you up for your first date is a horrible idea. Not only you’ll be giving a stranger your address but you’ll also be in a car with a stranger. While it may sound romantic to share a ride with someone, it's always ideal to either take an Uber or take public transportation instead. You can always drive yourself to the date and it might come handy as a quick getaway if things get weird with your date.
• Don’t go solo
Always let your friends or family members know your whereabouts when you plan to go on dates with strangers. Tell your best friend about the first date and ask them to check up on you via a phone call. It’s always good to let people who are close to you to know about your whereabouts when you hang out with strangers. Give all the proper information about where you are going, who you’re going with and when you expect to be home. Give them the information about your date such as their phone number and name.
• Don’t get stuck
Seeing multiple people isn’t bad when you are using a free online dating site. Just be true to yourself and everyone you are seeing. Don’t pin all your hopes on one person and have a few upcoming dates lined up.
