How to Use Tinder

I’m not going to lie. I use, Tinder, like most people, for three reasons:

1. To find a relationship
2. To find sex
3. To find all of the above

For those of you who aren't up to speed yet, Tinder is an online dating app. You can download it from the App Store or Google play for free. It links to your Facebook account (but don’t worry, it’s safe), and searches for users near you based on your location, because how annoying would it be to find a match in another country and not being able to meet them! You can swipe right if you like a profile, or swipe left if you don’t, but no worries, she’ll never know. You can even "Super like" someone to show you’re really interested. If you both like each other, you can start a conversation on Tinder’s chat. You can choose the pictures you post and the distance, sex, and age range you want.

FYI: The app has been downloaded 100 million times during the period of three years. There are 26 million daily matches on Tinder, and 85 percent of the app's users are between the ages of 18 and 34.

Meeting someone online, chatting for a while, and going on a date sounds crazy. While my best friend tells me it’s dangerous (fake profiles, rapists), most of my girl friends have gone out on dates with nice men, found their boyfriends, or just met really nice and outgoing people. I’ve already been on two super fun dates, found an old childhood neighbor who happens to be my neighbor again, and have had the awkward moment of finding my ex boyfriend and my brother. But, why not give it a shot?

Shhh…I’ll tell you a secret! The first profiles Tinder suggests have usually already liked you, so probably you’ll have a match if you swipe right on them.

Why You Should Tinder

Registering is easy and fast.All you need to do is sign in with your Facebook account. Tinder will randomly select three of your profile pictures, but you can modify them later. You can also set the distances between you and your match (it gives you 40 mile range by default), age range, and you’re set to go!

It is actually very entertaining, similar to Instagram. It has a simple design and it’s user friendly. As soon as you have your account ready, you’ll get the feeling of it. You browse between pictures of possible candidates and indicate whether you like them or not. You just swipe to the left if you don’t like them and voilà!

The information provided isn’t much, but it’s enough! You’ll only be able to view six photos, a small biography, Facebook friends in common, or pages you’ve both liked. If you want to know more, ask!

You can only speak if you both have liked each other.This is a great feature! To get the picture, I’ve swiped left on around 200 guys (not exaggerating), but I’ve only liked eight of them, and matched with four.

Its up to you if you want to start or end a conversation.If it gets awkward, you can "unmatch" your candidate and won’t be able to speak to them anymore. Or rather, they wont be able to speak to you anymore. Don’t go crazy on the swiping, only like the ones you find the most interesting. If not they’ll just go on the Tinder limbo and stay there for the rest of the apps life.

Golden Rules

Know what you’re looking for.Whether you’re looking for a relationship or just a hook up, base your decisions on this goal. If your candidate’s profile picture is clearly sexual and you have no common interests but you're looking for a significant other, it probably isn’t a good idea to like her. If you’re looking for sex, swipe right.

Careful with your pictures! Selfies, please don’t! They give the impression that you have no friends to take your picture, or that you’re egocentric and narcissist. Tinder is based on your photos and most people don’t spend more than 3 seconds to make a decision.

Consider these tips:

• Selfies are okay if you’re a woman. Men, don’t even think about it.
• Don’t choose group photos. Few people take the time to find out which one you are, they all assume you’re the ugly one and it shows you’re insecure.
• Although the app is based on "looks," leave something to the imagination. Don’t show your abs.
• Kids, mascots, or friends of the opposite sex: keep them out of the picture!
• Unless you’re a transformer, don’t post picture of cars or other objects.

Have a catchy bio.Although it’s optional, it’s a must. Don’t use this space to gripe about the type of women you’re not looking for ("swipe left if you’re ugly"). Remember that you control who can match with you, so there’s no need to list what you don’t want. Make it about you. Keep it short, simple, and friendly.

Speak up! If you already liked each other, start the conversation. Don’t play hard to get. Like in "real life," men usually take the first step. Also, don’t wait two hours to write back. During those two hours she probably has spoken to three other people, who she has also matched with, and you just lost your shot.

The first talk.This should go without saying, but be flirty and friendly, rather than hostile and defensive. She can always just unmatch you. Ask questions to show you’re interested, and keep the conversation flowing.

Tips:

• Use a unique opening line.
• Ask lots of questions to get to know your part and direct the conversation.
• Be available, but not too available.
• Move the conversation off Tinder.

Plan an emergency exit.Don’t talk for weeks before meeting each other, you’ll probably get bored. Four days is a good time lapse to get to know one another. Also, meet in a public place, like a restaurant, coffee shop, or bar, so if it doesn’t go as planned, you can just leave. Don’t tell her to come to your house, unless you’re only looking for sex and you’ve spoken about it.

My Conclusions on Tinder

Normal people use it. It’s not easy meeting someone, especially if you’re from a different city or country. Tinder is a good way to connect with people who share your interests and hobbies.

There are stereotypes. In the case of men, it’s very obvious. Men love posting pictures about extreme sports, showing their airbrushed six packs, driving a Ferrari, or partying. On the other hand, women love editing their pictures. Never trust Instagram filters! Move the conversation off Tinder and ask for selfies.

All your friends are using it. There is a high probability that most of your friends are on Tinder. I’ve seen it! This could seem embarrassing, and probably some of my friends have seen me, but it also means I know who they hang out with.

The Facebook pages they like speak about them. Books, movies, places, they’re more important than you think. If she likes Justin Bieber or Donald Trump, unmatch her.

Chatting is boring, be fast! I’ve only had two conversations on Tinder, and they’ve both been successful. The first one was about museums and the second one about music. However, chatting with strangers has a limit (in my case, no more than 24 hours). It can become quite boring. If you really like each other, you’ll feel the connection right away. Call me crazy, but I can tell if someone likes me by how many "hahaha's" and emoji’s they send.

Tips for Men from an Anonymous Tinder Girl

Which profiles do you most notice?Honestly, I only like guys who look cute. It’s the only reference I have about them. And since it’s linked to Facebook, I stalk them!

What makes you "swipe left"?Three things make me unlike them:

1. If they only have one photo, it’s probably a fake profile.
2. When they wear shades in every picture, ugh, show me your eyes!
3. When they only have group photos and you don’t which one he is, but probably the ugliest one.

What do women notice on Tinder?Looks!

Your advice for men…Be straight forward, but be nice. No one likes a douchebag.

What’s your favorite thing on Tinder?Getting to choose the distance between us. Who knows? Maybe they’re in the same bar or restaurant as me!

Sex or relationship?Some of my friends have found boyfriends on Tinder. I’ve met a really good male friend, and have had three successful one night stands.

Where do you prefer meeting?I like bars on a Friday night. Nothing too romantic, but it sets the right mood. It’s less awkward than going to a fancy restaurant and debating about who will pay the expensive dinner.

Once you’ve matched with someone, how do you set a date?I’m not sure if you should see each other on the first day. But don’t wait too long. If you don’t like him, it’s best if you find out soon, or keep on 'Tindering.'