5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Online Dating Experience

In the fast-moving, technology centered-world we live in, online dating has increasingly become the rule rather than the exception in the quest for finding love. We all know that love is a battlefield. Still, the constant barrage of societal expectations has only increased the pressure for singles to find and develop romantic attachments. It is debatable as to whether or not "swipe culture" has done more harm than good, but, as with all things, there are both pros and cons to online dating. While I don't claim to have a magic equation that will get you instantly "booed up," I have compiled a list of five practical ways for you to get the most out of your online dating experience and, hopefully, win at #relationshipgoals.

1.Know Your Market

If you're just looking for a quick, last-minute date for that party this weekend, then Tinder may be a viable option for you. However, if you hope to make a more serious connection, I would recommend looking elsewhere. You may feel like Tinderella, but I can guarantee you'll kiss many a frog before you find anything close to prince charming.

While there are certainly a few success stories out there, Tinder can be more of an online dating vending machine rather than a three-course meal. It's quick, cheap, and well-stocked, but you will still find yourself hungry for something more substantial down the road.

If you like Tinder's layout, but want something with a little more substance, I would recommend something like Bumble. With a similar price point and demographic, Bumble is a great place to connect on friendship, dating, and business levels. That's right, you can slide into DMs, find a bestie, and make money moves all in one place! The great thing about Bumble is that you can fill out preferences and answer questions about yourself to give a snapshot of who you are and what you're looking for. Did I mention that ladies have to make the first move? That's right, ladies, you're in the driver's seat here. Once a match is made, you have 24 hours to reach out to your match before they disappear forever.

Still not what you're looking for? Then perhaps it's time to invest in something like Match, eharmony, or Christian Mingle. While these services come at a higher price point, you get what you pay for in terms of what you invest in time and finances. Everyone on these there has taken the time to fill out detailed profiles to find a life partner.

2. Make A Good First Impression

Think of your online dating profile as the resume for your potential relationship. It is your first impression of a possible match. If you lie on the resume, you're probably going to get caught in the interview (date), or after you get the job (the relationship), so honesty is the best policy. This is not limited to what you write about yourself but also how you present yourself visually in photos. Try to show your most authentic self from various perspectives. This helps you to know when someone is liking you for who you are rather than a heavily filtered version of yourself. Try adding photos of yourself doing something you love, dressed up, dressed casually, and fully visible in the frame. Avoid bogging down your profile with group photos and selfies. If someone has to investigate to figure out which person you are, they are more likely to keep swiping. While one selfie is acceptable, I would suggest that you consider one to be the limit for your profile. We all know selfies can be deceiving, and no one likes to feel catfished.

3. Stop, Look, And Read Before You Swipe

At this point, you have taken the time to put effort into your profile. Assuming your potential match has done the same, take the time to review what he or she has written in their profile. It's easy to see a pretty face and be attracted, but swiping on a pretty face is a lot like impulse buying a big-ticket item. Just because something looks nice, doesn't mean you should buy it on impulse. Swipe culture has made it easy to commoditize love by providing a sense of instant gratification. Still, you have to remember that there is a living, breathing individual with real emotions on the other side of that screen. Get to know who they are and what they have shared about themselves before you swipe or like. It could save you time, trouble, and many awkward dates. Nobody wants a dead-end relationship, so make sure you have at least a few things in common.

4. Mapping Out The First Date

Location, location, location! I cannot stress this enough. Picking the right first date location can make or break your potential relationship. While a movie seems like a good idea, in theory, I would not recommend this on a first date unless you also plan on dinner. The problem with going to the movies is that they do not promote conversation. The conversation should be priority number one on your first date to get to know each other!

However, I still would not recommend dinner and a movie, as it can become quite expensive. While I am not against tradition, you may want to consider splitting the check on the first date no matter where you go. While I would hope that every date goes well, there are always a few duds, and sharing the cost will prevent any party from feeling cheated if the date doesn't go as planned.

I have found coffee dates to be a reliable go-to for a first date. It's relatively cheap, and there are always plenty of options, even if you don't drink coffee. If you or your date should decide to treat the other, it will only set you back a few bucks. Also, try supporting a local business by looking for a coffee shop unique to your area!

5. Be Safe, Be Smart

Unless you have a connection through mutual friends who can vouch for your date, it is likely in your best interest to choose a location in neutral territory. While, ideally, whoever you meet is a perfectly sweet and normal person, remember that they are still a stranger. Don't overshare personal information on the first date, like where you live or anything financially compromising. Be sure to let friends or family where you are and if any plans change. If you're really nervous, you can always invite a friend to tag along and hang out close by. Be vigilant for any red flags, and if at any point you feel uncomfortable, have a plan in place so that you can make a quick exit if necessary. Always trust your gut!

Putting yourself out there can be hard, but online dating doesn't have to be! While there are many opinions on succeeding at online dating, I hope these tips set you on the right track to finding your #relationship goals.

What tips and tricks have you learned from online dating?