I know we’ve been on this dating matter for a bit, but sis, it is important. 2020 is our year, international virus or not! So, you’ve decided to use dating apps? Great! Question is, what comes next? There are unwritten rules and regulations that guide online dating. It is more than just swiping right on cute pictures and hooking up.
Personally, I don’t have a lot of experience with using online dating apps, but I asked a couple of my friends who have used dating apps for a while, including those who met their partners, husbands/wives through dating apps.
Here are some of the common things they told me
Don’t just swipe right!
You shouldn’t be swayed by a cute face only. Look through their profile, what are their hobbies? What is on their bio? Do you have common interests? Or would you be interested in trying out new things? An example, if someone’s bio says they love the outdoors, they go clubbing daily and you are a chronic couch potato, what are you doing swiping right? Or someone says they want lots of kids and you definitely don’t want kids, why are you swiping right? Since the ball is in literally in your courts, you’ve got to be intentional in choosing potential dates.
Get to know them on the app
I like to stress this one. After swiping right, use the app’s chat functions to get to know them. Don’t share personal information such as your email address, phone number and home address, there’s evil in this world. Listen to your intuition, ask questions, be convinced that you definitely want to spend time with them offline before agreeing to a date. (still don’t give your personal information).
The first time I used a dating app I was foolish enough to give a little personal information way too early. By the time I decided I didn’t want to be friends with the said person anymore, he almost became a stalker. Dark times I tell you.
Meet in a familiar place
You like the person, you want to meet offline, great. Go to a place you are very comfortable in. If possible, have a restaurant/ cafe where you bring all your first dates. For timing, I like to do daytime because I am not a night owl at all.
Tell your family/friends your whereabouts
Since we were children this has always been drummed into our ears, and I’ll say it one more time. Please don’t just go for dates without letting at least two people know of your whereabouts. Give out the details of the person, the place you are meeting and if you use a cab, share your ride, also.
We’ve heard too many cases of women who disappeared on dates. Be safe. After meeting the person, you can decide if you want to spend some more time with them. You don’t have to rush this process. Take your time. If you want to hang out again, then give phone numbers, if you don’t, don’t be afraid to swipe left on them. Bye, on to the next one
I am aware that life doesn’t always happen in black and white like this, there are a lot of grey areas and that depends on you. My advice is always to listen to your intuition and go with the flow
Stay safe out there ladies.