The Online Dating Survival Guide for 2020

Your on-again, off-again relationship has finally become permanently just a memory. And now that you’ve become accustomed to having dates on the weekend, you find yourself with no dates, no prospects and very little to do. Hanging with friends doesn’t sound too exciting, and you’re just not into the bar or singles scene. So, what should you do?

Your friends are encouraging you to try online dating, but you haven’t done it before and you’re just not sure how to go about it. Well, there are a lot of reasons people try online dating, and if you’re currently not attached to someone, it’s the perfect time to try. If you’re new to online dating, there are some things you should know – and some things to watch out for as you begin your journey.

Without realising it, people tell you a lot about themselves without even saying a word. It’s how they text or email, and what topics they bring up. For example, if you’re on a dating site or app and someone starts talking about sex, that’s a signal to say “adios” and move on to someone else. It’s just not appropriate to bring this up before you even meet, and if that’s what they’re looking for, have them look somewhere else.

 

The Advantages of Online Dating

Many dating sites have rating or scoring systems to see if you’re a match with someone. This is a good thing, and when you use one of these sites, you get to be choosy! Make sure you share common interests with the person and use the site’s scoring system to ensure that you’re at least a 60% match with that person. Anything less and you are probably just wasting your time.

 

Know Who You’re Talking to

One of the downsides of online dating is that some people put up a profile that isn’t really accurate or use names and photos that hide their real identity. One of the ways you can be sire to stay safe when you’re online is to know exactly whom you’re talking to or communicating with.

Perhaps the best way to do this is to use Nuwber, an online tool that will reveal a person’s true identity by using their name, email address or their phone number. Let’s say you do a search on Nuwber and it doesn’t match with who they say they are – what should you do? Delete any and all communications and correspondence with them and notify the dating site. You’ll be doing others a huge favor by exposing the fake, and you will be saving yourself a lot of potential problems. Here’s another thing: if they do match up, you can then use Nuwber to get additional info on that person, like any social media profiles, police records and other key data.

If the person has posted a photo and they look like they just stepped out of a magazine ad, check them out to be sure it’s really their photo. You can use a service like TinEye to search the web for images that match the person or go to images.google.com and click on the photo icon. Upload their image and then check out the search results. You may be pleasantly surprised or bitterly disappointed.

Examine their profile with a fine-tooth comb. This is key, because hidden in all that prose are tips on who that person really is. So, don’t just skim a profile, really read it. See what they say about themselves and if any red flags appear, move on!

 

Watch for These Key Warning Signs

Sadly, there are some people who use online dating sites to scam people who are really interested in meeting a new potential dating partner. If you know the key warning signs, you can avoid heartbreak and heartaches as well.

One warning sign is how they come on to you – if it’s too fast, run away! Nobody falls in love with you after a few texts or emails! You use these sites to get to know the other person, and if they profess their love for you say goodbye quickly and firmly!

Another warning sign is when they ask for money. You may get a sob story about a sick sister or mother, or you may hear about how they just lost their job and that they’d really like to fly out and meet you. Wish them well, but keep your checkbook closed!

Here’s another one that scammers like to use: “let’s take our conversation private.” Don’t do it! The dating site has rules for your protection, and one of those rules is not to go offline with your conversations. If at any time the person makes you feel uncomfortable with what they’re suggesting, end it. Fast!

You can check out the Online Dating Association’s recommendations for online dating. Most legitimate dating websites follow their rules and recommendations, and for your safety and security, so should you!

By following these simple rules, you’ll have a safe, enjoyable experience and could end up meeting the person of your dreams.