Jumping back into the dating pool is easier than ever these days. Thanks to the internet, the world of dating is available at your fingertips. From apps to online dating sites, virtual options seem great to find eligible singles in your area.
Potential fun may be beckoning, but take a beat before you dive in. There are a few things to do before you leave your isolated flat and head to the bar. After all, it’s been a while since pre-pandemic times. You may need a few reminders. Here are seven steps you should take before you decide to restart online dating.
Get on Birth Control
Step one before opening that dating app: get your contraceptives. Of all the mishaps that could happen while casually dating, becoming pregnant is probably one of the scariest. To ensure this doesn’t happen, use contraceptives. It’s time to get on birth control if you aren’t on it already.
The pandemic is losing steam in the United States. This may make you reflect on everything you’ve been letting fall by the wayside. Visits to doctors could be one of these things. Especially since making those appointments can be such a pain.
Thankfully, there is an easier way to get birth control. Futuristic health and wellness companies like Nurx offer birth control online. To get it sent right to your door, all you need is to complete a health questionnaire online, and a provider will review and help you find the right option for your lifestyle. This is ideal since dragging your feet to see a doctor isn’t the best reason to get pregnant.
Decide What You Want
When you feel ready to date, think long and hard about what your end goal is. Do you want to date casually? Or are you looking for something serious? Sure, going into it with an open mind is great. But being open to possibilities and being completely unsure of what you want are two different things.
If you’re unsure, it may come across like you’re not ready to date at all. You might even end up hurting yourself and others. If you feel a bit clueless when it comes to dating, read a book about relationships. It might even teach you something about yourself. Being over prepared in this case is definitely not a bad thing.
Get Healthy
Be energetic, healthy, and confident when you enter the dating scene, eat right, and exercise. The right person will love you for you, flaws and all. But your health isn’t about anyone else, and it’s about you. Getting healthy will improve your quality of life and improve your self-confidence. Both of which will improve your dating game anyway.
Exercise
When it comes to exercise, don’t overdo it. Just because you’re ready to “Netflix and Chill” doesn’t mean you have to be ready for a swimsuit competition. The important thing is that you find a way to get moving and stay moving. Any activity is better than none. Not only will you look good, but you’ll feel good since exercise has mental health benefits.
Eat Right
Usually, you don’t need to overhaul your diet to eat better completely. Before you dip your toes in the dating waters, add healthier foods to your diet. Vegetables and whole grains do more for you than improve your figure. Healthy foods make you feel great too. Look up healthy recipes, and incorporate more whole foods into your diet. You’ll feel great!
Decrease Your Stress
Everyone deals with stress to some degree, and online dating can add to those feelings. The best thing you can do is proactively address stress. Find ways to relax now so that you don’t feel overwhelmed later.
Thankfully, finding coping techniques for stress can be as simple as opening a dating app. You can download an app for stress, like Sanvello, and be on your way to relaxation. Put the stress app by your dating one as a reminder to practice techniques. Get familiar with these apps now. By the time you start dating, they’ll be a part of your daily routine.
Don’t Waste Your Time.
If you’re spending too much time talking to someone via messenger, you can end up exhausted. Set boundaries for yourself early on. Make rules that prioritize you and your needs, and stick to them.
One of your rules should be about the length of time you’re willing to wait before meeting someone in person. It might be fun to flirt via messenger, but it’s probably not as fulfilling as the real deal. After chatting with someone for a couple of weeks, ask to meet up for a coffee date.
If you meet someone who piques your interests, casual date in a public place is a good idea. You can determine if the relationship is worth your time. Plus, it’s the safest option.
Meeting someone, you don’t know can seem risky. However, if you never meet in person, you also run the risk of getting catfished. Make sure someone isn’t lying about who they are. Only then can you start building a foundation for a relationship.
Pick the Right Site
Nowadays, there are a lot of dating sites out there. Certain ones might be better for you depending on your values, beliefs, and interests. For example, if you know you want a long-term commitment, don’t waste time on an app made for hook-ups.
Since there are so many options, you might not know where to start. That’s why knowing your values and goals is important. Figure out your dating priorities, and then search for a platform that espouses the same ones.
You don’t have to limit yourself to picking an app based on the length of your ideal relationship, either. There are dating sites best suited for certain age groups. And certain sites are better for beginners. Struggling to find time to think about dating? There are even dating apps for busy people.
Whatever your relationship goals, finding the right dating app will increase your likelihood of success.
Craft Your Perfect Profile
Last but not least, once you’ve picked the site you want to join, craft your perfect profile. Generally, profiles don’t require too much time. However, they can have a major impact on your dating success.
Upload about five good photos of yourself. It may be painful for you to spotlight yourself. But you’ll need to squash your impulse to hide. For the most part, these photos shouldn’t include others.
Then get cracking on your bio. Let your voice shine through. Share information that helps a potential partner get to know you. Your bio can be a great conversation starter if it’s well-written.
Deciding to enter the dating pool after taking some time off can be intimidating. But if you’re cautious and take the appropriate steps before jumping in, you’ll have much less to worry about. Date responsibly, and hopefully, Cupid’s arrow will strike! From blind dates to digital mishaps, online dating takes the uncertainty and awkwardness of dating to a whole new level.