You’ve probably heard it a million times before, but online dating is for real people. You see, while the concept of online dating may be simple — two people who both want to meet offline get connected — the reality is, that not all online daters are who they say they are. Weird and/or crazy is never a good sign when messaging someone you’re matchmaking with such boasts as “I can kick your ass anywhere” and “got what it takes to make you scream my name.” If that first line isn’t scary or intimidating enough, follow up with something like “you? What do you mean you don’t go out much? How do you even know what time it is?” In an era where everyone has phone numbers and profiles on Facebook and Instagram, it's no wonder so many prospective dates end up on websites. But to make the best impression, you have to start right. Here are some weird and/or crazy online dating tips that'll turn you on:
Don’t be afraid to ask personal questions.
Many of the people you’re matchmaking with won’t have an issue answering questions about themselves, but some people won’t want to answer personal questions (um, hello, wedding Planning?). It’s perfectly fine to be curious about someone, but be respectful of their boundaries. It’s also perfectly fine to backtrack and ask the more general questions if you get a no in the first place.
Make yourself look your best.
This is a no-brainer, but many people don’t do it. You know the saying, “if you don’t clean up your mess, someone else will?” Well, it applies doubly to online dating — you should make yourself presentable for the person you’re dating. It’s not the end of the world if you have to go somewhere without looking your best, but it’s certainly not ideal. Always keep your phone on you and make sure you look your best when you’re out and about. It may seem like an impossible task, but it’s something you can work on.
Don’t be afraid to ask open-ended questions.
This is another one of those “don’t be afraid to ask” things. You know how sometimes you want to know a person’s general feelings toward something — say, what they like to eat — but don’t want to pry into that too deeply?
Think before you type.
Sometimes, you just want to message someone and start a conversation, but you don’t know whether or not they’re interested. That’s where thinking before you type comes into play. Although you may want to type quickly, think about what you’re trying to say before you hit Send. You may also want to consider using emojis rather than words when communicating with someone you’re interested in.
If you like the way things are, take a step back and become comfortable with silence.
If you and your partner are both comfortable in silence, that’s great. If not, it might be a sign that the connection is not as strong as you’d like it to be. Silence can also indicate that you need to take a step back and clear your head before you can consider talking with another person.
Communicate your physical likes and dislikes using words and emojis.
This is one of those “don’t be afraid to ask” things again. You know how sometimes you want to send a message but don’t know where to start? Emojis can help with that! If you’re not sure how to start a conversation with someone, using emojis can help you get a feel for what they like. You can try these out: happy, sad, breathing, heart (or whatever your physical likes are).
Always remember that intention is more important than action.
Although you may be excited to message people and start conversations, the way you act after you receive a message is what counts. It’s perfectly fine to send a msg and then get busy with your own life — you don’t have to wait until you’re ready to talk with someone. You can often save time and energy by not waiting for yourself — take action before you receive a message.