Online dating isn’t great, but if you’re seriously looking for long-term love (or even a more temporary arrangement), dating apps and sites are the easiest way to up your chances. To have the best experience possible, here are 10 commandments you should be following.
- Thou shall not lie or omit important details in your profile. While you obviously want to present your best self to potential suitors, under no circumstances should you lie about any aspect of your personality or your life. You WILL be found out and it’ll likely destroy any chances you had with the guy in question. Similarly, if there’s a part of your life that would seriously affect a relationship—having a child or working large periods of time away from home, for instance—don’t leave that out.
- Thou shall have a profile pic that actually looks like you. Again, you want to seem attractive to the guys checking out your profile, but that doesn’t mean you should choose ultra-filtered photos that look nothing like you to put up. If you end up meeting the guy, he’ll feel totally put-off by the fact that you basically lied to him. You’re beautiful as-is—choose photos that show the real you.
- Thou shall not engage in conversation with guys who send dick pics. This doesn’t really need an explanation. If he’s sending you unsolicited pics of his junk—and let’s be real, no one is asking for those things—then block him immediately. The end.
- Thou shall use more actual words than emojis. While adding in an emoji here and there can add a little extra context or fun to a conversation, you should not be communicating through mostly emojis or even 50% emojis. Use your actual words and insist he does too.
- Thou shall not talk to a guy without making actual plans to meet for more than a week or two. There’s nothing worse than a textationship that goes nowhere. If you’ve been chatting for more than a week or two and neither of you has broached the idea of meeting (or you have and he’s brushed you off), you’re wasting your time. You’re looking for a real relationship, not a virtual one.
- Thou shall not stalk him too deeply on social media. It’s natural to look up the person you’re talking to on social media to assure you’re not dealing with a serial killer or a weirdo, but make a concerted effort not to dig too deeply. You don’t want to end up accidentally liking his pic from three years ago, do you?
- Thou shall not play mind games. This is just a rule of relationships in general. You’re not a child, so don’t act like one. Don’t keep him hanging on answering his text or try to make him jealous by continually mentioning that you’re talking to other guys, etc. You’re a grown woman, so make sure your behavior matches that.
- Thou shall not expect him to pay on the first date. Sure, it’ll be nice if he does offer (and it’s up to you whether or not you accept it), but please don’t go out with a guy for a free meal. This is 2018 and if you want to be treated as an equal, you should be equally prepared to pay your half or even offer to grab the check yourself.
- Thou shall be upfront and honest about what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a relationship and he says he’s feeling something more casual right now, don’t pretend you’re totally cool with that when you’re obviously not. Be straight up about your relationship and life goals to save yourself and him a lot of wasted time and energy if they don’t match up with his.
- Thou shall never accept less than the very best. You’re an amazing woman and you deserve to be treated like it. If a guy doesn’t show you respect and consideration at the very least, don’t give him another second of your time. Seriously, you’re worth so much more.
