The Various Stages of Online Dating

Has the traditional way of dating not been giving you the results you so desire?

Sure, it’s the way people have been doing things since time immemorial. But let’s say by your third or fourth in-person date, it hasn’t worked out. Couldn’t there be a faster, more efficient way to filter out dates without having to be totally surprised every meetup?

And after each failed date attempt— which you paid for—you probably think to yourself that maybe, just maybe you need to get out of town just to even have a chance at a decent date?

But before you throw in the towel, why not consider dating women online?

Don’t get it wrong, dating online doesn’t guarantee an instant solution to your problem. While it is a lot more convenient to use online dating platforms, it is unrealistic to expect that your “fairy godmother” will suddenly appear to give you the perfect one using her wand.

And just like traditional dating, there are different stages in the online dating process.

To give you a clear view of what to expect, here are the different stages of dating women online.

You decide to join an online dating service.

You first have to make the firm decision to dip your toes in the waters of online dating. It’s a whole new world, and if you’re not all that technologically savvy, you might not even know where to begin.

Online dating has become the most popular way to meet potential partners. There has never been more convenient to find love by just using your mobile phone. Most people find it the most practical way to date nowadays.

Part of starting is to know which platform, aka dating app or website, you want to spend your time on. While there are extremely popular apps, don’t miss out on matchmaking sites like 1st Choice Dating if you’re seeking foreign women looking for a serious, long-term relationship.

You create an online profile.

Once you have chosen an online dating service, you then create your online profile. Your online profile basically tells other people who you are and what you are like.

A good dating profile should be genuine and attractive.

You start by selecting your photos. Make sure that you select the most attractive photos available. Most online users choose to interact with other users just based on their photos.

Make sure to smile and look authentic. If a photo looks too polished, that may give the impression that you aren’t the person you say you are, so take note.

You should have both close-up and full-body shots in your profile.

If you have a pet, put that in as well. Studies show that women like guys who are animal lovers.

When you are done with your photos, you have to provide basic information like your age or date preferences.

Some online dating services require you to answer a long list of questions so they can recommend users that match your preferences.

You begin selecting.

Now that your profile is ready, you start selecting from your best matches.

You will most likely appear frequently in searches and more people will view your profile during the first few weeks since you created your profile.

Make sure to check your notifications so that you can quickly respond to new messages and matches sent your way.

You communicate with your matches.

You start communicating when you have finally matched with someone. You should respond to matches within 24 hours. Don’t keep them waiting.

During initial communications, writing one-word messages might not catch attention. Simply saying hi may be taken as being lazy. Also, you may want to avoid asking “How’s your day going?” during this stage. You can ask questions like that when you have already established a connection with the person.

It is very helpful to mention your match’s name. It will make her feel valued when you do that.

Keep the momentum going once you begin receiving replies. Use emojis to show that you are flirty and fun. Just don’t overuse them, you’ll look corny if you do.

You meet her in person.

The more you communicate online, the better you feel about meeting each other in person. Eventually, you will decide to do a face-to-face meet-up and date.

While you should never rush meeting someone, the sooner you get to meet your match, the better.

Put in mind that other people are also communicating with your match.

Meet in a public place and use your own transportation on your first date if you can. Your safety should be your priority.

You may have to date multiple people.

If at first, you don’t succeed, try again.

The thing with online dating is that you are plugged into a large dating pool of people. There are just so many choices! And sometimes, you may click with more than just one person. Take advantage of that.

If it doesn’t work out with one person, proceed to the next one, until you decide to date someone exclusively.

You date exclusively.

This is where traditional and online dating converge toward the same trajectory. When you develop a deep connection with your date, you can now choose to be exclusive.

If she declines your offer, don’t feel bad. Tell her that you don’t want to put pressure on her and you are willing to wait until she says yes.

If she says yes, consider deactivating your online profile.

You decide to deactivate your dating profile.

So now that you are officially in a relationship and dating exclusively, it’s time that you both talk about deactivating your dating profiles.

This is a very important moment and should be taken seriously.

The decision shows that you are now committed to each other. Now that the dating platform has served its purpose, there is no more need for it.

Go Online to Get Offline

Ultimately, dating is dating. You meet people and go through a courtship process to figure out if you want to engage in a relationship with each other.

Online dating is just the newer, shinier, and faster vehicle that will get you from point A to point B in less time and through more scenic routes.

The goal is always to have an in-person relationship. So don’t stay online for too long. Once it has served its purpose, focus on the person and relationship in front of you.