Hey there, fellow online daters 👋 I know firsthand how daunting it can be to navigate the world of virtual dating. With so many people to swipe through and messages to exchange, it’s hard to know where to start and what to do. That’s why I’m here to share some tips and tricks to help you communicate effectively online, without scaring off potential matches 😬

Do: Be yourself 🙌

The most important thing when it comes to online dating is to be yourself. Don’t try to pretend to be someone you’re not to impress others. People will appreciate you more if you’re honest and authentic from the get-go. This also means using your own photos, not ones that you find online. You want to build a connection with someone who is actually interested in you, not a made-up persona.

A photo of a person holding up their hand to a screen with emojis floating above it representing different aspects of their personality

Don’t: Send generic messages 😴

Nobody likes to receive a boring message that could have been copied and pasted to anyone. Put in a bit of effort and personalize your messages. Mention something specific from their profile or photos that caught your eye. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and not just swiping right on everyone in sight.

A cartoon of a person holding a phone with a thought bubble of a generic message, and a second cartoon of a person holding a phone with a personalized message

Do: Ask open-ended questions 🤔

Another way to show that you’re interested in someone is to ask them open-ended questions. These are questions that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no, and allow the other person to share more about themselves. This will help you get to know each other better and build a connection beyond superficial small talk.

A person holding a phone with a speech bubble filled with open-ended question words, surrounded by hearts and flowers

Don’t: Be too pushy 🤨

While it’s good to show interest, it’s important to remember that not everyone will respond right away, or at all. Don’t bombard someone with messages or get upset if they don’t respond as quickly or enthusiastically as you’d like. Respect their boundaries and let things progress naturally.

A cartoon of a person holding a phone with a speech bubble saying "Hello?" and a second cartoon of a person holding a phone with another speech bubble saying "Sorry, I was busy. Let's chat later!"

Do: Keep it light and fun 😂

Online dating can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that it should also be fun! Don’t take it too seriously and try to inject some humor and positivity into your conversations. This will help to lighten the mood and make both you and your match feel more at ease.

A cartoon of a person holding a phone with a speech bubble saying "Tell me a joke!" and a second cartoon of a person holding a phone with a speech bubble responding with a funny punchline

Don’t: Ghost someone 🙅‍♀️

Ghosting, or suddenly cutting off all communication without explanation, is a common issue in online dating. It can be hurtful and confusing for the person on the receiving end. If you’re no longer interested in someone, it’s better to be honest and let them know rather than just disappearing.

A cartoon of a person holding a phone with a speech bubble saying "Hey, we should keep in touch!" and a second cartoon of the same person holding a phone with another speech bubble saying "Sorry, I'm not feeling a connection. Wishing you all the best!"

Do: Stay safe 💪

Last but not least, it’s important to stay safe when communicating with strangers online. Don’t give out personal information like your address or phone number until you feel comfortable and have established trust with someone. It’s also a good idea to meet in a public place and let someone know where you’re going and who you’ll be with.

A cartoon of a person holding a phone with a speech bubble saying "Can't wait to meet you!" and a second cartoon of the same person holding a phone with a speech bubble saying "Let's grab coffee at a public place this weekend!"

So there you have it, some dos and don’ts of communication in online dating. Remember, be yourself, put in effort, respect boundaries, stay positive, and stay safe. Happy swiping! 😊💕

A photo of a person smiling while holding a phone with hearts and sparkles surrounding them