Expectations while Using a Dating App for the First time
So here you’ve made the decision to dive into the online dating app world. Congratulations on your courageous venture into the virtual world where your romantic fate is decided by a swipe to the left or right. Let's take a brief look at the dating profile tips and what lies ahead for you before taking on this wild ride.
The Complicated Onboarding Procedure
You must know how to create a dating profile before you can even look through possible soulmates (or train wrecks). In less than 250 characters, you have the opportunity to persuade strangers that you are worthwhile. Don't worry, though; you can always rely on cliches like "Looking for someone adventurous" (which means, "I once went zip-lining on vacation") or “I love Netflix and chill” (everyone likes to netflix and chill though).
And then there are pictures. Collective pictures? Too unclear. Selfies in the bathroom? No, right away. A photo of a dog? Win! It will increase your appeal by at least 70%, even if it isn't your dog. Dog lovers will surely be persuaded by the cute doggos pics.
The Non-stop Swipe run
The exciting (not so interesting) part is here: swiping. It is similar to window shopping for people. To reject, left swiping; to accept, right swiping. Sounds easy, doesn't it? False. You'll quickly discover that it's strangely draining to judge someone's value based on a few carefully chosen photos and a bio that says, "Just here for fun."
Prepare yourself for profiles that range from mildly humorous to completely ridiculous. You'll see everything from shirtless selfies taken at the gym to pictures in which their dog is the only face visible.
Just got a Match? Well all the best for the opening messages
Now that both of you have swiped right on the online dating app in Delhi, it's time to find out if they are as endearing as their profile suggests. They aren't, spoiler alert.
Get ready for plenty of cliched introductions: "Hey," "How are you?" or the timeless "What's up?" Sometimes you'll run into someone who uses a tactless pick-up line to make an impression, such as, "Are you French? Since Eiffel is for you. Yes, you should unmatch right away, but at least they're making an effort.
After sending two messages, you shall know how to avoid ghosting in online dating. Some people disappear, a phenomenon known as conversational ghosts. It almost seems like they came here just to get a match notification to stroke their ego. Classic!
That Awkward Small Talk
Congratulations if your match stays active for more than three messages! The stage of "small talk" is now open to you. Get ready for the most general questions possible:
"What do you do?"
"Which movie is your favorite?"
“Do you’ve any siblings?”
Am I at a job interview? Yeah, but with more emojis and a little less pressure. Acting interested without coming across as desperate is the aim here. I wish you luck as you walk on that tightrope.
Your Dreaded First Date
It's time for a face-to-face date after weeks (or perhaps hours) of correspondence. The real fun starts at this point. Even though you're panicking inside, you'll spend hours debating what to wear before deciding on something that shouts "I'm effortlessly cool."
The actual date will probably be unpredictable. They might be charming and everything their profile said they would be, or they might talk about their ex all night long. In any case, you'll have a tale to share when you leave.
After-date Analysis
It's time for the group chat debrief following the date. From the restaurant they chose to the manner in which they bid you farewell, your friends will scrutinize every aspect. After the date, did they text you? Rest assured, though, that your friends will use phrases like "If it's meant to be, it'll happen" to reassure you while secretly planning to pair you up with someone else.
The Cycle Goes On
It's time to start over if the first date didn't work out. There will be more awkward conversations, more swiping, and more small talk about preferred pizza toppings. Continue doing this until you either discover true love or, in a moment of annoyance, decide to remove the app (only to redownload it a week later).
It's a unique experience for the first-time dating app experience. It's equally exhilarating, absurd, and sometimes heartbreaking. However, it's a great way to gather stories for your future stories, if nothing else. Go forth, may the odds always be on your side. Just remember to swipe sensibly.
