You opened this article, so you’re likely frustrated with online dating right now.
I’ll be straight with you – sometimes online dating can seem really tough and draining.
Many of us have felt like giving up, swiping left so much that we even start to see our own face on the phone, wondering, “What’s the point of all this?”
But wait!
Don’t throw your phone just yet; there’s hope for you.
Here are 10 great tips to keep you upbeat when online dating seems like a big waste of time.
1) Reframe the experience
You know the saying about the glass being half full or half empty, right?
This is how you should think about online dating.
Going through endless profiles, working on your bio, and waiting for matches might seem like a boring, endless task.
But wait, think about it differently.
Online dating can be like a tasty buffet, full of interesting people just a swipe away.
It’s like a party where you decide who to talk to, without any stress or pressure.
Each profile is someone unique and interesting, waiting for you to find out more about them.
Think of this as a fun way to meet new friends, not just a way to find “The One.”
You don’t need to hurry, and you don’t need to feel desperate.
This is just one of many exciting things in life, so why not make it a fun game instead of a hard job?
2) Be a bold babe
It’s time to do your sassiest attitude and take the reins of your online dating journey.
Let’s be real, sitting around and waiting for Mr./Ms. Right to waltz into your inbox isn’t just unproductive, it’s downright boring!
Now, consider this: instead of holding your breath for a captivating first message, why not draft one yourself?
Dive in, strike up a conversation, throw in a flirty joke or two, and let your personality shine.
Sending the first message isn’t just about catching someone’s attention; it’s about setting the tone for a potential interaction.
It’s about showing that you’re confident, approachable, and interested.
Granted, making the first move can feel a little intimidating.
It’s like standing on a diving board for the first time, staring at the water below – there’s an element of fear, but there’s also the adrenaline, the anticipation of making a splash.
That’s what being proactive in your dating life is like.
It’s about embracing the thrill of putting yourself out there, knowing that you’re capable and deserving of steering the direction of your dating journey.
3) Sprinkle some self-care
The online dating world can sometimes feel like a chaotic whirlwind, and it can get stressful.
The endless scrolling, the crafting of perfect responses, and the anticipation of waiting for a reply – it can be a lot to juggle.
But that’s where our trusty, old friend self-care waltzes in to save the day!
Self-care isn’t just a trendy hashtag or something we do when we’re at our wit’s end; it’s about maintaining our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
It’s about showing ourselves the same level of care, affection, and patience that we’d extend to others.
So it’s time to take a step back from the swiping and messages and indulge in some well-deserved ‘me-time’.
How about running a warm, bubble bath surrounded by your favorite scented candles?
Let the stress melt away as you soak in the tranquility, perhaps with a glass of your favorite wine in hand.
Or, snuggle up in your coziest blanket with a juicy novel that takes you on an adventure far removed from the dating scene.
Maybe even switch on your favorite Netflix series for a binge-watch session – the one where you laugh so hard you forget all about your online dating woes.
4) Channel your inner Beyoncé
Have you ever seen Beyoncé on stage, full of confidence, and wished you could be like that?
Guess what, you can!
Just as Beyoncé has her confident stage persona, you have your own special side that can shine.
Imagine putting on a dazzling outfit and standing strong.
Let that feeling boost your confidence in online dating.
Confidence is attractive.
It tells people, “I value myself, and I’m not afraid to show it.”
Let this feeling show in every part of your dating profile – your pictures, your bio, and your chats.
Worried that you don’t feel confident?
That’s normal!
We all have days when we don’t feel on top of the world.
But here’s a trick: act confident even if you don’t feel it.
After a while, you’ll start to believe in yourself.
It’s like wearing high heels for the first time – you might stumble at first, but soon you’ll be walking with grace and style.
5) Define your dating goals
What’s your endgame in this online dating marathon?
Are you looking for a fun, casual fling to add a dash of excitement to your life?
Or, are you on the lookout for a serious, meaningful relationship, something that has the potential to last long-term?
It’s important to get clear about your intentions because, believe it or not, it significantly influences your online dating experience.
By defining your dating goals, you’re essentially setting up a roadmap for yourself.
It’s like going on a road trip – you wouldn’t set off without having a clear idea of your destination, would you?
You’re the driver on this journey, and it’s essential to know which direction you’re heading.
This clarity removes a lot of the guesswork and pressure from the process, and allows you to focus on finding what you truly want.
When you’re clear about your intentions, you’re better equipped to filter your matches effectively.
It helps you to navigate the terrain, avoiding potential time-wasters or individuals who don’t align with your dating goals.
This isn’t about being picky; it’s about being selective in a way that respects your time and energy.
6) Detox regularly
When you’re caught in the whirl of endless swipes, ping-pong messaging, and the ups and downs of hopes raised and dashed, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
It’s like being on a rollercoaster ride that’s exciting but can also be dizzying if it goes on for too long.
That’s when you need to give yourself permission to take a step back, to press the pause button on the online dating game.
Delete the apps, silence the notifications, and give your mind some much-needed quiet time.
Consider this a mental health vacation, a chance to reset your mind and rejuvenate your spirit.
Just like our bodies crave that break from constant consumption during a detox, our minds need time to unwind, to clear out the clutter, and hit the refresh button.
This is not about quitting; it’s about recharging and rebalancing.
Remember, this isn’t a race against time; your potential matches aren’t going anywhere.
They’ll be there, on the other side of the app, when you’re ready to dive back in.
And when you do return, you’ll be doing so with renewed energy, a clearer mind, and perhaps even a fresh perspective on your dating journey.
7) Practice patience (yes, patience!)
Ah, patience!
It’s something we often talk about but find hard to use, especially in online dating.
I understand; the excitement of swiping, hoping for a match, waiting for an answer – it’s easy to forget that finding love isn’t a race.
The goal may be tempting, but the real magic is in the journey.
Remember – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your perfect relationship be.
Great things, like true connections and love, need time to grow.
You can’t rush a flower to bloom, and you can’t rush love, either.
Dating, whether online or in person, takes time.
Take it at your speed; that’s perfectly fine.
We’re all on our own paths, at our own pace.
There’s no deadline you need to meet.
It’s not about who swipes right first or who has the best pickup line.
It’s about making real connections, finding common interests, and meeting someone who truly likes you.
Each ‘swipe left’ isn’t a failure; it’s a step in the right direction.
It helps you avoid what’s not right for you and brings you closer to the ‘swipe right’ that feels just perfect.
8) Celebrate the small wins
Remember that oh-so-cute barista who not only served up your favorite espresso but also served up a like on your profile?
Or that hilarious message filled with puns that made you giggle out loud last week?
Those moments are what we call ‘wins’, and they’re as worthy of a toast as any grand victory.
The journey of online dating is made up of countless little moments – some thrilling, some mundane, some disappointing, and some absolutely delightful.
Often, we get so fixated on the larger goal, the ultimate endgame of finding our perfect match, that we overlook these tiny victories that dot our path.
But these small wins, they are the confetti that brightens up our journey, the pick-me-ups that keep our spirits buoyed.
By focusing on these positive aspects, you’re nurturing a mindset of appreciation and optimism.
You’re teaching yourself to find joy in the journey, to enjoy the dating process, and not just the outcome.
Did you have a fun chat with a potential match?
That’s a win!
Did you put together a witty reply that made you chuckle?
Another win!
Every step you take in this online dating journey, every lesson you learn, every smile you share, they’re all tiny victories leading you forward.
9) Trust the process
Trust can be hard, especially when online dating feels like a never-ending cycle of left swipes, unread messages, and connections that vanish.
It makes you wonder, “Is this even working?”
But stay with it, because, like a good skincare routine, online dating’s success often takes time to see.
Consider this.
You know that pricey face cream we bought for immediate glowing skin, but the next morning we looked the same?
We kept using it, right?
And after a few weeks of sticking with it, we started to see that glow.
Online dating is similar.
You might not see results right away, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working.
Believe in the process, knowing that with each swipe and each conversation, you’re getting closer to what you want.
Even if it takes time, you’re moving in the right direction, just like with that face cream.
Keep at it, and you’ll see the results you’re hoping for.
10) Remember: you’re a catch!
A daily mantra, if you will, to be repeated each morning in front of the mirror, coffee in hand: “I am an absolute catch!”
Yes, you are!
And it’s crucial that you keep this at the forefront of your mind as you navigate the online dating sphere.
You are a unique blend of wit, charm, and individuality.
So, don’t you dare let the unpredictable waves of online dating cause you to doubt your worth or settle for anything less than you deserve.
Keep your standards high, your head higher, and remember that a match or a message doesn’t define your value.
At the same time, let’s keep those expectations grounded in reality.
Not every conversation will lead to sparks, not every match will lead to a date, and that’s perfectly okay.
The goal here isn’t to amass a bunch of matches; it’s to find quality connections that resonate with you.
Define the outcome
And just like that, we’ve navigated the twists and turns of online dating together.
These ten strategies aren’t just about surviving the journey, but about thriving in it, making each moment count.
It might feel like a long, complicated process.
But instead of seeing it as a waste of time, think of it as a chance to learn more about yourself and others.
Every step you take, even if it seems difficult, gets you closer to knowing what you want in a partner.
