Navigating the waters of online dating can be tricky, especially when it comes to messaging. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re messaging too much or too little, or what exactly to say in an online dating message, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at some unwritten rules and etiquette to help make your digital dating experience smoother.
1. Start with a Personalized Message:
A generic “Hey, what’s up?” might not capture your match’s attention. Instead, mention something specific from their profile that caught your eye. Whether it’s a shared interest or something intriguing about their profile, showing that you took the time to read their bio can make you stand out from the crowd.
2. Keep the Conversation Balanced:
Conversation is a two-way street. Make sure you’re not the only one talking about yourself or asking questions. If you notice your match isn’t reciprocating or contributing equally to the conversation, it might be a sign of their disinterest.
3. Be Respectful:
Respect is paramount in any interaction, and online dating is no exception. Avoid offensive language and derogatory comments. If someone isn’t responding to your messages or has declined your invitation for a date, respect their decision and move on.
4. Don’t Overwhelm with Messages:
Sending multiple messages in a row can come across as desperate or overwhelming. If your match hasn’t responded, wait for a while before you send another message. They might be busy or need some time to respond.
5. Avoid Spelling and Grammar Mistakes:
While no one expects perfect grammar in a casual chat, obvious and consistent spelling errors can be a turn-off and may give the impression that you’re not putting effort into the conversation.
6. Stay Positive:
Nobody likes a constant complainer. While it’s okay to share about a bad day occasionally, try to keep the conversation upbeat and positive. You want your potential date to associate you with good vibes.
7. Don’t Rush to Meet:
It’s important to build trust and rapport before suggesting a meet-up. Rushing to meet can come off as too eager or even intimidating. Wait until you’ve had some meaningful conversation and feel comfortable with the person.
8. Be Honest:
Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. It’s easy to fall into the trap of embellishing your lifestyle or persona online. However, it’s best to be authentic and honest about your interests, hobbies, and life.
9. Know When to Take it Offline:
If the conversation is flowing and you feel a connection, it might be time to suggest a phone call or meet up in person. Remember, the goal of online dating is to find someone you click with in real life.
10. Use Proper ‘Textiquette’:
If you’re not interested in pursuing things further, don’t ghost. Be polite and let the other person know you’re not feeling a connection. It’s better to be upfront rather than leaving someone hanging.
Navigating online dating messaging can feel like walking a tightrope. However, keeping these unwritten rules and etiquette in mind can make the journey a lot smoother. Remember, at its heart, online dating is about building connections and relationships, and this is best done through respect, honesty, and genuine conversation.
