HOW TO FIND AN ONLINE GIRLFRIEND OR BOYFRIEND – SOME HARD TRUTH
Online dating matches profiles against databases to help introduce singles to potential life partners. Herein are the advantages, disadvantages, and ways to get yourself a good profile to attract your life partner.
We live in a diverse society, whereby the internet has become significantly important such that people source almost Everything from here. May it be shopping, information, or even looking for lifelong partners. Times have changed, and most couples today have met online. Most people who use an online platform to find someone is either shy or introverted. Smith & Duggan (2013) explained that today there are many online dating sites one can use to make their dreams and desires come true.
Advantages Of Meeting Someone Online
You Meet More People
Unlike physical dating, where you meet only a few people, online dating has no limit on the number of people you meet or interact with. It displays itself as an opportunity for you to meet many single people or if you also don't have a social life.
You Can Meet Like-Minded People
Shaw et al. (2018) stated that when you list and specify what you are looking for in a person, it will give you a chance to meet someone similar to you. In other cases, when you are a religious person, you can meet someone who is a part of your community and spiritual beliefs.
Shy People
Online dating is god sent to shy or introverts. Here they can easily express themselves through pictures or video messages. While writing their profile means they take their time to think through what they want to say about themselves without feeling pressured by anyone.
You And The People You Meet Are Open About What You Are Looking For
Unlike physical meetings, online dating allows you to be specific about what you want and what you are looking for in a partner. It makes it easy for you to find someone with the same dreams and ambitions as you.
As much as online dating has many advantages, it also comes with many risks.
Disadvantages Of Meeting Someone Online
Profiles Don’t Tell Everything
Bonilla-Zorita et al. (2021) explained that when it comes to the internet, it's so easy for someone to lie, for example, by putting up a false profile picture, about where they live or even work, financial status, levels of personal hygiene all this can be easily achieved when you get to meet someone physically. Qualities such as chemistry, empathy, and compassion are almost impossible to access from a profile.
Blindsided By Preferences
Specifying how often your spouse works, the sort of food they eat, and the job they do might sound great, but in reality, you may be so focused on what you think you want that you might miss what you ought to want. Most online dating profiles tend to focus on your potential dates' attributes, not their values.
Most Sites Put a Lot of Focus on Physical Attractiveness
If you have a cute name or an exquisite profile picture, you get to have most people wanting to interact with you. Most online dating focus on appearances with a lot of self-confidence, good postures, and quality images.
Romantic Pressure
Virtual knowing someone creates a different timeline. Weinstein et al. (2016) explained that you might have known someone for only two weeks, but it feels like you have known them all your life, thus giving the urge to invite them over and get intimate than in a case when you physically meet someone.
It Can Be Dangerous
It's a dangerous world; meeting someone online doesn't mean you know them; some can be criminals, scammers, tricksters, and games. Before you go online, learn to protect yourself, do not put a lot of information about yourself or your private life on your profile. Don't send money even if you think for an important cause; always take precautions before meeting someone.
Best Dating Sites
There are many online dating sites; some are free, and others you have to pay for a subscription. Here are a few sites you can check out.
Tinder eHarmony
Bumble Elite singles
OkCupid Silver singles
Plenty of fish (POF) Christian café
Paid Dating Sites Versus Free Dating Sites
Paid dating sites usually have singles who are serious about dating because they pay to use the site, and it also limits many people because you have to do a monthly subscription. In contrast, free dating sites are full of jokers because anyone can open an account.
How To Write a Dating Profile
While writing your profile, you don't want to be so basic (Toma 2015). Your profile should show you are friendly, social, fun, and ready for a serious long-term relationship. Create a dating profile specific to you and your personality to attract the kind of person you want. Always ensure to display confidence, use your bio to grab attention, and avoid bragging on your profile.
Photos To Use on The Profile
A picture talks more about your example, your fashion level, and your lifestyle. Always make sure to upload a full photo of yourself. Avoid bikini or half-naked photos because someone might think you only want to be laid.
Meeting In-Person and Going on A Date
Keeping in mind that you have only been talking to this person online, you should still consider them a stranger. Make sure your first date is in an open place like a coffee shop or ice cream. These dates are usually cheap; you can walk out if it doesn't work out.
Should You Kiss or Sleep with The Person On Your First Date
If you are looking for a lasting relationship, always avoid kissing or sleeping with the person on the first date. It might imply you are only there for the romantic pleasures and not a relationship. Always end your date with a simple hug.
Conclusion
Online dating is here to stay, and a few people have emerged successful after meeting their life partners here. It's easy to meet and interact with many single people, but at the end of the day, as much as it's a good platform, you have to be careful with what you display and the people you talk to.
References
Bonilla-Zorita, G., Griffiths, M. D., & Kuss, D. J. (2021). Online dating and problematic use: A systematic review. International journal of mental health and addiction, 19(6), 2245-2278.
Shaw, S. E., Wharton, J., Vijayaraghavan, S., Morris, J., Bhattacharya, S., Hanson, P., ... & Greenhalgh, T. (2018). Advantages and limitations of virtual online consultations in an NHS acute trust: the VOCAL mixed-methods study. Health services and delivery research, 6(21).
Smith, A. W., & Duggan, M. (2013). Online dating & relationship. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center.
Weinstein, N., Legate, N., Kumashiro, M., & Ryan, R. M. (2016). Autonomy support and diastolic blood pressure: Long term effects and conflict navigation in romantic relationships. Motivation and Emotion, 40(2), 212-225.