Meeting new people in today’s world has become more challenging—we spend a lot of time at work and have nearly forgotten how to initiate contact with the opposite sex. Yet, many still desire serious relationships.

Each year, the number of single individuals in Europe increases. Psychologists and sociologists are actively studying this trend, and the majority of researchers believe that the main reasons for personal life challenges are that we have become too independent in our daily lives and no longer seek a partner for cohabitating or financial support.

According to statistics, over 50% of single residents in the United Kingdom aspire to start a family, but only half of them are willing to take proactive steps towards their goals instead of just waiting for things to happen. One of the most effective ways to start new relationships is through online dating. People are less likely to meet in parks and cafes and find it more convenient in the familiar digital world, where everyone feels safe.

There is a vast array of dating sites where you can find a friend, a casual flirt, a non-committal affair for one night, or potentially serious relationships. Lately, more people are turning to mobile apps: they filter potential partners based on specified criteria and allow setting up a date. Depending on your goals, you can always find what you’re looking for. You just need to search correctly.

MAIN RULES OF ONLINE DATING

If you are new to online dating, it’s worthwhile to learn a bit about internet etiquette to avoid making serious mistakes and spoiling your image before the first date:

1. Be Honest About Yourself: Don’t fabricate stories to make yourself look better. Eventually, you will meet, and it will become clear if you don’t have a luxury car, don’t play the violin, or don’t speak five languages. It’s much better to talk about your real hobbies, as you are looking for someone with whom you will genuinely enjoy spending time.
2. Communication Style Matters: Inappropriate abbreviations, banal spelling errors, silly jokes, and overt flirtations can be off-putting. Be polite and tactful—this will help create a positive impression and increase your chances of a real-life date.
3. Avoid Impatience and Pushiness: Being overly eager or intrusive is a major faux pas in online dating. Don’t constantly bother someone with questions like “Where are you?” or “What are you doing right now?” and don’t insist on sending pictures. Definitely, do not make scenes of jealousy, especially if you have never met in person.
4. The 24-Hour Rule: If someone does not respond within a day, they are probably not interested. Forget about them and keep looking.
5. Don’t Rush to Set a Date: Some people prefer not to waste time on dates with strangers and would rather chat online first to see if meeting up is worthwhile.
6. Don’t Be Too Slow: You’re meeting to eventually date, not to correspond for years. At some point, it should either lead to a date or end communication altogether.
7. Be Honest About Disinterest: If you are not interested, don’t agree to future dates or “lead someone on.” Be honest, don’t give false hopes, and let your uninterested partner find their happiness.
8. Learn to Accept Rejection: Just as someone may not be your type, you may not be someone else’s. If you are rejected, don’t overreact—thank them for the time spent together, wish them luck, and move on.

POPULAR DATING APPS

Today, there are dozens, even hundreds of mobile apps that help people find each other. Here are some of the most popular and proven ones:

• Tinder: The most famous app, often the first choice for newcomers to online dating. It’s available only for users over 18 and allows you to create a small profile with a bio of up to 500 characters and six photos.
• Coffee Meets Bagel: This unique app sends you a potential match daily based on your preferences. It’s great for those who have specific requirements for a partner, including religious and ethnic attributes.
• Tastebuds: Available only for Apple users—Android users won’t find it here. Its unique feature is using musical tastes to find matches.
• Match.com: An online dating service that predates smartphones and apps, gaining new popularity with their emergence. You receive several personalized suggestions daily based on your preferences.
• OkCupid: Allows for a detailed profile and can link to your Instagram, giving potential partners more insight into your life. However, some users find its interface unfriendly and lacking in features.

Thinking it’s time to end your solitude and find a partner? No problem—install any app on your smartphone, fill out your profile, and start searching. Just don’t forget the basic rules of online dating etiquette. And good luck!