How To Look Out For A Perfect Match On Dating Apps?

The stigma around online dating is finally fading, and dating apps are reaching people from every tier. Finding the perfect match while dating online might seem daunting, but it is comparatively simpler, as voiced by more than 61% of men and women across India.

Here are some tips that will help daters find the perfect match: 

1. Take time to understand your preferences and prioritiesWhile everyone is in a rush to find the love of their life, it should not meddle with self-reflection. It is important to take some time to explore the dating field and understand your preferences. What do you want in your partner- lifestyle, values and ideals, goals, career, education, finances, and more; each one of these factors should be sorted out before diving into a relationship. Consider cultural compatibility as well- language, religious beliefs, family values- people overlook it during the initial chatting phase. Still, eventually, the incompatibility of these attributes will lead to chaos and conflict in a relationship.
2. Profile Optimization26% of daters using dating app, QuackQuack, revealed in a study that optimizing their profile has helped them find a match faster. Picking a clear, recently-taken, and friendly picture for the display image gets more matches and responses than group images or heavily edited pictures. Especially in online dating, where appearances hold weight, at least for the initial attraction, optimizing the profile picture can help with finding the right match. Similarly, a well-optimized bio can also attract the right people. A concise but engaging bio does the trick.
3. Daters also mentioned using the 70-30 trick, where they write, describe, and talk about themselves 70% of the time, and use the remaining 30% describing their ideal partner. It leaves room for assumption and miscommunication. A bio consisting of who you are, what you bring to the table, and a clear picture of what you want in your partner will drastically reduce the chance of getting incompatible matches. Pro tip- write your hobbies and passions to find like-minded people.
4. Emotional CompatibilityWhile appearances are important for the first impression, emotional compatibility takes precedence once the relationship takes a serious turn. It is also crucial for long-term relationships. When chatting with a match, look for similar outlooks, shared values, and traits like kindness, compassion, and empathy. Engage in discussions about future goals or family, and notice if they are on the same page as you. Also, during any conflict, take note of how they resolve it. Are they holding on to it, brushing it under the rug, or trying to sort it out without putting you down? This one will be vital for a peaceful relationship.
5. Quality over QuantityBoth in terms of matches and conversations, focus on quality over quantity. One perfect match is better than five average matches. Similarly, ten minutes of meaningful conversation with one person gives you a better shot at connecting emotionally than spreading yourself too thin by chatting with multiple matches for hours.
6. Involve a close friend or family member once it is appropriateFrom the Indian point of view, family and friends’ opinion on one’s choice of partner is often seen to play an important role. When the time is appropriate, share your dating experience with someone close to you. A fresh perspective can’t hurt. Sometimes, daters ignore red flags because they are in a rush to find “the one,” an unbiased set of eyes can spot it and caution them. Their opinion should not affect your decision-making; it serves only as an additional perspective.
7. Virtual DatesWhen things have been going well for about a week, arrange for a virtual date. It will give you a chance to see them live and in action. Messages are one thing, but a one-on-one interaction can put things into perspective. It also comes in handy for people with a busy schedule and for long-distance online matches. These virtual dates are perfect for gauging compatibility and communication style before meeting in person.
8. Patience is keyEvery match will not be a success story; some will also be a learning experience. Finding the perfect match can take time. Do not put pressure on yourself to “settle down” as soon as possible. Setting realistic expectations can also help. One person, even if they are perfect in every way, won’t tick all the boxes, and that is okay. 19% of Indian daters say being open to meeting people outside their typical “type” has led to unexpected but meaningful connections.