Online dating is based on a simple yet appealing formula: high potential for low risk. You are being offered the opportunity to check out a seemingly infinite pool of people from a secure, low exposure position. While this model is highly seductive, its premise is not intrinsically flawed. After all, real people are on it. You for one are on it and you know that your intentions, hopes and qualities are real.
How can we best tap the potential of online dating without getting frustrated, disillusioned or numb? Online dating undoubtedly has its benefits. If you are reserved, approaching attractive people online can be considerably less daunting. Additionally, since many dating apps only allow you to chat with people who swipe right on you also, you know that they already find you attractive. In the prelude to meeting for a date you can ask questions about political beliefs, religion, hobbies, or relationship intentions to further ensure that you are a compatible match before investing significant time or energy.
Although many people have successfully met their partners online, the road to finding a good match can be arduous and time-consuming. I feel like some people might equate being on the apps with wanting no-strings-attached sex. Read below for more tips to counteract the common pitfalls of online dating.
The hit of dopamine when you match with someone new is part of what makes apps so alluring. If so, you may be using the apps to numb uncomfortable emotions. Feeling compelled to swipe in order to find success in your dating life quickly turns apps into a veritable part-time job that can detract from other meaningful areas of your life.
Setting a hard limit e. If you find it difficult to adhere to this limit, therapy can help you unpack your motivations for using dating apps excessively. In addition to limiting the amount of time spent swiping or communicating with potential matches, it can be important to set limits on the amount of people you meet offline.
