Digital dating is hard, here’s everything you need to know to get it right.

Dating today doesn’t look a thing like it did even ten years ago. It’s hard to imagine being single and not having at least one dating app downloaded, but does that mean you’ve got yourself a partner? Possibly not. They’re complicated, dating apps. 

If only there was a guide to navigating the world of online romance… 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here’s the essential do’s and don’t of online dating:

DO pick your app wisely. Unless you’re happy to waste hours of time aimlessly swiping, go for an app that matches based on more than just faces. For example, Inner Circle manually checks that each new profile is filled in, and that photos are up to date and not weird (no dog-eared selfies here), so you can accurately match with people you’d most likely get on with. 

DON’T use group pictures, blurry images, or ones with sunglasses/hats on. You’re not really helping anyone by doing this… and although it might be tempting to use that beach-bod pick from five years ago, be real. Represent who you are now. 

DO chat to your matches. Otherwise, what’s the point? Be original, funny, or personal in your opening line - but don’t use a cheesy chat up line or a boring ‘hi’. First impressions are important so really put your best foot forward. 

DON’T pocket date for weeks. Chatting aimlessly online won’t get you a partner. You need to meet your matches as soon as possible, in real life (where possible). Inner Circle have this cool feature called ‘spots’ which is a member-curated list of date venues, perfect for first dates. It literally makes arranging dates super easy. You can even see if you have places in common and just meet there. 

DO give people a chance. Meeting in real life can be daunting so give people the benefit of the doubt and go for a second date, you never know what might happen. 

Basically, online dating can be simple if you get it right. Be yourself and be confident, meeting in real life is essential, so don’t be afraid to suggest it. If an offline meet up isn’t possible, suggest a video call. Inner Circle is the best of both worlds and makes dating super simple. They even host singles events meaning you can meet offline from the get go. These have been on hold for most of this year, but with the news of the vaccine we think they’ll be back, very soon.

Give online dating a real chance, download Inner Circle here.