We get it: tech can be scary. As someone whose daily struggle is simply to avoid pocket-dialing my creepy neighbour (hard to justify it as an accident after it happens more than twice), diving headfirst into the world of Tinder was, to put it lightly, overwhelming. Where to begin? How does one “swipe”? Is life just an endless line of Netflix and Chill? No. No it isn’t. Naysayers aside, there is a lot of fun to be had on Tinder. It’s a platform to meet people, to start conversations, and – yes – to hook up, but it’s also much more: it’s a place where people make connections. Whether you’re looking to strike a match or you’re more apt to start a fire, the following tips will have you Tinder-ing like a pro:
- Invest in yourself. The key thing to remember about Tinder is that the site is extremely malleable – it is, more than anything else, what you want it to be. Build your profile around what you hope to get out of your experience. Keep your description short and sweet. One way to do this is by trying to think of a single hashtag that you could use to describe yourself. Grow outward from there – and remember to keep it simple and true to you.
- Use photos. We all know the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words. Say it to yourself. Now repeat. If you want to meet someone who shares your hobbies, include photos of yourself doing the things that you love. It’ll make you seem like a person of action rather than just words. Are you spontaneous? Show first, tell later.
- Don’t be shy. If you’re sitting there, eating your Cheetos, wondering if you should be the first to message, you are only doing one thing: wasting your time. In this day and age, IT DOES NOT MATTER who messages whom first. If you both swipe, the playing field is wide and open for either one of you to message first. Bite the bullet and get on with it.
- Think strategically. Envision the following: all is going well. You’ve swiped right on that special someone. You’re in the midst of picking a place to meet. He suggests the park. At night. Are your Spidey senses tingling yet? No matter how charming the conversation may seem, always meet someone for the first time in a public place. If you hit it off, there’ll be plenty of room for private time down the road.
- Know when it’s working/not working for you. Tinder isn’t for everyone, and there’s no shame in that. Before dismissing it, though, keep an open mind and give it a try. If, after a couple of swipes, you’ve realized that this isn’t the ballgame for you, sign out, move on, and try something new. Just remember: every opportunity you don’t take is an opportunity missed.
