Ah, Tinder. One of the world’s most popular dating apps, Tinder can be a fun, but sometimes daunting, world of digital dating at your fingertips.
You wouldn’t think that meeting people near you could be so challenging, but there are definitely tricks of the trade that will help you get more matches and dates. Whether you’re just looking for a fling or searching for something a bit more serious, there are certain behaviors to avoid when creating your profile or chatting with matches in order to have a better experience on the app.
10Not Posting Enough Photos
On Tinder, your photos are your first impression. If you’ve only got one, then possible dates may be less likely to swipe right!
Never mind the fact that selfies rarely tell the whole story. Try to at least find three of four good pictures that you think are flattering, evocative of your personality, and representative to those who may not know you. Anybody can post a bathroom mirror selfie, so up your game by putting in a bit more effort on your profile picture choices.
9Writing a Vague Bio
Have you ever checked a bio on that Tinder cutie only to find that there’s nothing there? Or even worse: “nobody reads this anyways.”
That’s definitely not true. Spend a little time writing a few distinguishing facts about yourself in your bio and you will be sure to receive more interest from dates. Many will base their decision to swipe right on your bio as well as your photos!
Tinder also has the option to link your favorite Spotify “anthem” to your account, so post that catchy song and give ’em something to talk about!
8Swiping Right On Everyone
It’s been said that men dominate Tinder’s user base, and with the number of matches a woman can get in a short time on the app, that certainly seems to be the case.
This is all the more reason not to spontaneously swipe right on every account you see. Take your time, evaluate your choices, and make a decision based on your gut instinct. Quality in this case definitely outweighs quantity. You don’t need hundreds of guys cluttering up your match list and messaging you around the clock.
7Writing a Boring First Message
How many times have you sighed in frustration when a guy writes you “hi” or “hey” for the thousandth time? Don’t be that person!
Take a look at the match’s bio and see if they have anything in common with you. Or, poke around in their photos and find something you can bond over. Sometimes, people with a good sense of humor appreciate silly jokes or quirky questions to break the ice. If they have a vague bio and barely any photos, then maybe consider why you matched with them in the first place!
6Taking Days To Respond
Sometimes, it may be hard to gauge a person’s interest from only a few messages. However, if you feel yourself start to click with a potential date, don’t keep them waiting for a response to their last message.
You might be tempted to let them message you first in order to seem less clingy. However, these games rarely end well. If the other person doesn’t hear from you for a few days, they may move on if they feel you’re not invested in getting to know them. If you’re genuinely busy, but still interested in talking to a certain someone, let them know you might be away for a while. Or better yet, set up a date after you get some free time so you two can carry on a conversation in person!
5Posting Too Many Group Photos
You may enjoy many nights out with your girls, and of course, that’s a great thing to do! Just be careful with posting too many of your group photos on Tinder.
If a person looks at your profile, they should immediately be able to figure out who you are and what you look like. On Tinder, you’re selling yourself to your potential dates, and they may be put off by the notion of picking up a mystery girl for a meeting. If you still want to include your fabulous group photo in your profile, try putting one of yourself in front of it first!
4Discarding Your Gut Feeling
Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. If a match begins a conversation and you begin to feel unsettled or unsafe, then that’s a sign to end things before they start.
Maybe that cute guy was smiling in his photos, but he has an extremely negative attitude over text. Maybe that match doesn’t seem like the “nice guy” he says he is in his bio. Don’t sit back and subject yourself to these types of conversations. If the person wants to schedule a date, listen to your heart and politely decline the advances. If he responds with anger or vitriol, then block him. You don’t owe an explanation, and Tinder should not be a negative factor in your dating life!
3Being Complacent
Did the guy have a great bio and fun photos, but the conversation just isn’t doing it for you? It’s probably best not to lead them on.
Don’t be complacent with a guy just because they constantly message you. If you don’t feel any happiness or spark when you see a notification from them on your phone, it might be a sign to move along. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the truth, but letting a match become overly invested is not the way to go on Tinder, especially if you don’t have any intention of meeting them in person.
2Misrepresenting Yourself
Does your match keep on bringing up Canadian Football? Are you freaking out because you have no idea what that entails? Be careful about giving your match a false perception of your personality or interests.
If you don’t care for every single one of their hobbies, that perfectly all right. Be respectful of their interests, but don’t pretend to be an aficionado if you’re not. If you’re genuinely curious about one of their favorite past times, maybe you can make a date out of it to spend time with that person!
1Forgetting To Have Fun
Tinder is meant to open up a world of possibilities, and maybe introduce you to a new partner in the process. If the app is stressing you out, then try taking a break from it to clear your head.
Dating can be scary, but also extremely rewarding when you meet the right person. Try not to freak if you don’t meet Mr. Right in the first week–sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you can find your prince.
