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Dating apps offer a fresh opportunity to expand your horizons and discover potential matches by adjusting your preferences.
Despite occasional horror stories like ghosting or unsuccessful dates, these platforms provide a chance to connect with people beyond your usual social circles. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Online dating has revolutionized how we approach relationships. Gone are the days of classic rom-com meet-cutes, and sometimes, the people in our immediate circle may not be the right fit. Dating apps offer a fresh opportunity to expand your horizons and discover potential matches by adjusting your preferences.
While dating apps can feel daunting, relying solely on in-person connections is no longer the only way to meet someone. Despite occasional horror stories like ghosting or unsuccessful dates, these platforms provide a chance to connect with people beyond your usual social circles, ranging from casual encounters to the potential for long-term relationships.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Ravi Mittal, the Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, shared his insights on mastering the world of dating apps. Here’s his advice on how to succeed in the dating app scene:
Profile picture
In a conversation with the Hindustan Times, he stressed the importance of selecting the perfect profile picture as the first step in creating an attractive dating profile. He noted that, despite our best intentions, people often judge based on first impressions, and the profile picture plays a key role in whether someone swipes right or left. Therefore, choosing the right photo is essential for making a strong impression and grabbing attention.
According to Ravi, it is important to upload a mix of both selfies and full-body shots. A close-up photo with a genuine smile not only reflects how a person looks in real life but also adds a warm, inviting energy to the profile. A full-body picture, on the other hand, provides clarity about one’s physical appearance, offering a sense of style and personality. He advised using recent photos, cautioning against posting outdated pictures that no longer reflect one’s current appearance. He also mentioned that group photos should be avoided, as the profile is meant to focus on the individual, not a group. He further explained that a well-crafted bio is key to sparking interest and starting meaningful conversations.
It is the perfect place to showcase one’s personality, interests, and passions. He suggested keeping the bio concise yet specific, offering a glimpse into personal traits, such as hobbies, preferences, and goals. For example, a short but revealing line can communicate a lot. It reveals a person’s sense of humour, their personality, and even their tolerance and humility. Ravi also recommended adding a touch of humour to make the profile more engaging and showcase wit. Additionally, the bio should include information about the type of partner one is looking for. Lastly, he advised against using overused phrases like “I’m a mountain person” and suggested expressing preferences more creatively and uniquely to stand out from the crowd.
Smart dating over hard dating
When it comes to online dating, many first-timers feel the pressure to swipe endlessly, hoping to secure a match. This approach is based on the idea of “keeping all options open” by engaging with numerous potential matches to find the one. However, Ravi Mittal stresses that focusing on quality over quantity is the real key to success.
Ravi highlighted that newcomers often get caught up in a matching frenzy, where the excitement of accumulating matches can become overwhelming. He pointed out that while having multiple options may seem reassuring at first, it can quickly become draining, especially if there’s no real emotional connection being formed. He emphasized that online dating should be about meaningful interactions, and it’s more rewarding to focus on matches that genuinely interest you and invest in building a deeper connection with them.
Ice-breaker
Once you have carefully crafted your profile and selected potential matches, the next step is reaching out to someone. The initial message can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also a thrilling opportunity.
Ravi advised that the key to a great first message is to move beyond simple greetings like “hey” or “hello.” Instead, he recommended personalising your opening lines. For example, if your match has mentioned a love for rock music, referencing that interest in your first message shows you have paid attention to their profile and sets the tone for a thoughtful conversation.
Being safe
Texting on a dating app can feel surprisingly natural and intimate, but it’s easy to get emotionally caught up and ignore warning signs. Practising safety and being mindful of your well-being is crucial for both your mental health and personal security.
The CEO highlighted the importance of staying cautious, especially when someone expresses strong emotions too quickly. He explained that while a person professing love early on might seem perfect, it could also be a red flag indicating they might be playing with your emotions or attempting a scam. Ravi also advised avoiding matches who focus too much on money or come across as overly boastful. When meeting someone in person, he suggested choosing public places and letting trusted friends or family know where you are going. His main piece of advice was to trust your instincts. If anything feels off, it is important to cut off contact, but do so respectfully by informing the other person instead of ghosting them.
