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When it comes to finding a partner, many of us turn towards our smartphones and download dating apps. There are tons of apps on the market that are specifically designed for finding hookups, casual flings, and long-term romance.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and dive into online dating, how you conduct yourself can have a huge impact on finding true love. To help get you off to a good start, here are some of the do’s and don’ts of app dating.

Do Be Honest and Authentic

Unlike in real life, any of us can be who we want to be online. While the majority of dating app users are legit, there are others who will have skeletons in the closet that they don’t want to share. Whether you have baggage or not, it’s best to be honest and authentic on your profile so that potential partners can see the real you. If you’re worried that people won’t like you for you, they’re not worth your time! It’s important that you pick a dating app that attracts likeminded individuals. For example, if you want to find one that caters specifically to the black dating community, you should consider checking out the best black dating sites to find a match that meets your criteria.

Do Be Open Minded

Many dating app users have high expectations which can hinder their experience and close them off from potential suitors. We all have different likes and interests, so try and be open minded and not have your guard too high up. In many instances, opposites attract, so while you may be hesitant at first to carry the conversation further, the one person you thought you wouldn’t gel with could end up being your future partner. There are several steps that you should follow for successful dating that can increase your chances of finding your happy ever after.

Do Trust Your Instinct

There are some users on dating apps that have bad intentions, so if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately, there are scammers who operate on dating apps who prey on the vulnerable, so trusting your instinct, understanding what a catfish is, and staying alert will reduce the risk of you falling into a trap.

Do Tell Your Close Friends About Your Encounters

If you have a close circle of friends, tell them that you’re using dating apps. There are millions of people across the country in the same boat as you, so it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Your friends are the ones that want the best for you, so they may spot red flags while you have rose tinted glasses on. Even if you don’t agree with them at first, it’s best to listen to your loved ones who may have more experience in dating apps than you do.

Don’t Share Private Information

When conversing with a potential partner, it can be all too easy to share too much too soon. Regardless of how comfortable you feel, it’s vital that you don’t share your phone number, email address, or home address. The last thing you want is for your safety to be threatened, so knowing what not to share online will ensure your safety is not in jeopardy.

Don’t Rush into Meeting

If the conversation is flowing and the other user is asking to meet up, only do so when you feel good and ready. While it may be tempting to meet as quickly as possible, the initial feelings you have for this person could be clouding your judgement. Taking some time to get to know their hobbies and interests will give you a better idea of whether they’re right for you. If you notice that the user is being persistent or constantly double messaging, this may be a sign that they’re too eager and needy, which may put you off.

Don’t Hesitate to Contact Customer Support

While dating apps should be enjoyable to use, unfortunately, there are some mean people out there who create fake profiles to send cyber abuse. If you ever get an inappropriate message or photo, don’t hesitate to contact the app’s customer support team. They are there for a reason to keep you safe, so contacting them and expressing your concerns will not only put your mind at ease, but ensure you stay safe and protected.

Don’t Give Up

If you’re new to dating apps or you’ve been on them before, the process of finding the one can be an exhausting experience. Instead of giving up at the first hurdle, try and stay committed to finding romance. If you have met someone off a dating app and it didn’t go according to plan, you can’t tarnish everyone with the same brush. There is somebody out there for everyone, so dusting yourself off and getting back on dating apps is advised. If you feel like your self-esteem and confidence are diminishing when using a dating app, it’s best to delete the app and take some time away.

Regardless of what dating app you choose, there are lots of handy tips that can help make the experience more enjoyable and keep you safe when talking to potential dates.