Since the first commercial online matchmaking service was launched in the mid-1990s, dating sites have gone from strength to strength. Many of the larger and longer-established examples now command worldwide memberships running into tens of millions. And no wonder. Having the personal details of seemingly limitless prospective partners, literally at your fingertips, is so much more convenient than hanging around in busy bars, surrounded by all the other hopeful singles!
In the modern world, outlets such as hookups online stand as a part of dating culture you can rely on if you’re seeking casual encounters with like-minded individuals. To find an eager partner for the night, you must be honest and upfront with your intentions. Here we’ve listed six of the most crucial tips you can take on board.
- Use online dating and new technologies to find a like-minded person
Unlike the offline dating world, where are you have no way of knowing much about a stranger’s background, dating sites provide all the information you could require. Browsing through the profiles will give you an excellent insight into the array of hobbies and interests shared by a fellow site user. Algorithms built into the websites will also ensure you are matched with someone appropriate.
- Start conversation from funny pick-up lines
When you are getting to know another single, it is important to establish a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. Avoid using any lines that seem purely intended for chatting up, as this will give the impression that you are in the habit of doing this activity regularly. Think of humorous anecdotes. Be prepared to laugh at yourself and inject conversation with compliments.
- Keep the conversation going
The worst situation you could come across in any initial face-to-face encounter would be an embarrassing silence. This is the moment everyone dreads when the discussions dry up and you are left staring at the floor, desperately thinking of something interesting to retrieve the awkwardness. A good tip would be to think of potential conversation topics in advance. There would be no harm in preparing topics, jotting down ideas which you could pop into the Notes section of your phone to be casually referred to.
- Be honest about your intentions
Honesty is always the best policy. Once you begin establishing a sense of chemistry, don’t try to be cool or offhanded about where you see this evening going. Your date will be far more impressed if you are candid from the outset. If you are merely looking for a casual get-together, then let them know this. If they are looking for something more serious this will save a lot of unnecessary timewasting.
- Take the lead – invite to the first date
For all that there is a widespread drive towards equality of the sexes these days, women still enjoy when a male partner displays confidence and initiative and takes the lead. This can cover aspects as simple as offering the suggestions for your meeting up please, right down to booking the venue, ensuring you choose the best table in the restaurant.
- Eye contact is a simple way to show interest.
One of the simplest tricks in the book is also easily the most effective. When you are engaging in conversation with a prospective partner, ensure you maintain eye contact at all times. There is a happy medium, and you don’t want to give the impression that you are simply staring. But an attentive look will say you so much, indicating that you are paying attention to everything she is saying and that you are very interested in her opinions.
