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Apps - There are numerous apps to choose from when it comes to online dating. Do your research and choose one that fits what you're looking for. 

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Self-esteem - Make sure you're emotionally ready. If you haven't got over a breakup or if you're anxious or unmotivated, your experience probably won't go so well.

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Decide on the type of relationship you're looking for - The specific app, as well as the pictures you'll be using and how you present yourself, all depend on the type of relationship you're looking for. Is it a serious commitment? Or a friend with benefits?

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Profile - Don't turn your dating profile into a CV. It shouldn't be personal marketing, it should be an honest description of who you are and what you like.

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Profile picture - Picking pictures where you look happy will make your profile more attractive.

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Profile picture - Avoid posting obnoxious pictures of money, cars, or other expensive objects.

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Profile description - Write a short, fun, and simple description of yourself that will leave potential matches curious.

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Don't lie - It's not worth lying about your age, height or appearance. You'll be wasting the other person's time!

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Don't believe everything you read - Don't judge a book by its cover, and don't believe everything you read on someone's profile straight away.

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The right timing - Make sure you don't bombard the other person's inbox if you match. It can come off as really aggressive if you don't even wait for a reply. 

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The conversation - That is not to say that you have to wait days in between messaging. Don't leave them waiting for too long or they may lose interest.

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Take a step further - As the conversation evolves, you might want to consider moving on to a different type of messaging app. If you're not comfortable with that though, feel free to stick with the dating app messaging system. 

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Social media - You can also send them a friend request on different social media platforms so you may learn more about their lives—however remember that they can see all of your information as well. 

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First date -

Of course, this is all a lead-up to the actual first date, where you'll be able to finally have a face-to-face conversation and decide if you enjoy the other person's company. In times of coronavirus, this first date will have to wait, or it could be a video call. Pour yourself some wine and enjoy a virtual conversation. This will already give you some hints on how it will go once you actually meet in person.

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Matching - But if they don't accept your request for a date, don't be bummed out. It happens frequently in the online dating world!

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Rejection - Many people who sign up to online dating apps stop responding or vanish for several different reasons—don't let that put you off of continuing your search.

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Immediate results - Be patient! It's unlikely that the first few (or potentially ten) people you meet are going to be right for you. You have to be patient and keep trying. 

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Share -

Tell the person you're chatting with your intentions regarding a potential relationship, so they're aware of your mindset and can make a proper decision of whether or not they want to meet you.

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Precautions - However the online dating world isn't all a fairy-tale journey of swipes and dates. Here are some precautions to take to make sure you stay safe online. 

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Precautions - Don't believe everything people tell you about themselves on dating apps. Try doing a bit of research online and on social media to see if it all makes sense.

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Precautions - Browse through their social media profiles so you can learn more about the type of person they are, including their tastes, how they respond to other people, and what their sense of humor is like.

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Precautions - Make sure your social media pictures and information are only visible to friends and family that you actually know.

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Precautions - Be careful with scammers! They're everywhere, including dating apps. Don't mention valuable things you may own or give away too much personal information.

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Precautions - Don't ever share your passwords.

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Precautions - When you go on your first face-to-face date, tell your family or friends where you'll be.

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Precautions - For the first date, make sure you pick a public place, with other people around.

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Senior dating - Love spans across every age, and there are specific dating apps for older people too. 

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Senior dating -

However, one must always be careful, so the advice also applies to senior dating too!

See also: Love songs that will get you in the mood

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