Online dating has made a massive difference in the way we meet people and connect with potential partners. It makes it easier than ever to strike up a conversation with someone that catches our eye, so theoretically, it should make dating a whole lot easier. However, in many ways, it is a lot harder.
Rather than go out to the bar and have the pick of the singles in that bar, dating apps and even Freechatlines gay gives us a whole host of people to choose from and get to know better, literally right at our fingertips and without leaving the house, which is ideal for those with work or family commitments restricting their social lives.
However, this increased choice makes it much harder for some people to commit to one relationship, just in case they miss out on meeting somebody that they are more compatible with. It also means that you need to decide who is best suited for you out of a large pool of potential daters, and that can be tough. Here, we look at some of the best ways to narrow down your online dating options to help you find the one for you.
Look for shared values
Unless you and your potential suitor have shared values, the relationship is never going to take off. For it to even have a chance of working, you need to have something in common and some shared values and beliefs. For example, if one of you is a meat lover and the other is a fervent vegan, it may not be the best pairing. Similarly, significant differences in religious beliefs or political thinking may mean that you are not very well suited. Sussing out whether someone has the same values and belief systems as you at the beginning can help to prevent heartbreak further down the line.
Red flag behaviors
We use the term red flag behavior to define behaviors that may be of some concern. For example, what might seem to be cute little quirks early on in the relationship may turn out to be controlling and abusive behavior further down the line. Secrecy and dishonesty is always a huge red flag – if someone can’t tell the truth right at the beginning of a relationship, the chances of them ever being entirely truthful with you are slim.
Commitment
When you are first starting out and talking to someone, you are not going to be asking for a long term commitment. Until you truly know someone, that would be rather silly. However, it is important to get an idea early into your connection about their long term plans. Are they in the dating game simply to have a bit of fun, or are they hoping to meet a long term partner at some point? Asking them upfront is always a good idea – you will then know if it is likely to be a waste of yours and their time.
