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Valentine’s Day is today, and for many, it’s a time to reflect on relationships and maybe even consider trying to find someone special. In today’s digital world, dating apps have become a common way to meet new people–I’ve been there! But navigating these platforms can feel overwhelming. How do you stand out, and how do you make sure you’re making meaningful connections? Here are some tips to help you swipe smarter and date better, along with insights on how our Dating Decision Tool can support you in your journey.
1. Know What You Want Before You Swipe – Get Clear, Our Tool Can Help.
Before diving into dating apps, take time to reflect on what you’re truly looking for in a partner and a relationship. Are you seeking something casual or long-term? What qualities matter most to you in a partner?
Why it matters: Clarity helps you filter potential matches and avoid wasting time on people whose goals don’t align with yours.
How our Dating Decision Tool helps: Reviewing the Dating Decision Companion Guide helps you better understand and define your must-haves and deal-breakers, providing clarity and confidence before you start swiping.
2. Optimize Your Profile – Make it Work for You!
Your profile is your first impression, so make it count! Vanessa Van Edwards, Communications Expert and founder of The Science of People says “Think about your photos as an opportunity to tell a story about your personality. Every piece of text you write and every photo you include should serve a specific purpose.
Vanessa also advises to write about what you’re looking for in a partner. “The most successful profiles use about 70% of their profiles to talk about themselves and the remaining 30% to describe what they’re looking for in a partner.
Read more in her article “15 Ways to Optimize Your Online Dating Profile”
How our Dating Decision Tool helps: Being clear on what you want in a partner will make that recommended 30% a lot easier to write.
3. Institute the “Zero Date” – A Mini Meet Up Saves Time
In her 2018 Ted Talk, Christina Wallace explains how she used her MBA skill set to create a new approach to online dating. It’s basically a pre-first date, in-person meeting that informs whether or not someone is worth going on an actual first date with. It saves you time, energy and allows you to quickly move on.
Watch more in her Ted Talk “How to Stop Swiping and Find Your Person on Dating Apps”
How our Dating Decision Tool helps: Because it takes time to learn if someone aligns with all of your criteria, you can create a threshold score someone should achieve before you even agree to go on a “Zero Date”
4. Be Intentional With Your Swipes – No More Mindless Swiping
It’s tempting to swipe mindlessly, but taking a more thoughtful approach can yield better results. Read profiles thoroughly before making a decision.
Why it matters: Intentional swiping increases your chances of matching with people who align with your values and interests.
How our Dating Decision Tool helps: Score potential matches based on your criteria, ensuring you’re only choosing people that align with what matters most to you.
5. Start Conversations That Count – Say more than ‘Hey’
Once you’ve matched with someone, the real challenge begins: starting a conversation. Avoid generic openers like “Hey” or “What’s up?” Instead, reference something specific from their profile or ask a thoughtful question like “I noticed you’re into hiking–what’s your favourite trail?”
Why it matters: Research shows that deeper conversations lead to more meaningful relationships. And isn’t it just more enjoyable and a better use of time to have interesting conversations, even if they don’t ultimately lead somewhere?
Learn more about Why Meaningful Conversations are the Key to Finding Lasting Love and Why People Enjoy Deep Conversations with Strangers
6. Set Healthy Boundaries – Protect Your Time and Energy
It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced nature of dating apps, but setting boundaries is important. Decide how much time you want to spend on the app each day and stick to it. Additionally, don’t feel pressured to share personal information or meet in person until you’re comfortable. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it’s okay to unmatch and move on.
7. Be Patient and Stay Positive – The Right Match is Worth The Wait
Dating can feel like a rollercoaster—full of excitement, uncertainty, and, at times, frustration. But here’s the truth: the right person won’t pass you by. 💛
Rejections, ghosting, and mismatched connections aren’t signs that something is wrong with you—they’re just part of the journey. Patience isn’t about waiting around—it’s about trusting that you’re making the right decisions for yourself. Carrie Prince, founder of DateBetter.com, puts it perfectly: “Forcing connections with people you aren’t excited about is probably not going to be all that fun.”
✨ Instead of rushing or settling, focus on loving your own life while the right match finds their way to you. Keep your standards high, stay true to what matters most, and remember—you deserve a relationship that feels right, not just one that’s convenient.
Read more from Carrie: Fostering Resiliency in Dating — A Loving Tirade
How our Dating Decision Tool helps: The impatience you might be feeling could lead to making snap decisions that don’t actually align with what you’re truly looking for. Being able to clearly define what you’re looking for, and being able to regularly reference it serves as a helpful reminder and to stick to it.
8. Reflect and Adjust – Learn & Grow
Periodically review your dating app strategy. Are you attracting the type of matches you want? If not, consider tweaking your profile or adjusting your criteria. Reflection and adjusting is a key part of the decision making process and it ensures you’re staying aligned with your goals and making the most of your time.
Final Thoughts
Take dating back into your own hands and feel clear and confident about the decisions you make on those apps–and beyond! Navigating dating apps doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. With intentionality, patience, and the right tools, you can make meaningful connections and find a relationship that aligns with your values and goals. Our Dating Decision Tool is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you’re making thoughtful, informed choices. You’ve got this.
Ready to date with confidence? Download the Dating Decision Tool today!