Handy tips to make online dating work for guys

Online dating is tricky. Although online dating websites and apps give access to more potential matches than IRL, the prospects of turning these matches into real-life dates can be a bit frustrating. For most men, online dating generally does not work out because of two basic reasons. These reasons are mostly related to statistics and algorithms.

• Statistics
  Most women do not consider online dating platforms as safe spaces. This is why most dating sites have more men than women members. There is no proportionate distribution of matches. Women tend to get more matches and men tend to have lesser matches. Since the dating pool has more men than women, the probability of finding a date for a guy is often lower.
• Algorithm
  Online dating websites run on algorithms. These algorithms rely on the information and data you provide. This information is usually quantifiable data such as behavioral traits and simple beliefs. This is used to determine compatibility and match two people. The more data you provide, the higher the chances of the algorithm working in your favor. Guys often have half-filled questionnaires and incomplete profiles, which do not make the algorithms effective while looking for a match.

Despite these factors, there are a few ways to break the jinx if online dating is not working for you. Here are a few handy online dating tips for guys.

• Make a positive profile
  Always put out positive vibes in your dating profile. Pick three to five positive traits or adjectives that describe you well. Make sure to mention what you care about. For instance, if you are vocal about the environment or rescuing strays, put it in your profile. Go beyond your job and your work.
• Put up lively photos
  The best profiles are those that show and not just tell. You need to show your life in action through your photos. Forget selfies, group photos, or pictures of you standing in the middle of anywhere. Put up photos that show you in the middle of your favorite activity such as sailing, surfing, reading, or playing your favorite sport.
• Keep out cynicism
  Your dating profile should exude positivity. Refrain from adding anything that shows negativity, pessimism, bitterness, or cynicism. Also, keep out sarcasm out of your profile. Sarcasm may be fun when among friends, but it does not come off well in online profiles.
• Be specific about who you want to date
  This does not mean listing out exact physical attributes, hobbies, or education in a potential date. You need to focus on and specify what values you are looking for in a partner. These values should resonate with you so that you get matches from like-minded people.
• Always check your grammar and spelling
  Finally, make sure you run a rigorous spell check and grammar check on your profile. Ask a friend you trust to read through your profile and point out any errors in your text.

Once your profile is made, you can start browsing for potential dates and go forth on your online dating journey. Here are a few well-known online dating websites to give yourself a head start.

Popular online dating websites

• eharmony
  One of the popular online dating websites, eharmony is known to use a scientific approach for matchmaking and connecting compatible singles to cultivate long-term relationships. The website collects data with a series of questions to new members and makes matches that are statistically likely to succeed in long-term relationships. Members need to complete a personality profile by adding interests and hobbies, as well as information about what they are looking for through eharmony. The website also has a paid subscription membership that unlocks communication tools, such as regular inbox messages and SecureCall. The SecureCall feature is a secure phone line, with which you can chat securely without disclosing personal phone numbers.
• SilverSingles
  Known as one of the best dating sites for seniors, SilverSingles is for 50+ singles looking for love and companionship. It has a simple interface and uses an intelligent matchmaking algorithm to give matches based on personality and interests. Those over 50 who want friendship, romance, and more, can sign up to SilverSingles and start meeting like-minded singles in a safe environment. The website has an instant messenger service that lets you stay connected with as many matches as you like. You can see who’s online and chat, share photos, “favorite” certain users, and arrange for dates without any hassles. The website also has an online chat for connecting with multiple singles and starting conversations.
• EliteSingles
  One of the well-known online dating sites, EliteSingles is for those looking for serious relationships. The website gives highly relevant matches based on personality and preferences. The website has an in-depth signup process consisting of a personality assessment. This assessment measures all the users’ personalities based on five broad parameters—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. The matchmaking process brings together highly suitable matches based on the results of the 5-factor personality test. The test identifies key personality traits along with chances for long-term compatibility with other members.
• Christian Mingle
  One of the few faith-based online dating websites, Christian Mingle puts faith first by helping match men and women who are looking for a God-centered relationship. The website uses a sophisticated algorithm to improve compatibility between matches. Also, it offers a heightened user experience through its elegant interface. You have to answer a few questions during the signup process and fill out some personal details, such as age, height, education, Christian denomination, and whether or not you want to have kids (or already have kids). The site also has a paid membership that gives access to the ‘LookBook’ feature for anonymous browsing through profiles one at a time. The matches shown are based on your ‘discovery preferences,’ which is a tool that determines which profiles the site will display for you.
• Match.com
  Known to be one of the best places to find love online, Match.com helps you to meet new people, even with a free account. It is quite popular as an extremely effective app and online dating website for those who are looking for a serious relationship. The signup process is very in-depth and exhaustive taking about 20-30 minutes. Once the signup process is completed, you can start looking at profiles of potential matches. Match.com has an easy and simple user interface and offers specific search features that make it easy to help find the right match.

Online dating can often be a hit or miss. You may hit it off at the first instance and find someone special or may go through multitudes of dates before you meet the right partner. Whether you are contemplating between using EliteSingles vs eharmony or SilverSingles vs Christian Mingle, make sure you understand all the online dating pros and cons before diving into the world of online dating.