Dating, especially in this day and age, can be scary. While most people used to meet their significant others through mutual friends and common interests, nowadays, most people are meeting their SOs through dating apps.
In fact, 2020 saw an estimated 26.2 million dating app users in the United States. Additionally, three-in-ten adults in the US claim to have used a dating app at some point. This number varies by age, with 48% of 18- to 29-year-olds saying they’ve used a dating app.
Virtual dating has evolved quite a bit over the last several years, and nowadays, many people are scheduling virtual dates before they meet up in person. While a virtual date can feel awkward, it’s a great way to get to know someone before committing to meeting in person.
So, what should you be prepared for? Check out these online date tips for your first virtual date.
1. Set the Scene
It can be easy to roll into your online date the same way you roll into your early morning meetings – no makeup, no hairdo, and wearing the same outfit you’ve worn the past three days.
However, to get yourself in a more date-like mood, we recommend sprucing up your appearance a bit. While you don’t need to go all out with winged eyeliner and a new wardrobe, putting on a nice top and doing your hair can make you feel more prepared.
Additionally, we recommend checking your background to ensure there isn’t a high pile of laundry behind you and setting up your laptop so it’s eye-level.
2. Consider Organizing an “Activity”
Many people go into virtual dates thinking they’ll be easier than in-person dates because there’s less pressure. However, in reality, many people find that the conversation doesn’t flow as easily when talking to someone online.
For this reason, we recommend coming with an “activity” prepared to break the ice and keep the conversation flowing. It doesn’t have to be anything overly complicated – perhaps you and your date could cook the same recipe while you chat, or you both could paint and sip wine. Or, you could play trivia, hangman, or some other game that’s easy to do virtually.
Having something to do while you’re talking will automatically ease the tension and make the conversation flow more easily.
3. Write Down Some Icebreaker Questions
In addition to doing an activity, starting the date with some icebreaker questions can also help ease the tensions. When dating, many people fall into the routine of asking the same questions over and over again – “What do you do for work?” “What do you like to do for fun?” etc.
To keep the date interesting, consider adding some unique icebreaker questions, such as:
- If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?
- If you could live in a different country, where would you live?
- How did you and your best friend meet?
- What’s the worst date you’ve been on?
- What’s your guilty pleasure movie?
As you can see, these questions aren’t anything earth-shattering, but they should help get the conversation flowing! These questions can also be helpful when meeting people on deaf dating sites.
Online Date Tips: Time to Get Started
Now that you have these online date tips, it’s time to get started with virtual dating. While virtual dating can be awkward at first, you’ll soon get the hang of it. And, maybe before you expected, you’ll meet the right person!
Check back in with our blog for more dating tips!