Download these easy apps to find your new flin
Online dating is the new face-to-face. Shocker, right? No, well, that’s because you’re part of the generation that rates a guy with your thumbs. More than a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds use dating apps today and 66 percent of online daters have developed to actual relationships. If you’re looking to the screen for your next romance but have already sworn off Tinder thanks to that creepy guy (and the one after him), fear not: these five new dating apps have got you covered.
1. Coffee Meet Bagel
Instead of swiping at rando’s, this app takes over the choosing. Everyday at noon a match is selected for you based on your location, attraction, common interests, and mutual friends. If you both decide to keep the match within a 24-hour span, you’ll be connected to a private chat where icebreaker questions will be offered.
2. Bumble
Considered the “feminist” dating app, Bumble is where you’ll always make the first move. After connecting with a match, done by swiping right to one’s pics and bio, you have 24 hours to send a message. After one day, the match disappears, but each party can extend one connection daily for an extra 24 hours.
3. Happn
If you’ve ever wondered what could be with that cute guy from Starbucks, here’s your chance to find out. Profiles pop up on Happn every time you cross paths with someone, detailing if it's the first encounter or the tenth. A match is hidden until it’s mutual, so there’s no need to worry about finding a new coffee spot, unless you opt to send a “charm,” alerting him you’re interested. Once you’ve mutually connected, you can start chatting.
4. Double
For the girl who never wants to hit the bathroom alone, this one’s for you. Signing up with one or more friends (via Facebook) for a two-person profile, Double lets you match with another pair for a dual connection and a future double date. Liking a pair is anonymous, and only one like from each is needed, but once it’s mutual, you can have a group convo inside the app before taking it to real life.
5. Once
Once a day, Once’s matchmakers handpick someone for you. It’s up to you whether to like him or not, with 24 hours to decide. While your profile is hidden from everyone besides your daily pick, you can see when the man-of-the-day is looking at yours, and get a notification when he likes you back. Once you’re connected, you’re given a suggested conversation starter and are free to chat it up.
If you’re looking to join the action but lack the moves to make it happen, fret no more: there’s a trick to making your dating app game stand out. Next time you load your apps, follow these three easy steps to make the right swipe stick.
1. Pick Your Pics
Opt for a range of images that show your looks and personality. You’ll get a better response to a natural, smiling close-up than to a fierce selfie. Include an action shot doing one of your favorite hobbies, like playing an instrument, and a picture wearing red, which makes you appear more sexually receptive. Including a solo full-body image furthers your chances of a match by about 20 to 30 percent based on a Zoosk study of 4,000 profiles.
2. The Write Up
Here’s what not to do in your profile: make a checklist of the things you are, or aren’t, looking for. Instead, write a short, two-sentence burst of information that gives a little insight into what you like to do. Include emojis to show your humor or quirkiness, or a riddle to stand out. Make sure grammar (for the written stuff) is correct. End with a question, like “What about you?” to give guys an icebreaker for the first message.
3. Take Action
If he doesn’t make the first move, do it yourself. Avoid a physical compliment or traditional “hello” and jump right into “How’s it going?” which, according to OkCupid research, proves more successful. If you want to branch out, mention something that pops in his profile. Asking questions, whether in the initial move or later on, is key to keeping the connection going and taking the match from your phone to dinner for two.