Jan. 3 is statistically the busiest day of the year for single Canadians to be online looking for love, according to dating sites.
“I think that’s because of a few things,” said Kimberly Moffit, a relationship therapist who works for Match.com, which saw 90,000 messages sent between users last Jan. 3.
“People have just come out of the holidays. So if they are single they probably attended events alone, maybe they’ve had aunts or uncles who’ve been asking or been prying into their love lives.”
A new year also represents new opportunity. It’s a fresh start and a clean slate for a lot of people.
And there will be plenty of fish in the sea for them to choose from.
It’s expected that 81,000 new users will sign up on PlentyofFish over the course of the day. That translates to a 2.4 per cent increase in the site’s dating pool.
PlentyofFish forecasts a top messaging time of 6 pm ET. On Match, meanwhile, things are expected to hit their peak at 8:52 pm ET.
READ MORE: The Internet’s most specific online dating sites
But before you send your first message, there are a few tips you should follow to help yourself score a date.
Online Dating 101
1. Think of it as a tool
It can be hard to meet people.
Online dating is a way to get you face to face with more people sooner, said Moffit.
“Your goal should be to set up as many dates as possible.”
Don’t be afraid of the rejection — it’s part of the process, which can take time.
It can take an average of 10 to 12 weeks to find a partner, according to PlentyofFish. So don’t be discouraged.
2. Create a solid profile
Do (tips from PlentyOfFish dating coach, Shannon Smith):
- Take your time to fill out each category honestly and completely, aiming to keep things concise. You want to make sure you leave a little something up to the imagination while also providing a good idea of who you are.
- Have a positive attitude. Be aware of using phrases that start with “I don’t like…” or “don’t contact me if…” These phrases can come across as being negative and can reflect poorly on your character, especially when someone only has a few sentences to judge you on.
- Be mindful of your spelling and grammar (that goes from messages as well).
- Offer a variety of images.
“Five or more images on your profile will result in eight times the messages received.”
Upload images of yourself doing an activity that you enjoy, Smith adds.
But don’t make that activity photo your main photo. Your profile picture should be a recent headshot, according to Moffit at Match.
Other picture don’ts:
- Avoid the serious bathroom selfie, Smith says.
- Avoid pictures with other people (especially exes or other members of the opposite sex). It can be a “turnoff to a lot of people,” Moffit explains.
She says you should also be specific in your profile about what you want and who you are. If there’s something you’re passionate about, be sure to mention that. It can help differentiate you from the masses.
3. Message etiquette
Don’t:
- Have a checklist. Couples who met on PlentyofFish have often admitted to falling in love with someone whom they normally wouldn’t have considered their “type.”
- Send the simple ‘hey’ or ‘what’s up,’ as these short and brief messages will get lost in the mix.
Do:
“Sending a great first message is about genuine sincerity and interest,” says Smith.
“If you want to message someone, what is it about them that caught your eye? If you and a potential match share similar interests, include this in your initial message. This will show you have taken the time to read their profile and that you are genuinely interested in their hobbies.”
Moffit suggests capping the messages to three per prospect before meeting.
She also recommends saving the personal details for in person.
4. Set a date
Meet in a public place and tell someone where you’re going.
READ MORE: Where do you go on a first date? Study finds women prefer coffee shops
Research has shown, according to Moffit, that the soonest you’ll know if someone’s a match for you is within the first seven seconds.
Happy hunting!
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