Online Dating: Red Flags To Look Out For

The evolution of humankind in dating dynamics has been nothing short of a profound progressive transformation in perspectives. It has indeed been a journey that reflects the changes in societal norms and highlights the cultural shifts and the role of technology in our romantic lives. From survival-focused partnerships in prehistoric times to cultural, personal, and emotional compatibility, dating has evolved from a necessity to a complex and dynamic social practice today.

As we stand in the digital age, old-school romance has mostly become a thing of the past. Though the act of expressing one’s love through letters, gifts, etc., is still being cherished, more and more people are embracing the realm of online dating to enhance their chances of finding a compatible partner.

With almost the entire generation being stuck to their smartphones, dating applications have become an essential extension of our digital presence. While the intentions of being on a dating application may vary for each individual, it has introduced humans to a more convenient and exciting journey for meeting people living in the proximity of their locations (or even from different parts of the world) with the promise of new and meaningful relationships.

Though the concept of online dating was initially met with skepticism, today it has revolutionized the way people meet and connect with potential partners. The curiosity and excitement sparked by these applications, coupled with the conscious efforts by the brands to ensure authenticity, privacy, and the safety of its users, has redefined the perception of its users and helped pave the way for online dating platforms towards the mainstream. 

Despite the convenience and possibility of advanced connections, stepping into the world of dating can be an adventure in itself. Though necessary steps are being initiated to ensure the best experiences for the users, it can still be difficult to navigate the journey of romance in the online dating forum. After all, from potential partners to creeps, these platforms have them all. 

Be it a committed relationship or a hook-up, taking things forward in a potential connection can be risky business. Natural flow in conversations is often the first milestone for any relationship. So why not analyze them before committing to a date very soon? It will not only help filter people out but also aid in reducing the risk of ending up with a toxic partner. Above all, you will also get valuable insights about their personality which will help you avoid another regret in life. So here are a few things to help you decide if you should commit to an immediate date.

Making it All About Themselves

If a major part of your conversation revolves around them- their stories, experiences, and perspectives, then that could be a sign of self-centeredness and might also indicate a lack of consideration for others’ feelings, which in this case is YOU.

Negativity

Life is not easy, and if you want to complain, you can keep doing it until the end of time. But there is always the choice to grab the opportunities that come by and make the best out of it. 

So if a pessimistic attitude is what you receive during your interactions with your date, it could be an indicator to stay away or to give it some time as it could drain the energy out of you!

Inconsistencies

Some people enjoy making up stories for their benefit and it is quite easy for them. Watch out for inconsistencies in whatever your date has shared during your conversations as it will save you from people who are professionals at manipulation.

No Personal Information

This one’s a dealbreaker. If you find your potential connection to be extremely mysterious and reluctant to share details, that SHOULDN’T make it appealing. Ask questions and if you still receive similar responses, do not make plans to meet them immediately because you deserve to know the person you’re talking to and there is nothing wrong in wanting to know them better.

Constant Texting or Calling 

If you are being bombarded with a lot of text messages and calls that seem more like spamming, your date could have attachment issues or ‘attention’ issues.

Push for Sexting

Intimate conversations are great in a relationship as it helps to spice things up. However, if you are being pressured to engage in such conversations undeterred by your inconvenience, you need to check if their priorities are in the right place.

Absence of Connection

You might have already heard this phrase- “If we vibe, we vibe”, and that’s what it means to have a connection. If you can’t have a decent conversation without each of you being distracted, it’s high time you start reconsidering your choices.

Though these are just a few of the major red flags you surely have to look out for, they are significant as they help you make an informed decision on your much-awaited date. After all, going out on a date also means being your best self and meeting people whose interests align with yours, and you wouldn’t want your efforts to be in vain!