The world of the internet and smart phone apps have connected us to thousands of people with whom we can go on dates. Tinder is a fun way to see who’s around you and to (hopefully) match with those people that catch your eye. Along with all the tinder fun comes the uncertainty of actually hanging out with some of your matches. Yikes. Here are a few things I’ve picked up along the way that you should consider before your first or your next tinder date:
1) Snapchat or get a picture before you meet
Every tinder date I’ve been on has surprised me with how they actually look in person. Even guys like to put their best foot forward on the internet, so most of the time, their profile pictures look a little different than they actually do. You wouldn’t think this would be a big deal, but haircut, weight loss, gym time, or facial hair can really affect the way a person looks! Be sure to get a recent picture before you have to try to pick them out of a crowd of people. You’ll thank me later.
2) Always meet in a public place for the first time
Most, if not all of the people on tinder, probably aren’t crazy psychos who are going to murder you. However, I’ve always thought that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Have your best friend on call while you’re out (and you can do the same for her!). Meeting in a public place is both safer, and it gives you an option to get out if the date isn’t going well. Your friend can make a call and you can get out in 2 minutes flat if necessary! Give yourself a chance to feel them out before you get in their car or let them come back to your room with you. Though, those things can definitely happen later!
3) Be clear about your expectations before you meet
Tinder really is a mixed bag of what people are expecting. If you’re just about the hook ups, then be open about it. If you’re more of a move slow, relationship kind of lady, tell them that too! Trust me, it’s way less awkward telling them what to expect beforehand than it will be to discuss when your date’s trying to make a move and you’re not about it. Honesty is always the best policy here. If you find your expectations don’t match up, it will really be okay. There are plenty more people who will be more on the same page as you awaiting your right swipe!
4) Have fun and be yourself
Don’t take your tinder date (or any date really) too seriously. This could turn into something exactly like what you were hoping for, or it could be just another first date to throw in the “at least you tried” pile, but all of that doesn’t matter in this moment. Let who you are shine through, enjoy getting to know a new person, and go from there. Remember, they’re lucky to be given a few hours of your most valuable resource. So, no pressure, just have fun.
Happy and safe tindering, collegiettes!Â