Online Dating for Serious Relationships

Many people are struggling with finding love online. This could be a result of several factors. But most notably because dating has changed a lot.

Generally, the rules about dating and serious relationships are now more accommodating than they used to be just a generation ago. 

Additionally, the stigma that was once associated with meeting someone online has faded remarkably. And that is because online dating apps and websites make it very easy for people to find serious relationships online despite their increasingly over-scheduled lives. 

There are several dating sites for serious relationships that you can use to find love despite your busy schedule. These websites can help you expand your dating pool far beyond the places you would regularly visit, thereby allowing you to meet people you otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to interact with.

The Problem with Online Dating for Serious Relationships 

While online dating has MANY advantages, it does come with its own set of challenges. 

Listed below are three of the biggest challenges that face online dating today, and how to overcome them so that you can meet like-minded people looking for something real.

1. Too Many Options

One of the biggest challenges that people who are looking for serious relationships face is the paradox of choice. Let’s face it; online dating websites can be overwhelming because there are many different options and even more potential matches for you to choose from. 

This gives you a choice overload, which in turn leads to analysis paralysis. And when this sets in, you will find it challenging to make a choice.

As a matter of fact, a recent study revealed, “online daters who chose from a large set of potential partners were less satisfied with their choice than those who selected from a small set.” With that mind, it would be advisable for you to use a dating site that helps you meet local people for relationship-minded conversations.

2. Fake or Misleading Profiles

This is another problem that people who are looking for a serious relationship face with dating websites. No matter how secure a dating app or website is, there are many bad people with bad intentions who will find their way into the platform.

Apart from fake profiles and online scams, misleading profiles can also be very frustrating – especially if you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in a partner.

To be safe when using dating websites for serious relationships, we encourage you to:

• Stay away from people who have only posted photos that appear too perfect. 
• Stay away from people who do not fill out their information. What are they hiding?
• Stay away from people who shy away from video calls (unless you’re not comfortable with it) or meeting in a safe public place.

Ensure you strive for balance and authenticity when dealing with new people online. Don’t be in a rush, and let things work out at its normal pace. Be wary of anyone moving too fast.

3. Communication barriers

Finally, another challenge many people face when trying to use the internet to build a serious relationship is the barrier to good communication. 

Without a doubt, the ability to build good communication from the beginning of a relationship is critical. But there is only so much you can say and do via online messaging. Nothing beats good old face to face chat.

However, for many people who are just getting into the habit of dating for serious relationships, meeting someone new very quickly might prove challenging. Especially if they were a single parent. 

Instead, this 3-step framework will work to help you ease the communication barrier and build a meaningful relationship on trust and mutual respect. 

When you meet someone you like, and that meets your dating criteria, follow these steps:

1. Chat with your interest to get a sense of their vibe, personality, and interests. This helps you see if there’s a good fit.
2. Next, jump on a phone call or video chat to take your conversations to another level. This is one of the best ways for you to evaluate compatibility and build a connection early on.
3. Finally, schedule a meeting in a safe open area. Leave intimate movies for the second or third date. The first date should be in an open area where you can get to talk and know each other even better. 

Now that you know how to avoid the major mistakes people make when looking for serious relationships online, let’s dive into a few tips to help you find the one.

Online Dating Tips for Serious Relationships

Instead of spending your time looking for the best dating sites for serious relationships, I want you to focus instead on evergreen tips that will work on any suitable platform. This section covers a few of those tips.

Tip #1. Be transparent about what you’re looking for in your profile

You need to spell out what you’re looking for in a relationship and in your partner. If you’re looking for a serious relationship, state it clearly on your profile. 

Tip #2. Include realistic photos of yourself on your profile

If you expect other people to be honest and transparent, it is only fair to return the favor. The best way to start is by using a recent photo of yourself on your profile that was taken within a month. 

Tip #3. Schedule a date in a place where you can both get to know each other

We said this several in this post, and we will reiterate here. Schedule your first few dates in a place where there is no unnecessary pressure. Just relax and have fun in a safe environment. For example, you can go bowling or rock climbing. You could also simply go for drinks or dinner.

Regardless of what you do on a date, the most important thing is to go somewhere public.  

Finally, you need to be conscious of the time and energy you’re putting into building a serious relationship online. You also need to make sure that energy is matched. 

Otherwise, it is a one-sided effort and not worth it. But if you see someone who you vibe with and they’re putting in as much energy as you are, then give it a shot.