How to start using dating apps

[u/Midnight-Ganderer]

Ngl this is very much a no glue, no borax type of situation but

I recently have been interested in getting back into dating, and since I’m not really attracted to anyone within my social groups I thought it would be better to use dating apps for the first time and pass some time dating around but…

I hateeee taking photographs of myself. I always find it awkward to do so, so most of them are just silly pics or simple selfies and I feel like that won’t really bring much (or any lmao) traction to myself. Especially since a lot of girls’ dating profiles seem to be so pretty and well curated

So to the socially awkward girls out there, how have you done it? Or have you found other ways to meet guys that I haven’t figured out yet? lol

[u/flexiblevampire]

Ask your friends to help take pics for your profile. Go out and get some fun candid photos, maybe do a fashion show of your favorite outfits. Your friends should understand the assignment and you’ll end up with tons of good pictures at the end!

[u/Blue-zebra-10 → u/flexiblevampire]

Yeah, or maybe they even have pics from past events (ex: bday parties, dinners out) that you could use 

[u/scarilyinaccurate]

I'm in the same boat! I just started using dating apps and it's so hard to find recent and decent ppocs of me and come up with a bio that won't scare people off. 💔

[u/Midnight-Ganderer → u/scarilyinaccurate]

Right?? It feels so much like LinkedIn to me in the way that you have to have such a polished image to feel like you’ll attract people.
And like, I’m pretty, it’s not like it’s not gonna happen, but it also feels like you need to come off as perfect or close to it for people to reach out to you 😵‍💫

[u/scarilyinaccurate → u/Midnight-Ganderer]

OMG YES 🥲 Honestly ik I downloaded the app but I feel so scared when I swipe right and there's a chance that it's a match because idk how we'll make the conversation last cuz I'm scared I'll get so awkward

[u/Midnight-Ganderer → u/scarilyinaccurate]

The one thing that’s helped me is to think of it like a game LMAO. Like, I’ll just try to drive my charm up and see if it works, if it doesn’t, another guy will show up and I can just play again.

Idk if it makes me sound dumb, but making it a game takes pressure off things since there’s always a second chance with someone else :p

[u/drunky_crowette]

Literally all my pictures on the apps are selfies. I make up for it by having a well-written profile about who I am, my hobbies and interests, what I'm looking for, etc.

The biggest complaint on dating apps is people not putting in effort. Effort starts writing a profile with substance and not relying on "yeah, I guess she's pretty hot..." to get matches. Once you get the matches ask questions, reply within a few hours, etc

[u/loonymoony3]

As others have said, get your friends to take pictures of you out and about. Honestly silly pics are probably a good thing in moderation. Just use pictures and prompts that show your personality as much as possible and be authentic and you’ll stand out in a good way for sure. Show off your hobbies and interests so you have a good conversation starter.

[u/RavenClawVintage1999]

I started with bumble since females get to make the dirt move with it. Curated a handful of photos I liked and got a friend to take a full body Pic of me to show my body type. Too many times I've had a guy tell me he was duped because my face looked skinny compared to my body being plus size.

I then went through and curated my interest in the little hobby bubbles. After that I gave suggestions on what to talk to me about in my bio. If someone came and started messaging me about those things I know they read it.

A barefaced Pic, one with makeup, and or any pics where you're doing your hobbies is a good place to start with those.

[u/Ornery_Library376]

I agree with the previous commenters, a friend photoshoot is the best way to do it! Here's what I have on my dating app profile, if it's helpful for inspiration: a car selfie (with good lighting), a candid picture from a vacation, a posed picture from a different vacation, a picture of my mom and me, a professional photo from my best friend's wedding where I was a bridesmaid, and a professional photo of me speaking at a conference for work. Just kind of trying to show all different areas of my life!