Online dating tips for beginners

Online dating works best when you are clear, curious and a little patient. These basics help you start well.

Make a profile that sounds like you

Use recent photos in which your face is clearly visible, and one that shows something you love doing. Write a few concrete lines: what a good weekend looks like says more than a list of adjectives.

Say what you are looking for

A relationship, something casual or friends first: being honest saves both sides time. People who want the same thing recognise it and respond more often.

Write a first message that is easy to answer

Refer to something in their profile and ask one open question. A plain hello gives the other person nothing to work with. SafeD8 suggests conversation starters based on the profile of your match.

Do not chat for weeks

After some good messages, suggest a video date and then a real one. Chemistry shows in conversation, not in endless typing. And if someone does not reply, do not take it personally and move on.