Before arranging a first date, it is important to understand whether the person you met matchwho you are interested in from a physical point of view and, at first glance, online, is someone who has common intentions that are compatible with yours.
We live in the digital age. Online is present in all dimensions of our lives, it came to make our tasks easier, as well as bring us closer to loved ones, reducing geographic distance.
In this new era, the love sphere would be no exception to digital influence. If in 1943 the most common way for people to meet each other was through family (21.56%), friendships (21.53%) or school (19.65%), today, according to one from Stanford University, online represents 60,76% the way couples get to know each other.
This substantial paradigm shift entails new challengesand even new risks. That’s why it’s important to understand, before setting up a first date, whether the person you’re meeting with matchwho you are interested in from a physical point of view and, at first glance, online, is someone who has common intentions that are compatible with yours.
To do this, it is essential to ask some key questions to ensure that you are on the same page.
Firstly, even before scheduling the meeting, it is important to reflect on whether this person is someone you care about. Do you think it will be worth betting?.
In this sense, as the conversation unfolds, it is crucial to understand whether they have common tastes and interests, as well as aligned values. Ask what the other person likes to do in their free time, for example: “Do you have any hobbies?” “What excites you to do in your free time?”“What is a typical day like?”, “What are the most important values for you?”.
In addition to demonstrating curiosity about the other person, it allows you to collect information about common points, as well as understand how well the person knows themselves and invests in you.
It is also essential to assess the other person’s intentions. This way, you can manage expectations. Ask questions like these: “What are you looking for? on this platform?” “What are you looking for in a long-term relationship?”“Can you imagine finding someone to date?”
The answers you get can help you decide whether or not it is worth making this appointment.
Regarding the meeting itself, we must align your expectations about this moment. Ask your match “What do you expect from this meeting? and what would you like to do?”. They should understand what type of environment they prefer (busy or calm).
If you choose to have a meal together (dinner out, for example) it is essential to know whether the other person has any dietary restrictions or some type of cuisine that you don’t like, so you don’t run the risk of booking a restaurant where the other person will go hungry. For example, going to a barbecue with someone veganit could be a failure from the start!
It may also be relevant to understand how the past experiences of this person in these types of encounters. Questions like “Have you ever had encounters? with people you’ve met online before?” and “How has your experience been? on online platforms?” may help to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Finally, it is important that maintain your authenticitythere is no point in pretending to be someone you are not to attract or please someone else, because, even if it works and the person falls in love, they will fall in love with a wrong version of themselves, not with their real self. So don’t try to pretend to please.
Tell stories about yourself, and ask about the other person’s stories. Use curiosity and kindness to your advantage. It is essential that you know and respect the your limits and the limits of the other person! The world of dating can be very difficult and complex to navigate, but if there is respect and truth, it can be amazing!
