Dating Sunday, the most active date of the year for dating app use, is here.
January is the busiest month, with millions of singles listing “fall in love,” on their resolutions list. If you want to put your best digital foot forward in 2025, follow these three steps to help you on your romantic journey.
- First, let’s start with what I call pre-date preparation
- Next, we’ll work on your dating profile.
- Finally, you’ll be ready to match, chat, and meet.
Let’s dig deeper by category.
Pre-Date Preparation
DO: Start by Taking a Personal Inventory of Your Love Life
Try this exercise: Make a list of your past meaningful relationships. Do you notice the patterns? What worked for your best relationships, and what didn’t work with your failed relationships?
DON’T: List Unrealistic Expectations
Do you remember the summer song that went viral, “Looking for a Man in Finance?” Let’s break down the lyrics and explain why they’re unrealistic and only exist in the top 1% of men in the United States.
Finance: This has now replaced Doctors or Lawyers as a top attractive field.
Trust Fund: Only 1.3% of men in the U.S. inherited a trust fund.
6’5″: Only 1% of men in the U.S. are 6’4″ or taller, with 5’9″ being the average height for men.
Blue eyes: Most men have brown eyes, with blue eyes ranking as #2, so this is the most realistic trait on the list.
DO: Make a List of the Traits You’re Looking For
A Bumble survey showed 72% of singles are now looking to find a long-term partner in 2025, and that’s a good thing.
Next, it’s time to work on your dating profile.
Do: Start with a Digital Facelift of Your Dating App Profile
Consider last year’s profile passé. Fashion and hairstyles change, and so should your photos and bio. Ladies: Wear red in your primary photo, and men: Wear blue to increase your matches.
DON’T: Post Old or Blurry Photos
Old photos send the message that you’re not serious. Post holiday pics with your award-wining smile or your latest vacation shots to start a convo.
DO: Utilize the “Best Photo” or “Smart Photo” Features on Dating Apps
Let AI and algorithms do their digital magic. Consider it a handy cheat sheet for finding your best primary photo.
DON’T: Post Party Photos if You’re Seeking a Serious Relationship
Your date shouldn’t have to play guessing games on who will show up at a date. The party girl or guy doesn’t get the serious-minded match.
DO: Use use ALL of the Digital Real Estate on Your Profile
Fill in all the prompts or icebreakers to show you’re serious about the process. Utilize all of the available word count on your profile.
DON’T: Use Clichés or Be Vague
Too many singles complain to me that all the profiles look alike. For example, “I love to travel and take beach walks” is overused. Instead, list your favorite hiking trails or dream vacation spots to make it easier for a match to write to you, and even schedule a specific date.
DO: Utilize Keywords in Your Profile
Tinder’s Year in Swipe trend list showed that “pickleball” is the fastest-growing keyword at a (148%) increase. Other popular keywords include “hot yoga” and “pilates” for health and wellness.
DO: State Your Dating Intention
Tinder’s Year in Swipe also said that “Situationships” are out, and “Intentional Dating” is in. Return to your personal inventory list and state your dating intention and goals: Casual, LTR, or Marriage/Children.
DO: Verify Your Profile
A verified checkmark on apps like Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder will help you and your matches feel safe and ensure you’re not a bot or a fake profile. You’ll verify your profile by taking a selfie that will be approved by the dating app.
RELATED: Julie Spira on People – Expert Tips for Staying Safe Online
Finally, It’s time to match, chat, and meet.
DO: Be Selective on Who to Swipe or Match With
Dig deeper past your match’s primary photo and age, then reach out with a captivating message complimenting something in their profile.
DON’T: Swipe Right on Every Profile
Dating is a numbers game, but continuously swiping could result in dating app burnout or swipe fatigue. Apps like The League and Hinge limit the number of daily matches so that you can focus on a few matches.
Let’s review your original personal inventory list again.
DO: Turn on Push Notifications and Respond to Messages Promptly
I always say, “The squeaky wheel gets the digital love deal.” You should strike when the iron is hot, and your match is fixated on their mobile phone.
DON’T: Play Hard to Get or the Waiting Game
It’s time to toss away the old dating rules. Too many singles get disappointed when they receive a message from their crush they were waiting to respond to notifying them that they met someone and decided to be exclusive to see where the relationship goes, and ouch, that stings. Don’t let that happen to you, and write back to create a flow.
DO: Match/Swipe Right with Singles Who AREN’T Your Type
Try dating outside your comfort zone. The results are dramatic with engagements, marriages, and long-term relationships with couples who date someone different from those they dated before.
DO: Plan to Meet In Person or On Video Chat Within a Few Days to a Week
You should meet with a match when they’re still new and fresh–the sooner, the better.
DON’T: Turn Into a Digital PenPal or End Up in the Friend Zone
Endless texts can start to fizzle if you’re not meeting in person. If you want friendship, stick with a social app like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
RELATED: 3 Ways to Know if You’re on a Date, or In the Friend Zone
DO: Use the App’s Safety Features
Match has a popup that says, “Are you sure?” to alert you before sending a message that could be offensive. Apps have a dating safety section along with pop ups to remind you to date safely with tips. Remember to meet in a public place, don’t schedule late night dates, and watch your alcoholic intake (limit to one drink).
Remember: New singles are joining dating apps every day, and someone is hoping to meet someone just like you. Happy swiping and matching.
Contact us if you need a little hand-holding to speed up your search.
Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert. She’s an award-winning dating coach who’s been helping singles find love online for 25+ years. Follow @JulieSpira on IG.