The #1 Online Dating Tip: Purpose

What has purpose got to do with online dating? Obviously, the purpose is to find someone that you’re compatible with. Obviously the purpose is to find someone you can go out on dates with.

Isn’t there more of a purpose to online dating than to just find someone to go out with? Most of us have criteria. We don’t just want anyone – we want that special someone (or someones) that make us feel happy and fulfilled.

That means we need to approach online dating with purpose. In order to have purpose, we need to know what we are looking for.

Physical Characteristics

People usually define what they are looking for when they go on a dating site by physical characteristics. That’s a good starting point.

Are you looking for someone older or younger than yourself? Do you have a fondness for athletic people? Will you date a smoker?

These things are important but they are often characteristics that you can be flexible on. It is possible to find what you’re looking for in someone that doesn’t fit your “type.”

Dig Deeper

Go beyond the physical. Think about what you’re actually looking for. If you’re only looking for a casual relationship, say so. There’s nothing worse that finding someone interesting when you are looking for a relationship and then it turns out that they have no interest in taking it past the casual stage.

Some things you might want to ask yourself:

What kind of relationship am I looking for?
Will I date someone that is unemployed?
What kind of activities would I like to share with them?
What kind of dates do I like to go on?
Will I date someone who lives with other people (roommates, family, etc.)
Will I date someone who has kids?
Do I want to be in a relationship that leads to having children?
Do I need someone that communicates often?
Am I willing to consider a long-distance relationship?
And if yes, am I willing to consider moving in the future?

Knowing these kinds of things helps you to define and communicate your purpose. Sure, you might not get as many responses if you have your needs and wants on your profile, but you’ll be more likely to meet people that are comfortable with what you are looking for.

If you know your purpose and state it, you’ll be more likely to find someone with the same purpose as you.