Dating tips
Starting your online dating journey is a leap of faith, without knowing exactly what to expect or what (not) to do. These dating tips will help you make the most out of your adventure here at cMatch.
Add your photos
Profiles having photos are up to ten times more popular. And everyone loves to see the face that comes with the message. Also, you will only be featured on other singles' match list if you added a profile photo. Pick a clear, recent picture of your face. Bonus tip: a smiling face is inviting and looks friendly.
Share more about yourself
Extensive profiles are sure to receive more messages, as they are interesting reading material. So write catchy, creative essays to express yourself. Be honest about who you are and what you're looking for — do not tell half-truths. By being yourself you may prevent misunderstandings and disappointments.
Take the first step
Don't sit and wait until that one cute single sends you a message. Instead, take the lead and start writing. Ladies, this applies to you, too — the times they are a-changin'. Birthdays are a great occasion to send the first message and wish someone a happy birthday. Also, you can welcome new members; as the saying goes: "The early bird catches the worm".
Show genuine interest in others
When you start e-mailing or chatting with someone, pick up on what appeals to you about their profile. Be specific, for instance by asking about something you read in their essay, or by talking about shared interests. It's a great way to jumpstart a lively conversation. More importantly: your match will appreciate your personal attention and genuine interest. In contrast, copying the same message to dozens of singles is a very bad idea — it will have the opposite effect.
Don't give up
Being rejected is never easy, and not receiving a reply can be discouraging. However, don't be disheartened and don't give up. Continue to reach out to other singles. Be patient. Keep on trusting God, claiming his promises. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Give love a chance
Maybe it's quickly apparent to you that the other is not your match. But what if you're wrong? It never hurts to e-mail back — what do you have to lose? Perhaps you'll end up being great friends. Perhaps you can encourage each other. If anything, have the courtesy of replying — wouldn't you want the same?
Focus on the journey, not the destination
If you're dead set on finding your soul mate, you're subjecting yourself to an enormous amount of pressure. You'll have a hard time dealing with disappointments. You won't be able to enjoy the little things happening here at cMatch: a new message from a cute single, an uplifting chat, an encounter that broadens your horizon. So relax! Don't think too much about your 'goal'. Instead, enjoy cMatch like a roller coaster ride.
Be courteous — reply
The number one complaint on dating sites? Getting no reply. Maybe you get a message from someone that is clearly not your match. If anything, have the courtesy of replying — wouldn't you want the same? It's better to politely tell someone you're not interested, than to ignore that person all together.
Don't get ahead of yourself
If your main focus is getting married ASAP, you're not giving others enough leeway. Your pen pal will feel pressurized. So it's counterproductive: the more you're set on finding a girl/boyfriend, the more others will be put off. So don't come on too strong in your first few mails or chat sessions with somebody, and don't treat others as 'potential partners' right from the start. Be lighthearted and natural.
Check your spelling and grammar
It shows you're neat and punctual, and you put effort in writing your message. On the other hand, major spelling or grammar mistakes makes your message less enjoyable to read.
Keep your profile up to date
Regularly add new photos and update your essays. Keep answering new match questions. You'll get more visitors and more response. Also, other singles will notice that you're still an active cMatch member.
Mind the cultural differences
As cMatch is a global, cross-cultural community, you'll meet singles that think and act different from you, because your background and upbringing is different from theirs. Also, many of our singles are not native English speakers. It's easy to have misunderstandings due to language barriers or cultural differences. Therefore it's vital to be patient with each other. Ask for clarification before jumping to conclusions. Appreciate the effort someone is making to talk to you in a language that's not their own. Be sensitive to cultural differences, as we celebrate our diversity in Christ.
Remember you're a representative of Christ
Mind your manners and your language. Stay friendly and polite. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Let your gentleness be evident to all. Remember that the singles you're meeting here at cMatch are your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Involve the Lord in your journey
While searching for your soul mate, don't lean on your own understanding, but pray frequently about it. Ask for God's guidance, while reading your Bible regularly. Then the Holy Spirit will reveal God's perfect plan for your life and future relationships. Do not be anxious about anything. Allow the Lord to go before you. Listen to his voice — he is the good Shepherd.