Nerds really don’t have it easy when it comes to dating. Most of us are introverted and prefer to spend time indoors and we aren’t up for parties or social events that much. This is why online dating has proven to be very helpful for nerds in recent years.
However, “how to start online dating” is still at the back of the minds of gamers, book nerds, and binge-watchers around the world. How do you start dating online if you don’t know where to begin or which app to use? Is it okay to be nerdy on these dating apps and can you really find someone who will appreciate your nerdiness online? Let’s talk about the ins and outs of online dating and how you can get started.
Don’t Belittle Yourself – Nerds are Cool!
The first thing you need to understand about dating, in general, is that you are just as worthy of having a relationship as the next person. Being a “nerd” doesn’t mean that you’re worth less than someone outgoing and social. It simply means that you find joy in digital entertainment, tabletop RPGs, or books – not in sports, parties, or shopping.
People around the world consider themselves nerds and are still very much able to find significant others and cultivate long-lasting relationships. Whether you’re looking for a romantic interest, new friends, or people to share your nerdy passions with, online dating can and will help you.
Set Up Your Online Dating Profile
For you to start a conversation on a dating app, you’ll first need to create a profile in your name. There are plenty of great dating apps out there that you can rely on if you’re looking for a significant other or someone to chat to. If you’re a girl who’s into girls, for example, get this app, as it will provide you with a safe digital space to start a conversation with someone with similar interests. Here are a few platforms you can consider for online dating:
- Bumble
- Zoosk
- Plenty of Fish
- Happn
- Match.com
There are other nerds like yourself out there who are looking for like-minded people to talk to about their favorite games, shows, and comics or manga. The only way for you to take the first step is to start setting up your personal profile on a dating app of your choosing.
Don’t Be Afraid to Answer Messages or Text
You might experience some anxiety the first time you receive a direct message through a dating app – that’s ok! The secret to overcoming the anxiety associated with online dating is to understand that there’s a person on the other end. Someone who liked what they saw on your profile has decided to text you about something and that’s awesome!
Even a simple “hey” will give you an opening and let you break the ice with the other person if you’re not confident enough yet to answer with longer texts. How to start online dating is all about taking the first step in either texting someone, or accepting someone else’s texts. Take it slow, look at the person’s online dating profile, and take it from there. Start a conversation on a dating app and treat it like any other online chat you’ve ever had – nothing bad will come out of it.
Be Careful of Falling in Love Online
While this doesn’t apply to nerds exclusively, it’s still an important thing to point out. It’s a very bad idea to fall in love with someone before you’ve even met them in real life. Online dating is a great opportunity for you to meet a potential love interest with similar hobbies and interests. However, relationships go beyond what you share and extend to what you don’t agree on.
Would you be okay with the person if they were vegan, for example? Would you be okay if they really disliked a gaming franchise you adore but are nerdy in other ways? It’s easy to mistake understanding someone with “loving” them, especially in the early days of a relationship. Keep a cool head and continue talking to the person you’ve started engaging on the dating app and see where things go from there.
Wrapping Up
While online dating is an amazing way for nerds to connect with other nerds and find significant others, dating apps should still be handled with care. Be mindful of who you share private information with and pace yourself when oversharing information online.
It’s easy to get excited because you’ve found someone you like online and want to keep them in your life. But, it’s also important that you remain safe and emotionally stable at the end of the day. Start a conversation on a dating app – nerds are more than welcome in the online dating world!
