How Online Dating Can Help You Discover Yourself

When we think about online dating, we think about other people.

What kind of dating site will have the most compatible singles for me?

What kind of pictures are going to attract dates?

How do I write a profile that's going to look interesting to other people?

That's all well and good - the aim of online dating is to find a date, after all! - but dating sites can also be a good way to discover yourself. Your profile is an opportunity for other singles to learn more about you, and it's also an opportunity for you to learn more about the person behind the profile.

Start with this question: How do I feel? As you approach the prospect of joining an online dating site and filling out your profile, what is your mindset? Are you excited? Are you dreading it? Are you confident? Are you shy, awkward, or insecure? Do you feel positive or negative about the online dating experience? If you don't approach online dating with the mindset that it will be a rewarding venture, you're unlikely to have success. If you're experiencing doubts, address them before splashing out on an expensive subscription.

If it's all-systems-go, you're ready to start filling out your profile. Ask yourself this question: What defines me? What are you passionate about? What are you most proud of? What are your goals? What are you struggling with? What are you successful at? What is your life philosophy? What do you believe in? What is meaningful to you? Your profile is just a small snapshot of who you are, so you have to choose only the most significant details to share. It's the perfect chance to reflect on what is most important to you in your life.

Then turn the question around: What defines you? What am I looking for? One of the biggest problems daters face is time wasted by dating the wrong people. Taking the time to describe who you're looking for in your dating profile forces you to think seriously about what and who you really want. What exactly do you need from a relationship? What do you want? What are you willing to compromise on? What are your dealbreakers? The more accurate and honest you can be in your profile, the more likely you are to attract someone you're actually compatible with.

Filling out your profile is the perfect opportunity to reassess yourself, your love life, and your dating goals to make sure you're on the right track before embarking on a new online dating adventure.