The idea of using online dating to find romantic partners is well-established, but it can also be a useful tool for making new friends. Meeting people through shared interests or hobbies can be a great way to expand your social circle and build lasting friendships. In this article, we’ll explore why using online dating to make friends can be a good idea, how to set your intentions in your profile, how to transition online connections into in-person friendships, and how to maintain online friendships.
Why Use Online Dating For Friendship?
There are several reasons why using online dating to make friends can be a good idea. Firstly, it’s convenient. You can connect with people from the comfort of your own home, without having to go out to social events or activities where you might not know anyone. This can be especially useful if you’re new to an area or don’t have a lot of friends in your immediate circle.
Another reason to use online dating for friendship is the opportunity to meet people who share your interests or hobbies. Even if you don’t have a lot in common with the people you know in your day-to-day life, you can still find like-minded individuals through online dating sites or apps that cater to specific interests or hobbies. This can be a great way to build meaningful connections with people who share your passions.
Finally, using online dating to make friends allows you to build deeper connections with people through regular online communication before meeting in person. This can be especially helpful if you’re shy or introverted, as it gives you the chance to get to know someone better before committing to a face-to-face meeting.
Here are some tips for using online dating to meet new friends:
- Be honest and clear about your intentions in your profile. When creating your online dating profile, be upfront about your goal of finding friends. This will help ensure that you’re only matched with people who are looking for the same thing.
- Don’t be afraid to message someone first. If you see someone’s profile and think you might get along, don’t hesitate to send a message introducing yourself. Just keep it friendly and casual.
- Be open to meeting in person. While it’s important to be cautious when meeting someone from the internet, it’s also important to be open to the possibility of meeting in person. If you feel comfortable, suggest meeting for a coffee or a casual outing to see if you click in real life.
- Don’t be afraid to try out different apps and websites. There are many different online platforms for making friends, so don’t be afraid to try out a few to see what works best for you. Some options include social networking sites like Facebook and Meetup, as well as specialized apps like Bumble BFF and Hey! VINA.
- Keep an open mind. Meeting new people can be intimidating, but try to approach it with an open mind. You never know who you might connect with, and you might be surprised by how much you have in common with someone you initially thought was very different from you.
- Don’t give up. Making new friends can take time, and you might not hit it off with everyone you meet. But don’t get discouraged – keep trying and eventually you’ll find the right people to connect with.
- Seek compromise and find solutions. If you do have financial disagreements, it’s important to remember that compromise is key. Work together to find a solution that works for both of you, whether that means splitting the cost of the subscription or finding free alternatives.
Setting Your Intentions In Your Profile
If you’re using online dating to make friends, it’s important to be clear about what you’re looking for in your profile. While many people use online dating sites or apps to find romantic partners, others are looking for platonic connections. To communicate that you’re open to making new friends, try mentioning specific activities or hobbies you enjoy doing with friends in your profile. For example, you might write that you love going to concerts, trying new restaurants, or exploring local hiking trails, and that you’re looking for people to join you in these activities.
Another way to communicate that you’re not looking for a romantic relationship is to explicitly state it in your profile. You might write something like, “I’m not looking for a romantic relationship, but I’m always open to making new friends who share my interests.” This can help attract people who are also looking for platonic connections and prevent any misunderstandings down the line.
Transitioning Online Connections Into In-Person Friendships
Once you’ve connected with someone online and feel ready to meet in person, it’s important to plan activities that are low-pressure and enjoyable for both of you. This can help ensure that your first in-person meeting goes well and leaves you both looking forward to spending more time together.
Some suggestions for fun “friend dates” include trying a new restaurant or activity together, going to a museum or art gallery, or just meeting up for a casual coffee or drink. The important thing is to choose something that both of you will enjoy and feel comfortable doing.
It’s also important to consider safety when meeting someone in person for the first time, especially if you’ve only ever communicated online. Some tips for staying safe include telling a trusted friend or family member where you’ll be and when you expect to be back, and meeting in a public place.
Maintaining Online Friendships
Just like any other friendship, maintaining regular communication and making time for each other is important for keeping an online friendship strong. Setting boundaries around how often you communicate and what types of communication are most comfortable for both of you (e.g. messaging, phone calls, video calls) can help prevent burnout or feeling overwhelmed.
It’s also important to be open and honest with each other about your needs and expectations. This can help ensure that both of you feel satisfied and supported in the friendship, and can help prevent misunderstandings or conflicts down the road.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using online dating to meet new friends can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s important to be honest and clear about your intentions in your profile, and to be open to connecting with different types of people. Remember to always prioritize your own safety, and to communicate openly and honestly with your potential friends. With a little effort and some patience, you can find the perfect platonic match and broaden your social circle.
