From an early age, many of us dream about finding our partner in crime and sharing our lives together until old age. While this is a reality for some, others have more difficulty finding ‘the one’. We all want to feel loved and have that special person to confide in. And thanks to technology, there are more ways than ever before to help you find true love.

If you’ve entered your 50s and are on the lookout for love, there are lots of potential matches that await on dating apps. In recent years, there has been a surge in like-minded individuals heading onto dating apps to find their happily ever after. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and join in on the fun, here are some handy app dating tips that will not only increase your chances of finding a suitor but also help you avoid falling into a trap.

Choose the Right Platform

When it comes to dating apps, there are so many to choose from. Whether it’s Bumble, Tinder, OkCupid, or Plenty of Fish, you must pick a platform that suits your needs. If you’re after romance and true love, Tinder may not be the right app for you, regardless of how popular it is.

Platforms like SilverSingles are more suited to the over-50s – read this review to find out more: www.top10.com/dating/reviews/silversingles. You’ll find a site dedicated to older daters which is more appropriate if you are looking for a long-term relationship, as opposed to a quick hook-up.

Use Up to Date Pictures

No matter what dating app you download, to boost your match score and find true love, you need to use up to date pictures that reflect who you are. As you enter your 50s, you may feel more self-conscious about your appearance. However, it’s better to own how you look now, rather than putting photos on your profile from 20 years ago. Should you go on a date, the last thing you want is for your match to be turned off from the get-go. Make sure any pictures you use show you smiling and having fun, as you’re more likely to get matches.

Create an Eye-catching Bio

Once you’ve downloaded an app and selected your photos, the next step is to create a bio that sells yourself in a positive light. Many individuals are put off by profiles that have no bio. So, make sure you include a couple of sentences that demonstrate the kind of person you are. Too much text can be overwhelming. So, it’s best to keep things short and sweet and avoid using bad language.

Beware of Scams

While there are lots of positives that dating apps can bring, there are unfortunately many people on such platforms who are on one mission: to scam others. If you’ve matched someone who feels too good to be true, you need to listen to your gut feeling. In the past, there have been lots of people who have fallen victim to romance scams, resulting in them losing thousands of dollars. Should anyone ask you for money when chatting, report their profile immediately.

Keep the Conversation Flowing

When having a conversation with a match, you need to make a great first impression. Many singletons in their 50s have been in relationships and marriages before, meaning you may have forgotten how to flirt and keep a conversation flowing. No matter what has happened in your past, make sure you ask plenty of questions and show a real interest in what your match has to say. Doing so will show that you care about their opinion and increase your chances of securing a first date. There are lots of smooth pick-up lines that can get the conversation going off to a good start.

Be Open-Minded

When people join a dating app, they often make the mistake of sticking to one kind of person and not going outside their comfort zone. If you are too picky, you run the risk of never being satisfied and true love escaping your grasp. Even if you’re not too keen on a match’s bio or photos, as you start to converse, you may have tons of things in common. Being open-minded can only be a good thing in the long run.

Date at Your Own Pace

While the purpose of a dating app is to go on dates with others, you shouldn’t feel rushed into doing something you’re not comfortable with. For instance, if a match pressures you to meet up and you’re not ready to do so, don’t feel like you have to. If your match is understanding and right for you, they will understand your hesitation. On the flip side, try not to leave things too long, as you run the risk of your match losing interest.

Have Fun

Getting back onto the dating scene and using apps should be a fun experience, rather than a chore. If you’re swiping right to countless profiles, you will accumulate too many matches, which can be difficult to sift through. Dating apps should be exciting to use. So, instead of focusing on getting married and the long-term, take things slow and steady and see how things go.

Don’t Feel Disheartened

If you have been on dating apps for a long time and are to find success, try not to feel disheartened. If you know exactly what you want, finding your suitor may take more time than you think. For those who aren’t enjoying the process anymore, there’s no shame in taking a break from dating. Having some time away from dating apps can be a great way to clear your head and come back to the scene with a fresh pair of eyes. Above anything else, you need to take care of yourself. So, getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthily, and thinking positively can all help you get the most out of online dating.

Dating at any age can be a daunting affair. For those who are 50 and over, taking note of the tips above and picking the right dating app will increase your chances of finding the one.