7 Rules to Get That Right Swipe

Don’t: Use Clichés

Everyone likes food, music, and travel. Instead, dedicate your profile to describing what makes you unique—apart from your collection of vintage fishing lures.

Do: Be Social

Linking to your Instagram account lets someone get a better sense of who you are and saves them from having to Google you. 

Don’t: Get Frustrated

It’s a numbers game. You will talk to a lot of people. You will go on a lot of dates. Most of them will not turn out as well as you’d hoped. It’s OK, you’re still a catch. 

Do: Ask Questions

Be interested in what the other person does instead of dwelling on what’s so fascinating about you—save that for the therapist. 

Don’t: Chat Endlessly

If the conversation hits ten messages, you have enough to talk about over drinks.

Do: Take it on the Road

Upgrade to Tinder Plus (from $10 per month) and, when traveling, change your location so you can begin the swiping, messaging, and asking people out before you arrive. (Or continue to find dates at home while you’re away.)

Don’t: Screw Up the Photo

Physical attraction is the first step, so you need to get this right. 

Here are some of our tips on how to take and pick the perfect Tinder pictures.

Good: Close crop, so people can actually see what you look like.

Bad: Whatever this is…. 

Good: Outdoorsy but not overly aggro. The idea is to be intriguing and inviting, not intimidating. 

Bad: Selfies. Bribe a friend to take your photo; that’s what everyone else does.

Bad: Multiple people in the shot—especially if your friends are tools or better looking than you.

Good: Dogs! For obvious reasons.