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The first Sunday in January has become known as 'Dating Sunday' because it has been shown that more single people go onto dating apps during this period than at any other time of the year. Online dating is one of the best ways to meet new people. But why do some people seem to have such incredible experiences, while others are left feeling a bit deflated by the whole thing? It all comes down to how different people approach it. When it comes to online dating, you get out what you put in. And by following six simple rules, you can easily maximise your chances of enjoying a successful experience: 1. Remove the Stigma. The truth is that it’s very difficult to succeed at online dating if you’re too embarrassed to really give it a go. Yes, online dating has a bit of a rocky history, but it’s come a long way since the days of Yahoo! Personals. We promise. Online dating isn’t unusual. It isn’t weird. It isn’t creepy. It’s actually become a pretty normal way to meet new people. 2. Know What You Want. Knowing what you want from online dating is the key to success. For example, if you’re looking for a quick no-strings-attached hook-up, choosing a website dedicated to helping singles find ‘the one’ might not be your best bet. If you’re keen to succeed, it’s worth researching different dating sites and finding one that best matches your needs. 3. Create a Great Profile. And by a ‘great’ profile, we mean a realistic profile! Posting a pic from 10 years ago might make you feel better, but what online daters want most of all is authenticity. They want to know that the people they’re talking to online are the people they’re going to meet in real life. And in terms of text, try to use personal examples. Don’t just tell. Show. 4. Keep an Open Mind. You might have a pretty good idea of the sort of person you’re looking for. And that’s great! It’s good to know what value in a person. But try not to rely too much on specific selection criteria, and instead approach online dating with a more open mind. Be open to engaging with lots of different types of people… you never know who you’ll meet! 5. Ask for Help. It’s OK to admit that you don’t really know what you’re doing. Especially if you’re new to online dating. If you wanted to succeed in an exam, you’d study, right? It’s exactly the same when it comes to online dating. Don’t be afraid to read up on the subject and do your research. Our handy ‘Still Single’ guide is a great resource to start off with. 6. Get DateSmart. Ultimately, the secret to success is simply being smart. For example, you can take measures to reduce risks such as catfishing by using a website like GetDateSmart.com that verifies all users. You can also make sure to listen to your gut instinct, and take precautions when arranging to meet, such as meeting in a public space. Online dating is here to stay, don’t let love pass you by!