While video chats and online dating existed before it started, the pandemic led to an explosion in interest in ways to meet and talk to new people. With most people locked inside and humans being social, there was a natural craving for human connections, and video chats filled that gap. Even though some experts expected their popularity to diminish once things got back to normal, that has not happened.
Video chats and online dating continue to flourish, with more and more people looking into them as a potential way to meet interesting people and perhaps start a relationship. If you are interested in this dating or relationship option, you should know that your efforts determine your outcomes. With proper etiquette and some tips, you will make a great first impression and perhaps enjoy the experience much more than you thought you would.
Choose the Right Location
There is no rule about where you should be before connecting with someone on a video chat platform, but you still need to be mindful of your surroundings to make a great first impression. While your bathroom might have the best lighting in the house, it is not the most appropriate place for a virtual date.
In almost all cases, your bedroom or other private space is the best option, especially if you do not live alone. You get enough privacy with the assurance that no one will hear your talks. It also opens up opportunities to explore more intimate conversations if you would like that.
Check the Lighting and Background
As you pick a location, also consider the lighting. If your bedroom or private space is too dark, things will be much harder for both of you. Your space does not have to be flooded in light, but it should be lit enough for them to see you.
If you are unsure about what they see, you can use software that turns your webcam on and shows what the other party sees. You can use this feed to adjust the lighting and other things like where you will sit and what is behind you.
Speaking of the background, you should ensure the space is clean and presentable. Many people make the mistake of cleaning or clearing out where they sit and what they think the other person will see. However, it only takes one mistake for them to see that your desk or small area is clean while the rest of the space is a mess.
Ensuring it is clear and clean also boosts your self-confidence and allows you to be more engaged in your conversation because there likely will not be much else on your mind.
Dress Comfortably But to Impress
First impressions are crucial in video chats because they determine your interaction and how your date perceives you. Put some effort into dressing to impress but also to remain comfortable. This doesn’t mean that you should wear a suit or dress formally, but dress such that your date will want to go on a walk around the block with you. Doing this also shows that you care about the interaction.
A common mistake people make here is only dressing well at the top. Even if you wear shorts with a nice shirt, ensure you will not be embarrassed by the bottoms if you must get up for any reason.
Prepare Beforehand
While it is possible to hold an organic conversation, especially if you find mutual topics to talk about, unplanned conversations can go wrong if you have nothing left to say. Instead of staring at each other awkwardly in silence, prepare some topics that might interest you and your date.
The good news is that video chat platforms allow you to filter by interest, so you have something in common with your date. They also let you view the other person’s profile beforehand. So, if you like South America for example, you can get into a Latina video chat with a lady who is interested in where you come from, your language, and similar topics.
Since you are meeting them for the first time, avoid sensitive and intimate subjects at first. Granted, some people will want to have such discussions, but they typically will not want to do so the first time they talk to you. If your conversations naturally flow that way and if those topics interest you, that is fine.
Actively Listen to Be Engaging
Even if you have a list of topics to talk about, you do not want to skip from one to the other because that will make the conversation feel like an interview. Instead, actively listen to see if the conversation is flowing towards one of the topics you write down.
It is OK to veer off and talk about different things as long as the conversation flows naturally from one topic to the other. Active listening also shows you are engaged and interested and allows you to ask questions that move the conversation forward.
End Things Gracefully
Video chats can end awkwardly if you are not prepared to end them gracefully. A good way to avoid any awkwardness is to let your date know how long the chat will likely last. Doing so will give you enough time to say your goodbyes.
It would also be helpful to ask your date for their contact information if you would like to talk to them later. Many video chat platforms have hundreds or thousands of dates, and it can be difficult to find someone you talked to in the past.
If you decide to do this, ensure you trust the person before giving them your personal information. Although almost everyone on a video chat platform is honest and therefore only wants a good time, some people want to take advantage of their users. You do not want to put yourself in danger if you give someone like that your personal information.
Whether you are shy, busty, or just looking for someone to talk to, video chat platforms are a great way to meet new people and go on virtual dates. Common etiquette rules will help you have a better date and increase the chances of your date wanting to chat later, so follow them for a fun time.