A meme is a new global phenomenal cult social word that portrays a funny, philosophical, dramatic, or ridiculous idea or behavior. However, the term was introduced over 40 years ago by scientific philosopher, Richard Dawkins. Most memes are used by Millennials in social media although because of its nature, it should not come as a surprise that Baby Boomers and Gen X users have begun to use them as well and it’s very common with online daters.

The Difference between a Message and a Meme

There are several reasons why memes are used instead of messages. First, it’s a better ice breaker whether you’re chatting online or face-to-face. Second, it’s widely accepted as a safe topic. Third, you’re just sharing – it’s not your thoughts or opinions which makes it relatively safe.

According to psychologists, the main difference between sending a message and sharing a meme is:

• With messages, the emphasis is on the sender’s idea whether it is political, social, moral or commercial.
• With memes, the emphasis is on the receiver. Memes are worthless unless there is a person you can share it with. However, for memes to be effective, you have to make sure it fits with the profile of the receiver.

The Best about Memes

Your choice of memes is a reflection of who you are. It affords others a glimpse into your character, sense of humor, and values, among others. For example, if you only show the latest trending memes, it implies that you are very active online and puts some importance in being the first to share or being socially alert.

Memes are fun! They are often witty and can say exactly what you want to say – but better! Memes can also make you popular and be the person everyone would want to hang out with.

The Sad and Negative Facts from Sharing the Wrong Memes

Memes are powerful and can have devastating effects on your online dating profile and reputation. Did you know that, just like advertising, memes can be subliminal? The memes you choose may have a hidden message that you do not want to be associated with. The best you can do is to study and check the meme before sharing it. You can also do a quick online check on the response of others on the meme.

Unfortunately, you can become the image in the meme if you’re not careful. Memes are pictures of people not always used with the permission of the individual. Any photos you have on your online accounts can be used by another person to damage your reputation. Sadly, the image may be cropped which could distort the true story behind the photo.

Finally, memes can be offensive so avoid using meme generators which can help you stay true to who you are. Instead, sit on memes you like and see how others respond to them first before using them. Fortunately, many Internet users are vocal and freely give their opinions which should help you gauge the general reaction to a meme.

Actually, the idea that men are luckier in finding online matches compared to women is a myth. It really depends on how you handle your affairs online. For instance, it is not unusual to find unattractive men getting the hot girl because he has charisma or stature or the nerd finding his wife online because he was sincere and honest in dealing with the women he met online.

According to women who have met their match online, what caught their eye was not so much the profile picture but the message of the profile picture; not so much the credentials but the fact that while the guy was looking for women to date; he was not stalking, preening, or trying to be the ultimate alpha male.

What makes a woman want to date a man from a dating site?

• His photo looks candid, not staged
• He has a life that is not only about dating, sex, and partying
• He works but knows how to prioritize and organize his time
• He’s not always online!

It’s Not All Luck; Online Dating is Serious Fun

One of the important facts about online dating is that you have players and you have those who sincerely want to find a match. Can you tell the difference?

Before you schedule a meet-up or even consider chatting with someone, give the profile a serious look. You should even consider looking them up on the Internet. Players tend to post their photos because it validates their existence and makes them feel important.

Did you know that on certain men’s websites, there are tips on how to attract certain types of women?

The Simple Word Trick

This theory states that by using simple words like “healthy”, “honest,” and “laugh,” you increase your chances of attracting messages by 17%?

The Full Body Shot Theory

This theory states that if you use a full body shot, you increase your chances of attracting interested women by 203%! However, if the full body shot is a group picture, the chances drop by 42% while an outdoor solo full body shot increases your chances by 19% more.

Given these theories, the reality is that there are men who will do whatever it takes to attract interest. The question is: are they sincere, honest, and true to character or are they just using scientific study for playing around?

What to Do to Find Your Match

The first thing you have to do is to forget about any stories you heard about online dating – successful or failed dating stories. It’s time to write your story not go chasing after stories of other people. Online dating can be done properly and there are many wonderful men and women who are searching just like you.

The keys are to:

• Be honest but don’t be brutally honest. You also don’t owe anyone your story until they express a willingness to hear it.
• Show who you are: do you have a great sense of humor? What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
• Give everyone a chance but stay true to your values and do the necessary investigating and take the necessary safety measures before you go out with anyone

Finally, take everything you hear and read with caution. Be discerning and if something sounds out of synch with the profile, take no chances.

Is online dating the modern-day version of an adult fairy tale? Many people seem to think so, which is why more than 49 million Americans who have tried online dating websites. In fact, the gender ratio of males and females users is almost equal at 52% males to 48% females. According to Statistic Brain, approximately 20% of all serious relationships began with an online connection and 17% of the couples who have married in the last twelve months (2016) started online.

The studies don’t lie. Individuals mostly say they go to online sites to find a match although there is a small percentage of adults who do it for fun and casual sex. A new set of vocabulary has emerged related to online dating that every online dater should be aware of.

What’s the Meaning of:

PUA – Pick-Up Artist is a 1970s term you want to avoid as a tag. It is often used by men (and women) who have been disappointed with the process and have been hurt or embarrassed. It is also used to refer to individuals who are into online dating in pursuit of the ultimate goal in the game of seduction.

Layby – This refers to a person who is still in a relationship but with plans of getting out of it. Part of the plan is “layby” which means setting up new prospects before ending a relationship because the person does not like the idea of being single.

Breadcrumbing – This is done by a person who just loves the chase and has no intention of finding a match.

Cuffing Season – These are the cold months when most single people want to be with someone for one or another reason like avoid holiday blues or being lonely on long winter nights. However, once the warmer months come around, they prefer to be single.

If you can avoid these types of individuals, then you will increase your chances of finding the right match.

How to Spot Fakes

These fakes are relatively easy to detect. They are individuals who gives the bare minimum – all the time. A breadcrumber will contact you once in a while just to keep in touch and do some flirting but is not interested in finding out more about your life. You’re the spare tire that may come in handy one day. If you can’t pin down this person for a date or meet-up, then move on. It’s similar to being “benched.”

You have two choices if you feel you are being breadcrumbed. One, you can confront the person and ask the simple question, “Why?” Try to do it politely and without allowing your ego to get in the way. Two, you could just move on because it could be a precursor to a dim future together if it ever graduates to a relationship.

The Reality of Online Dating

It’s highly likely that you will come across a few individuals who are not the right fit. That’s normal and should not be seen as rejection or any indication that you are less of a catch. Approach each new contact as a potential friend rather than a future life partner. No one really needs to have that kind of pressure from a stranger. Just like fairy tales, if you are meant to be together, it will happen because you click. And don’t forget, fairy tale endings happen, not because of magic, but from patience, honest work, and a willingness to take chances.