I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ve been in the online dating game since I was 17 — yep, back in the AOL chat room days. Fun fact: my senior prom date was someone I met in one of those very chat rooms. Long story short, my original date flaked last minute, and I had to scramble for a replacement. Shoutout to dial-up love.

Since then, I’ve racked up quite a few dates, phone calls, text threads, and “what was I thinking?” moments. So I figured it was time to share some pearls of wisdom for anyone venturing into the wild, weird, and sometimes wonderful world of online dating.

1. Use a Variety of Photos (Close-Ups and Full Body)

Let’s be real — no one wants surprises when it comes to appearances. That doesn’t mean you need to look like a model, but show you. No catfishing, no filters from 2006, and no pretending you’re 30 when you’re clearly 50. If you're not comfortable in your own skin yet, work on that first — because how can someone else love you if you don't even like yourself?

2. Less Is More (Seriously)

You don’t need to write your life story in your profile. Save a little mystery! A great profile should be short, sweet, and to the point. Highlight your vibe, what you love, and what you’re looking for. Ten sentences, max. Need inspo? Here's one of mine:

“I’m a goal-oriented, motivated Latina who loves to learn and laugh. I’ve been told I’m super laid-back and easy to get along with. I live for salsa dancing and surround myself with good vibes only. I’m a social butterfly who loves staying busy — life’s more fun that way. Looking for someone who’s confident, funny, emotionally available, and isn’t afraid to communicate. Bonus points if you love sports (GO GATORS and GO GIANTS!). Chivalry is not dead in my world.”

3. Trust Your Comfort Level

Some people online can be pushy. Don’t give your number to someone who gives you weird vibes. When you feel like someone’s genuinely putting in the effort — good conversation, respectful approach — that’s when you can consider exchanging digits. And don’t feel bad about taking your time. The right guy will respect your pace. Pro tip: if all he says is “hi” or “what’s up?” — keep it moving.

4. First Meetings = Public Places. Always.

This is not optional. No matter how charming someone seems, do not invite him to your home or go to his. Meet somewhere public where there are other people — it’s safer and you’ll feel more relaxed. Also, let a friend know where you’re going and check in after. Better safe than sorry!

5. Escape Plan (Optional… but Highly Recommended)

Sometimes dates go south fast. It’s okay to set up a “rescue call” from a friend about 30 minutes into your date. If you need an out, just answer with, “I don’t usually take calls, but this one might be important.” Then decide if you need to dip. Zero shame.

6. Be Yourself

Confidence is magnetic. There’s nothing more attractive than a woman who laughs freely and owns her truth. If the date doesn’t work out, cool. There are plenty more fish in the sea (and some of them are actually worth catching).

I hope these tips help you feel a little more empowered as you navigate online dating. Got questions? Hit me up — clearly, I blog about this because I know a thing or two.

Let’s call this what it is: a rant.

I’ve had enough experiences with online dating to know—being on a dating site doesn’t automatically mean someone is looking for a relationship.

Let me rewind for a second. My first online dating experience happened during senior year of high school. My prom date backed out at the last minute (cue dramatic sobbing). Out of desperation, I logged into AOL, entered a chatroom, and met someone who quite literally came to my rescue. Two weeks later, he was my prom date.

The relationship? It went nowhere. But that wasn’t the point.

Since then, I’ve had little success turning online interactions into actual relationships. Sure, I dated someone I met through MySpace once—but he was a friend of a friend, so it doesn’t really count.

Now, almost two years out of my last serious relationship, I’ve started noticing something new: men on paid dating apps who have no real interest in being in a relationship.

Let me be clear—I’m not talking about Tinder or Bumble, where ambiguity is part of the experience. I’m talking about PAID sites. Platforms where people are supposedly investing time and money to find a meaningful connection.

Instead, here’s what I find:

Men fresh out of relationships who “think” they’re ready
Guys who are “too busy” but swear they want something serious
People who just want to “see what’s out there”

My PSA to the Online Dating World:

If you’re not emotionally available, don’t advertise yourself like you are.
Don’t say you’re ready for something real when you’re still unpacking your breakup or working 70-hour weeks with no room for connection.

Go on a free dating site if you want to dip your toe back into the pool without strings attached. At least then I know not to take it seriously.

This isn’t bitterness—it’s just honesty. Because false hope hurts, and misleading someone looking for love does nothing for your karma.

At the very least, be honest with yourself. And if you’re brave enough, be honest with the person on the other end of the screen.

Every action has a reaction—and in online dating, it could be a hurt heart on the other side of that chat bubble.

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Dating 101: Surviving (and Thriving) in the World of Online Dating