Dating apps are officially more active than ever – and this is how to use it to your advantage

Anyone who’s been on dating apps for any length of time will know Sunday – the day where we’re universally cradling a takeaway wishing it was a hot man or a puppy – is the busiest day of the week for swiping and message sliding. And, of all the days of the year, the first Sunday of January, which this year falls on the 7th, is officially the ultimate dating app surge period and has been dubbed— Dating Sunday.

On this blessed day, people on Tinder are responding 19.4 minutes faster than usual and, last year, were sending 22 per cent more messages and 18 per cent more likes than at any point in the rest of the year. God bless us, everyone.

In fact, January as a whole is “peak dating season” because a humungous 11.4million more messages are sent globally on Tinder from January 1 to February 14. Essentially people, we’re in the final online goldrush before we hit Valentine’s Day. Act accordingly.

So, in case you’re wondering how the hell to make this hive of activity actually work for you, here are five tips from Tinder’s Global Relationship Insights Expert, Paul C Brunson. Because, he knows what he’s talking about:

1) Show the real you!!

Just like what your mum always told you, Paul’s first piece of advice: be yourself. “People want to see you for who you are and authenticity is important above all else,” he says. “Focus on images that capture your true personality at different times, in different scenarios – from social situations with friends, to a selfie that shows off your smile. The golden rule is to have at least five photos.“

2) Say more 

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Being blunt will get you nowhere when it comes to love. Research has shown the optimum number of words for a Tinder bio is between 15 and 45 and you’ll get more interest if you’re actually clear about what you want on your profile, according to Paul. “Remember that the best dates happen when you have time to get to know each other on the app before meeting IRL,” he says.

3) Give people something to work with 

You can be as hot as you like, but if you don’t have good conversation starters on your profile, there won’t be much left after the initial swipe. “Common ground can reveal a lot about your compatibility with a potential match,” says Paul. “Your interests are what make you, you and by sharing them you’ll be more likely to meet people who match your energy.”

4) Don’t be boring 

Nobody likes a bland dating profile. Typical Sunday: Roast and hangover, this year I really want to: travel— give us a God damn break. And the same goes for the talking stage: “I suggest you get creative, and personal,” advises Paul. “Ask questions you really want to know the answer to, or light a spark with asking your match about their favourite place to rave, or the name of their pet. You never know what you might learn.”

5) Say exactly what you want 

There’s nothing more frustrating than being led on when you’re dating someone. So, it’s not surprising Paul recommends “being straightforward and honest about what you are looking for from a match…Embrace what it is you really want, honesty really is the best policy.”

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