The online dating journey can sometimes feel like an obstacle course. Once you’ve matched, charmed her with your wit, and built a connection, the next big step is transitioning the conversation from the app to texting.
As someone who’s spent a significant amount of time navigating this terrain, I can tell you this transition is a vital one. And here’s why:
- More Personal: Shifting the conversation to a messaging app like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Signal can make your interaction feel more personal. It’s a step closer to integrating into each other’s everyday lives. You’re no longer just Eugene from Tinder; you’re Eugene who texts her good morning.
- Accessibility: Many people don’t have notifications enabled for dating apps or don’t check them regularly. By moving to a more commonly used platform, you can ensure your messages don’t get lost in the shuffle.
- Real-Time Communication: A big plus of transitioning to texting is the ability to call each other. It adds another layer of connection and allows for spontaneity – “I just saw the funniest thing and had to call you.”
- Safety: If you’re heading out for a date, sharing your live location can be beneficial for safety reasons. This is easily done on most messaging apps.
- Get to Know Them Better: Transitioning to a platform like Instagram or Facebook allows you to see more of her life outside the confines of her dating profile. You might discover shared interests that didn’t come up on the dating app.
So, how do you make the transition smoothly? Here’s how I typically approach it:
- Natural Transition: I might say something like, “I don’t always have notifications turned on for Tinder, but I don’t want to miss your messages. Can we continue our conversation on [preferred app]?”
- Safety: Before meeting in person, I might suggest, “Would you be comfortable sharing locations via [preferred app] when we meet up? I think it’s a good safety measure for both of us.”
- Continuity: If we’ve been discussing something that would be better illustrated outside the app, I might suggest, “I’d love to show you photos of my recent hiking trip. Let’s connect on Instagram or Facebook?”
- Honesty: Sometimes, the straightforward approach works best. “I’ve enjoyed our conversation and would love to keep it going. Would you be open to exchanging numbers and texting directly?”
Remember, timing is crucial. Ensure you’ve built enough rapport and trust on the dating app before suggesting this transition. It’s also essential to respect her comfort and privacy. If she isn’t ready to move the conversation off the app, give her time, and continue building that connection. Happy dating!