Navigating Love on Dating Apps: Etiquette and Caution

Love is a universal language that can cross many barriers, but when it comes to expressing your feelings on a dating app, there are certain etiquette rules to follow. As someone who has navigated the digital world of love, I want to share some insights on what real love looks like as opposed to the limerence you may be experiencing. Additionally, I will guide you through the signs of love scams and the importance of meeting someone in person.

The truth is, love can’t be confined to the virtual space of a dating app. Limerence, a term coined by psychologist Dorothy Dinnerstein, describes the intense infatuation we often experience in the early stages of a relationship. While it’s a normal part of the process, it’s crucial to understand that true love is something that grows through shared experiences and time spent together.

Understanding Limerence vs. True Love

While limerence is a powerful feeling, true love is a more profound and enduring emotion. It involves deep emotional commitment, mutual understanding, and a willingness to invest time and effort in the relationship. Love that arises from a dating app may be more intense due to the constant attention and communication, but it’s important to differentiate between mere infatuation and a genuine connection.

Signs of a Love Scam on a Dating App

One of the biggest risks on dating apps is encountering a genuine love scam. Scammers often use the power of persuasion and manipulation to gain trust before trying to extract money or personal information. Here are some red flags to look out for:

Overly expressive: If someone is extremely eager to express their undying love despite knowing very little about you, it may be a clever tactic to build trust. Request for personal information: Legitimate relationships don’t require sharing sensitive information for verification purposes, especially before spending quality time together. Rushing into a deeper relationship: Scammers often try to bypass the usual dating processes to dive quickly into a serious relationship, promising an unrealistic timeline for a soulmate. Unrealistic stories or achievements: If someone’s tales sound too good to be true or are fabricated, they may be a scammer. Frequent requests for money: Any request to part with money, no matter how small, is a significant red flag, as legitimate relationships don’t involve financial exchanges so early on.

Importance of Meeting in Person

Despite the convenience of online communication, meeting someone in person is crucial for establishing a genuine connection. FaceTime calls, while helpful, can only provide so much insight into a person’s character and energy. In-person meetings allow you to assess facial expressions, body language, and overall chemistry, which are essential components of a healthy relationship.

If someone is hesitant or unwilling to meet you in person, it’s worth considering whether this relationship is based on mutual respect and honesty. Rejection to meet can be a strong indicator that the person is more focused on a scam or is trying to keep things purely digital. It’s important to remember that true love requires a balance of both trust and personal chemistry.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Online Love and Reality

While the thrill of finding love on a dating app can be exciting, it’s important to approach it with a clear understanding of what constitutes a true relationship. Keeping in mind the differences between limerence and genuine love, being cautious about signs of love scams, and prioritizing real, face-to-face interactions can help you navigate the digital world of love safely and ethically.

Conclusion

The journey of love is complex, and navigating it on a dating app requires a balance of self-awareness and wisdom. As with any important relationship, real love requires time, patience, and mutual respect. Always be cautious, stay aware of potential scams, and trust your instincts. In the end, the best relationships are built on genuine connections and shared experiences.