It’s cuffing season my friends. If you’re single and have been playing the field for a while then you’re in the right place. I’ve crafted this article specifically to help you crush it this cuffing season.
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of NET10 Wireless.
If you’re wondering about which dating apps are the best, how much is too much texting, potential stay at home date night ideas, and keeping that spark alive, then you’ll want to keep reading.
This article will provide 6 key dating tips so that you can make the most of cuffing season and (if you play your cards right) get the girl.
1. Give Online Dating A Try
Who’s single and has never tried online dating? If you raised your hands, then you’re missing out. According to Pew Research, nearly half (48%) of Americans 18- to 29-year-olds have used a dating site or app. And roughly six-in-ten online daters (57%) say they have had an overall positive experience with these platforms.
Dating apps have been on the rise for quite some time, even more so in 2020 as a pandemic rages and lockdowns are keeping most Americans stuck at home.
Online dating may take a little getting used to especially if you’ve never experienced it before. Perhaps you’ve heard horror stories from friends or just don’t like the idea of picking potential matches based solely on appearance.
It’s not always easy finding a partner online, but there is merit to keeping at it. After all, it’s the single best way to connect with and meet women in today’s current dating landscape.
Online dating has made it easier than ever to meet and connect with women from all over, not just locals from your city or small town either.
Dating Apps I Recommend
Check out Bumble and Hinge for more serious dating.
Bumble is refreshing in that it allows for women to take the lead. They must be the first to message within 24 hours of matching. I also like that Bumble has an audio messaging feature which provides an easy way for you to showcase your personality via your voice as opposed to impersonal text messages.
Additionally, Bumble has timely user generated questions that you can send your match that makes getting to know each other fun and easy (you only see each other’s answers after both of you have answered).
Hinge’s tagline, “Designed to be deleted,” is telling of what they’re all about. Hinge has excellent profile prompts that allow for you to get to know people on a deeper level and gives you the ability to showcase your thoughtfulness or sense of humor.
Two more dating apps—Coffee Meets Bagel and OkCupid—are decent options as well. Avoid Tinder if you’re serious. There’s a reason why Tinder is known as the hookup app (a reputation they embrace).
Bonus Online Dating Tip
Early on, it’s okay to talk to multiple women at a time, in fact it’s encouraged. More than likely, she’s doing the same thing. Just like with investing, it’s never wise to put all of your eggs into one basket.
Just be open with the girls you’re talking to (particularly when it starts getting serious) that you’re still testing the waters. You’ll know when it’s the right time to sign off.
2. Three Key Texting Rules To Keep In Mind
I. Mirror Her Texting Pattern
If she’s sending short sentences, then follow up with a few short sentences of your own. And don’t ask multiple questions in a row, especially if she hasn’t replied to your initial question yet.
Additionally, do not send her huge blocks of text if her messages are brief. You’ll only inundate her, especially if you’re both still in the early stages.
Texting Frequency
In terms of texting frequency, a good rule of thumb is is 1:1. And so that means 1 text for every text that she sends you. For example, if she sends you a single text, reply with one of your own, maybe 2.
You can text her a little bit more than she’s texting you to show that you’re interested and putting in the effort to engage with her. However, if you send her a barrage of texts before she has a chance to respond, chances are she’ll disregard what you’re saying.
Speed of Response
As for response rate, it depends on the person. Everyone’s texting behavior is different and so get a feel for hers over the course of a few days or weeks. A good rule of thumb is to always respond to her in a reasonable amount of time.
Avoid being unresponsive for more than a day. I get that we’re all busy and have our work lives and personal lives, but if you’re into the girl, get back to her in a reasonable amount of time.
It won’t hurt you to reply instantly from time to time either. If you’re free and feel like texting her back, then text her back. But avoid always texting back right away, you’ll seem overeager and that’s not an attractive trait.
II. Avoid Oversharing
When you’ve just started dating someone, you don’t need to share your life story right away. If you’re a good match for each other, all of that will happen on its own time. Discovery takes time. Be patient and don’t give her a reason to cut things off because you’re overzealous.
Think of it this way, when you share too much too soon, it takes away from the mystery and excitement of getting to know someone new. Give her the chance to ask you questions before you go on a rambling, humble brag about how amazing you are.
III. Keep it Fun and Light
Don’t be so serious. With texting (especially if it’s with someone new) it can be difficult to discern sarcasm or lightheartedness. Don’t be afraid to use the occasional emoji or GIF to get your point across and add emotion to your text interactions. So, yes, men can use emojis, just don’t go overboard.
Bonus Texting Tip
Use text as a means to set up the next date. Some people aren’t all that into texting. If that’s the case, take advantage of texting as a quick and frictionless way to set up that next big date.
Speaking of dates…
3. Plan A Comfortable Evening At Home
Okay, so you’re officially dating. Alright now!
It’s time to take things to the next level. You’ve invited her over and now it’s time for some one on one in the comforts of home, *virtual fist bump*.
Play a Game
Games are fun and a quick way to ease into date night. I recommend a conversation starter game with the goal of getting to know each other better. Alternatively, if you’re up for a little friendly competition, something like chess or scrabble will do the trick.
Libations and Snacks
It’s not date night without a drink or two (or three). A bottle of red and some gourmet popcorn is sure to set the mood right. Although we’ve all been there, try not to overindulge with the alcohol, especially if you’ve just started dating.
Cozy Up with a Good Movie
Ah, the classic Netflix and Chill, Hulu and Hang or whatever the kids are calling it these days. After a drink or two, it’s the perfect time to settle in with that new thriller or comedy on your favorite streaming platform. Be sure to check with your date so that you’re in agreement on the flick.
4. Keeping The Spark Alive
The time between a date is just as important as the date itself. So, how are you staying connected to keep that spark alive when you’re not together?
I recommend checking out today’s sponsor, NET10 Wireless. It’s both affordable and reliable, boasting unlimited talk, text and high speed data (that does not throttle) plus 5GB of mobile hotspot data on the new $50 Super Unlimited Plan to keep the conversations going.
Whether you prefer texting, calling or a video chat…NET10 can give you the wireless freedom you need to stay connected.
You can also get the latest smartphones (iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices) with no contract and no deposit, starting at less than $5 a month.
Who knows, maybe in time you’ll go from keeping the spark alive to keeping the flame ablaze.
5. Develop Your Personal Style
If you’re a regular GW reader, you already know the importance of dressing the part. Suffice to say, when you dress like someone who gives a damn, a whole new world of opportunity opens up, including your dating prospects.
Subscribe to the Gentleman Within YouTube channel.
Let’s face it, appearance matters and women appreciate a man who’s intentional with the way he presents himself to the world—not only in the way he interacts and engages with others—but also in the way that he dresses.
You have 100% control over your personal style, and so there’s no reason not to take advantage of this low hanging fruit. Simply put, when you dress well, you feel better and people begin to notice, including your date.
6. Have Fun With It
Ultimately, dating doesn’t have to be so complicated. The purpose is to enjoy it. If you go in with a relaxed mindset without applying so much pressure on yourself, chances are you’ll enjoy it that much more.
Don’t plan too much and stop getting in your own head. Stop trying to impress, instead seek to delight. Actively listen to what she’s saying without trying to think about what to say next.
Leave room for spontaneity and serendipity. Above all, be in the moment, live for right now and have fun with her. Think about creating moments—memories, so that even if it doesn’t work out, it will have been worth it.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, you’re now equipped with a handful of dating tips to make the most of cuffing season. I hope you got value out of this article. Feel free to drop a line and let me know what you think.
Cheers and good luck. I hope you get the girl.
-Khoi (Founder of Gentleman Within)
How are you making the most of cuffing season?
Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.
Looking forward to seeing you in there.
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