If you’ve never used a dating app before and aren’t sure how to use Bumble, don’t panic. They’re not as intimidating as they seem. Just think of them as a coffee shop or a bar, except online.
Dating apps are a great way to meet people these days, whether you’re looking for something casual, a good, long-term relationship, or even a new friend. If you rarely frequent clubs, the colleagues in your office are all married, and you’re at a loss how to meet new people, then here are a few pointers on the popular dating platform, Bumble.
What Is Bumble and How Does It Work?
First things first, what is it? Bumble is pretty similar to other dating apps out there, but what sets it apart is that women go first. Women have to make the first move on the app. If a conversation isn’t initiated within 24 hours, then the match expires.
What Makes Bumble Unique?
Apart from giving women all the power, Bumble is not just for dating. It also offers users the chance to rebuild a different profile and explain what they’re looking for. Bumble also allows you to connect your Instagram and Spotify accounts to your profile, which helps people to get to know you a little better before swiping yes or no.
Additionally, Bumble is known for attracting people who tend to be looking for a relationship rather than just a casual hookup – so if you’re relationship-minded, then this might just be the app for you.
How to Get Started
Download the app
Bumble is free to download. It’s simple and quick to set up and is a great baby step to taking control of your dating life and becoming the creator of your own dating destiny.
Make a profile
Remember, all anyone has to go on on a dating app is your profile. Think of it as your three-minute elevator pitch, or your resume when applying for a new job. You only have a short window to make a big impression – so take your time filling this out. Your main profile picture is your opener. Make sure it’s clear and represents who you really are. And don’t try and edit it but change it when needed.
Your profile description is where you fill out your age, job, and a short bio. Fill this out in a way that helps others get a feel for who you are – this way you’ll be able to attract the kind of person you’re looking for.
Sort your preferences
Next, it’s time to choose an age and distance range, and what you’re looking for: men, women, men & women, or a BFF.
Swipe through photos of potential mates
Get ready to start swiping! You’ll be shown potential matches based on the info you filled in. If you like them, swipe right. If it’s a no from you, swipe left. Try and remember not to go on looks alone. Take the time to read their bio, and give people a chance. You never know who could end up surprising you.
Both women and men will be swiping here, but if both swipe yes on each other and it’s a match, then all the power is in the woman’s hands. Only she can make the first move and send a message.
Matches
All matches will show up in your match queue, which can be found by hitting the message icon in the top right corner of the screen. You’ll be shown a green circle with people who are interested in you but you didn’t swipe yes for, and a row of everyone you have matched with.
Ready to chat?
Tap on the icon of a person you matched with, and a chat bubble will open giving you the woman the opportunity to send the first message. You’ve got 24 hours to do this before the match expires, and you’ll have to match again if you want to have another shot.
Keep things fun, light, and witty in your first message. If for whatever reason you want to cut communication with someone, you can unmatch them or block them in just a few taps.
Have fun, and don’t take rejection personally
The thing about dating apps is you have no control over anyone’s actions apart from your own. So if someone doesn’t respond, flakes on plans, or ends up ghosting you, try your best not to take it personally.
If you’re on a dating app looking for love, chances are this will happen to you at some point. So go into it with thick skin, watch out for the common red flags, and remember that when someone rejects you, it’s about them not you.
Stay safe and have fun!
*The Date Mix is owned by Zoosk, Inc. Zoosk, Inc. is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Bumble, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. Bumble is a registered trademark of their respective owners.
