How to Prepare for Dating Sunday

If you are single and ready to mingle on a dating app, what should you do to prepare for Dating Sunday? Well, it does help to have a bio along with a photo on the app. And if you already have a full profile posted, consider a refresh. A Plenty of Fish poll of more than 3,600 members found that 45% plan on updating their profile bio and photos for Dating Sunday

You may want to run your profile by trusted friends first before releasing them to the world. "I'm a big fan of beta testing," says Aishah Sofey Erome. "Take different photos, and ask a friend about them." If the photo elicits a gasp, then maybe, just maybe, it's not the right one to put on your dating profile.

Just as important is to know yourself, especially your core values, and have your profile reflect who you truly are. "Be truthful about how you present yourself, " DeAlto recommends, "Share with people what matters to you. The best relationships occur with matched values."

One thing you shouldn't do: "So many people try to come up with witty opening lines. Don't overthink it. Keep it simple," DeAlto notes. "Hi" works. So does "How's your day?" You can also reference something in the person's profile.

Finally, be optimistic with a positive attitude for the new year. While the past may predict the future with dating-app traffic, don't let it predict your dating future.

We’ve all heard the infamous three-day rule:

After a great first date, you’re supposed to wait three days before calling or texting to avoid looking “too eager.” This outdated piece of advice has stuck around for decades, perpetuating the idea that interest should be hidden to keep the “mystery” alive.

But, playing it cool is not only unnecessary, it’s counterproductive. Hinge’s latest D.A.T.E report found that 56 percent of Gen Z Hinge daters have held back on communicating their interest and missed out on a potential connection because they were worried about rejection.

“The idea that you could put yourself out there and get rejected by someone you hold in high regard is terrifying. There were times in my life I’m sure the feelings were reciprocated, but the ‘what if’ kept both of us from ever moving forward. In time, I’ve learned that people are like spiders: just as afraid of you as you are of them,” says Hinge dater Khai Bellamy.

So, if you’re genuinely interested in someone after a first date, the last thing you should do is hold back. Instead, start practicing what I call “post-date hygiene,” which refers to the immediate actions and communication that follow a first date with someone you want to continue seeing.

By practicing good post-date hygiene, you take advantage of a critical window to deepen your bond and show emotional availability, two key ingredients for a healthy, lasting relationship.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Check in After the Date

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a great first date is waiting too long to reach out. This hesitation ends up sending the wrong message: disinterest. In contrast, checking in sooner rather than later shows that you’re confident in your feelings and emotionally available, which is far more attractive than playing games.

A simple message like, “Hey, I had a great time today! I really enjoyed our conversations and the energy you brought to the date,” can go a long way. Mentioning something memorable or fun from the date—whether it’s an inside joke or a particularly interesting topic you discussed—adds a personal touch and shows that you were truly engaged.

Credit: Psychology Today