Swipe for love: "One should be their authentic self on online dating apps"

Do you ever think of coming across someone who makes you embrace your authentic self and makes you fall in love with yourself? Such people are very rare to find but online dating proved to be just the right platform for Parul and Himanshu who found love on an online dating app. In a chat with ETimes Lifestyle, Parul tells us about the beautiful journey she has had with her partner, Himanshu. Did you ever think you will find love online?Parul: Not really, I didn’t think I would find love online. In such a fast-moving scenario it is difficult to find someone offline and this is an online love hunt, where one always has doubts about trueness and real personality.How different is online dating from finding love around you?Parul: When you meet someone through a mutual contact, you have sources to check on them. You know when to go out with them or if it is safe to open up to them. But in online dating, you always need an icebreaking scenario to move ahead. There have been so many fake and ruthless cases and experiences that one is always in a dilemma about whom to trust and whom not to.What are some of the things you don’t like when dating online?Parul: Hahaha! There are ample things. One such example is people are often keener to know about your sexual capability rather than knowing about your personality. The most commonly talked-about things are—what exactly an ideal figure is, and how girls should be like and do like. And if you are bold enough to answer all these in one go, you will be mostly treated as an available person who is cool with sexting and playful conversations, nothing about commitment. Were you putting up your perfect side while dating online or via texts? Or were you your true self?Parul: Talking about myself, I have always been my true self in every match and conversation because in such cases, either you like someone or you don't. So, I believe one should not try to portray different personalities because if someone is really interested in you, he/she will want to know the real you, or else it will be plain ‘hi and bye’. Can you tell us what your dating bio was about?Parul: I actually remember my exact bio because it was quite memorable to me. It was ‘chubby, smiling soul... goofing around lately... a little chit-chat will tell you a lot about me... Please bear with my bad typing skills! Do not match to vent, match for crazy dates, great coffee, and an awesome take on life.’Is connecting over online dating apps as exciting as meeting someone in a physical space?Parul: To be honest YES! Meeting someone gives you a whole lot of experience with the people around you. You get to know yourself too and this is exactly what might make you happy. Different people with a different take on life give you perspectives and learnings. You can learn and understand so much more. What drew you to your partner online?Parul: Himanshu is the most caring and understanding person I have ever met online. He knows what a girl wants to hear and what not. Most importantly, he made me feel comfortable while talking. He made sure that I was myself and not some fancy girl. He was more interested in knowing me as a person— my likes-dislikes and experiences in life. We always have something to talk about, whether its love, life, or politics!Did you come across any fake profiles or false identities online? Any tips to tell if a person is real or fake?Parul: Yes, many times. Guys put fancy images on their profiles and pretend to be someone else. My only advice is never to go with only beautiful images and luxury trip images. To encounter or come across good and genuine profiles, always connect through social media and research well before going too deep and personal in any conversation. Was it love at first sight when you both met or did you take your time getting to know your partner?Parul: It was not at all love at first sight! We chit-chatted for a few months, learned about each other and met twice at least before kneeling down. We made sure we know all about each other before committing to each other. Do you feel taking chances or a 'leap of faith' is very important to get to where you are right now?Parul: Yes definitely! Your safety and privacy are equally important. But you never know where you will find your soulmate. But yes without risk and chances, there is no fun in love. You should be sure about your decision while moving ahead. Believe me, if you have even a single doubt about a person or situation, learn about it and leave the person or the situation then and there.