1. You never meet your matches in person. You can form a connection through text and get to know each other pretty well through text, but if you want a serious relationship with this person, then you’re going to have to meet them. Even though it’s scary to take the next step, you’re going to have to set aside time to share dinner or drinks face-to-face. Waiting too long to meet each other can be a mistake. You don’t want your entire relationship to exist over text or it might not turn into a real commitment.
2. You’re spending too much time on the wrong people. Sometimes, your most attractive matches who always know exactly the right thing to say aren’t the best fit for you. Even though you have fun flirting with them, that doesn’t mean they’re the one you should be spending most of your time on. If you want something serious, you have to find someone who wants the same thing you want. You can’t chase after someone who’s only interested in a fling because you’re hoping they’ll change their mind.
3. You’re looking for a super specific type of person. Your dream person might not look exactly like you imagine. If you’re swiping left on anyone who fails to fit a certain mold, you could be doing yourself a disservice. You might want to be more flexible. Of course, you should still have deal breakers. If you don’t want someone with a child or someone 4/20 friendly, then feel free to turn them down. But don’t get too hung up on their height or hair or what major they’re studying.
4. You’re overwhelmed by your options. If you feel like you have a connection with someone, allow yourself to explore that connection. Don’t compare them to every other person you’ve matched with lately and push them aside because you feel like you might be able to find someone better. If you don’t want to play the field, don’t play the field. Take a risk and stick to this one person. If they don’t work out, you have other options. But if they do work out, you can delete your dating apps.
5. You aren’t showing the best possible version of yourself. Self-deprecating humor isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but your jokes might not come across well when they’re written in your bio. You probably don’t want to say anything about how tough you are to handle or how you suck at relationships or how you’re still hung up on your ex. You want to be yourself — but you also want to paint yourself in a good light. You don’t want to give anyone a reason to turn you down before they get to know you.
6. You’re only looking on dating sites. There’s nothing wrong with looking for love online, but you shouldn’t forget to flirt when you’re out in the real world. If you come across someone attractive while you’re out in your town, then walk up to them. Introduce yourself. Ask them for coffee. Don’t assume it’s easier to find your soulmate online because you might stumble across them when you aren’t looking. 
