You’ve made a match and think you’re ready to move things offline, but how do you make a smooth transition? Fostering a budding relationship is a two-way street. Both parties need to feel safe, confident, and enthusiastic about where you’re going. While there’s no algorithm to guarantee a date IRL, we do have a few recommendations to help make it a little easier.
Start small
Instead of going bold and asking for a date outright, start small by chatting back and forth for a few days—or weeks!—is a low-key way to get a little more personal without getting too intimate, too soon. If your match would rather keep it on Bumble for the time being rather than giving you their phone number, respect their decision and keep getting to know them before initiating anything further off the app.
Move past casual banter
Begin building trust by having conversations that require a bit more openness. This isn’t to say you should overshare, but by bringing up topics that speak to your values (think: family, etc.), your match will get to know you on a deeper level. If they follow suit, this may be a sign that your match is getting comfortable with you.
Make each other real
Another surefire way to create a sense of safety is to ask your match if they’d like to talk via Bumble’s Video Chat or Voice Call features before meeting in the wild. You’ll be amazed how much more approachable someone seems after hearing their voice or seeing their facial expressions. Another added benefit? Both of you are likely to feel a lot less anxious when you physically meet for the first time.
Provide options
Once you’re confident that your match shares your romantic interest, it’s time to take the plunge! Suggest a few first dates that are tailored to your match’s interests. Then have them make the final call on where you go and when. You’ll show your thoughtfulness and can rest assured you’re meeting up for a date that your match is going to enjoy.
Above all, remember that some people like to move slower than others, and never pressure someone to do something they’re not ready for. Now get out there and make a move!