Even if you’re a seasoned pro, a first date can still feel like a big deal. There’s a lot of pressure to look and act your best, plus you have to make sure that your contributions to the activities of the day are enough to impress the other person.
That’s if you’re dating in the real world; if you’re doing it online, it’s an entirely different dynamic. If you’re on an adult chat site like Dirty Roulette, for instance, you could be right in the middle of a nude chat within a minute of meeting a new chat partner. While going that fast is a huge red flag in real life, it’s just the way things are on a lot of dating and adult chat sites.
Whether or not you want things to go that fast, webcam chats have plenty of other advantages to offer, especially for the first date. If you’re dating online and aren’t sure what to expect, you’ll be glad to know the information below.
Communication is easier and more direct
If you’re dating via webcam chat, you’ll quickly figure out that the dynamic is different for many aspects of the experience. For example, the communication style tends to be a lot more to-the-point. You both already know what you’re there for, so there’s no need to establish whether or not the other person is interested or available. In the real world, this is one of the most common reasons why people fail to approach their crushes in the first place – they’re too nervous about getting an unfavorable reaction. If you’re in a virtual chat room, though, you get to skip that part and go straight to the fun stuff.
The first date can be a pretty nerve-wracking experience, and to make things even worse, it often takes place in a crowded or noisy environment. In addition to processing whatever your date is doing, you’re also having to deal with the various stimuli that your environment is constantly throwing your way. If you’re having the first date via webcam chat, though, you get to choose the environment and reduce whatever distractions could come along with it.
You have a better idea of what you’re getting into
To start off with, most dating sites – adult and otherwise – make it fairly easy for you to search for the perfect date. This doesn’t guarantee success, but it’s still a better model than deciding to go talk to a random cute stranger at a bar. If you meet someone in person, hit it off, and set up a first date, you’re basically going into the situation blind. You know what they look like and maybe a bit about their social life, but the real getting-to-know-you stuff is usually reserved for the first date.
Contrast this to online dating. While you’ll still be learning a lot about the other person on the first date, you’ll get the chance to learn about them from their dating profile (and possibly their social media profiles) as well. A lot of people who use online dating sites actually want you to know about them; that’s how they make themselves seem like attractive partners when they can’t meet you in person.
There’s less pressure to get a single interaction right
Even though online dating can move a lot faster than regular dating, the pace could still end up feeling slower in some cases. For example, you won’t have to put all your eggs in one basket like with an in-person date; you can keep in touch, flirt, or just talk about your pets via text chat in between webcam chats. By the time you get around to an official “date”, you should both feel more relaxed around each other. If you make some silly mistake or feel like you’re acting awkward, it won’t matter as much because the other person already knows you, and presumably likes you well enough to overlook it.
There are fewer physical risks associated with an online webcam date
It’s always great to be optimistic about a first date, but it’s also a good idea to watch out if you’re getting intimate with a relative stranger for the first time. This is a valid consideration whether or not you’re meeting up in person, but the fact is that an online webcam date carries a lot less risk compared to a real-life hookup. Whether you’re worried about communicable diseases or simply not respecting boundaries, online dating can certainly take a load off your mind.
Unless the other person is capable of hypnosis, you aren’t really risking your physical safety. It’s still possible for your date to cross boundaries, but things won’t get as serious as they could in the real world. If things go south and you need to leave the situation, all you have to do is end the chat.
You’ll know more about the other person’s goals for the date
Why would this be important, you may ask? Well, this is actually a major cause of uncertainty on a first date. If they’re looking for a long-term relationship and you just want a one-night stand, they could feel like you’re just taking advantage of them. Switch the situation around, and you’ve just spent a bunch of time talking to someone who’ll disappear after they’ve gotten what they wanted. If your goals don’t match, one person could be left feeling like they got the short end of the stick.
How does online dating help with this? For one thing, a lot of people will specify the kind of partner they want in their profile. For another thing, you can consider the site you’re both using. Does it focus on quick flings, or is it set up to match users with a life partner? This should not only alleviate some stress, but could also make your interactions more productive and enjoyable.
Using a webcam chat for a first date isn’t for everyone, but if you’re comfortable with the idea, it could bring a lot of unexpected benefits.