In 2020, when much of the world went virtual, Hannah found herself on a first date via video chat a scenario she never imagined before. She was nervous: What if it was awkward? But she got creative. She and her date both agreed to pick up the same takeout meal and hop on a video call for a “dinner date.” They spent the evening eating pad thai, comparing notes on the food, and even playing a quick trivia game afterward. The conversation flowed, laughs were had, and by the end, Hannah felt the same butterflies she would have over an in person date. The only difference was, when the date ended, she was already home in her pajamas.Virtual dates via Zoom, FaceTime, or integrated video chat on apps have become a normal part of modern dating. They are great for bridging long distances or simply getting a feel for someone before meeting in person. But a video date does not have to feel like a job interview or a glitchy conference call. With a little preparation and enthusiasm, you can create a memorable experience even through a screen.Tips to Make Video Dates Great:Set the Scene: Treat it like a real date. Find a quiet, well lit area, and consider what is in your background. Good lighting and a tidy backdrop (or even a simple virtual background) help both of you focus on each other.Plan an Activity: Doing something together, even remotely, eases the pressure. Maybe each of you gives a tiny video tour of your favorite room, or you both brew a cup of tea or coffee to sip “together.” Interactive elements create shared memories.Be Present and Playful: It is tempting to glance at notifications or feel stiff on camera. Instead, engage as you would in person maintain eye contact (or look at the camera occasionally to simulate it), smile, and use your voice and facial expressions to show interest. Don’t be afraid to be a bit playful or silly to break the ice.Call to Action: If you have not tried a virtual date yet, consider setting one up before an in person meetup. It is a low pressure way to get acquainted. And if you have a video date on the calendar, use these tips to make it fun. Who says sparks cannot fly through a screen? With a little effort, your online date could feel as cozy and exciting as a face to face night out. Niche Dating: Finding “The One” in Your TribeAfter months on big name dating apps with mediocre results, Luis realized a key part of his life was not clicking with his matches: his passion for environmental activism. He had get excited talking about community gardens or beach clean ups, but many dates just didn’t share that enthusiasm. A friend suggested he try a dating site specifically for eco conscious singles. Skeptical but curious, Luis joined one. The pool was smaller, but soon he was chatting with Ana, a solar energy engineer who cared about the planet as much as he did. Their connection was instant fuelled by shared values and after a few weeks of messaging, they met to volunteer at a tree planting event as their first date. The rest, as they say, was history.The mainstream apps are popular for a reason, but they are not the only way to meet someone. In fact, there are nearly 1,500 dating sites worldwide catering to all sorts of interests and communities from general sites like Match to niche platforms for gamers, farmers, pet lovers, and yes, even beard aficionados. These niche dating communities can be fantastic if a certain aspect of your identity or lifestyle is non negotiable in a partner. You might find fewer profiles overall, but the odds of clicking over that important common ground are much higher.Navigating Niche Dating Tips:Find Your People: Think about what matters most to you be it a hobby, faith, or lifestyle and research if there is a dating app or site focused on that. Chances are, there is.Be Patient and Open: A smaller community means you will not swipe through hundreds of options a day. It might take longer to find a match, so take time to genuinely explore profiles and start conversations.Stay Safe and Savvy: Just like on any platform, use the same safety guidelines. Don’t assume a niche site guarantees character keep your discernment but do enjoy the built in common ground as an easy conversation starter.Call to Action: If the usual dating apps are not yielding someone who gets that core part of you, consider exploring a niche dating platform. Sign up for one that aligns with your interests or values and see who is out there. Your “needle in a haystack” might be much easier to find in a smaller, likeminded pile of hay.Sources: datingnews.com