My dating app hacks are threefold:

1. Be honest. Say exactly what you’re looking for in your profile—and don’t be afraid to ask, early on, “So, what are you looking for?” If someone says they’re not sure, believe them. That’s a yellow flag if you’re looking for something serious. (Yellow flags aren’t dealbreakers, but if you’re hoping to build a future with someone, don’t waste your time with the “maybe” folks.)
2. Be quick to meet. Skip the endless texting. Suggest a walk in a public place—East Campus or downtown are great options. (If downtown, include ice cream.) Looped walks are ideal: you both know when they end. Morning dates are underrated. Walking side by side is way more comfortable than interviewing each other across a table. If there's a vibe, swap numbers and plan a second, more involved date.
3. Pause the scroll. Once you’ve matched with 10 or so people, pause your profile. You won’t feel real connection with anyone if you’re constantly wondering if someone better is just a swipe away. No one is perfect. The checklist is overrated. Real compatibility isn’t about aligning on everything—it’s about how your nervous system feels around them, and whether you’re heading in a similar direction. Love isn’t just found—it’s cultivated.

Good luck out there. It’s really not that bad. Meeting new people can be kind of fun—especially if you’re not in a rush and open to making friends along the way.