If you are single, you may feel like you are the only lonely person left, especially if all your friends have paired off. However, that’s not true. Actually, most young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are single. So, if all you are seeing around you are couples, then it’s time to look elsewhere.

There are plenty of ways to find a new partner. Some of the most popular and successful ways to meet someone new are being introduced by friends, meeting at bars or clubs, finding someone at school or work, and of course online dating. Thanks to the help of technology, dating has never been easier. The stigma behind online dating has also disappeared. In fact, approximately 40 percent of Americans are using online dating. Online dating is an easy way for singles to start meeting new people. There are many different apps and websites that allow you to reach singles near you. All you have to do is click on the website, fill out a profile, add some pictures, and start finding new people to talk to.

You may wonder how to get started with online dating. The first thing to do is to choose a platform. There are many different sites and apps to choose from. Some sites, like Match.com cater to an older crowd, while sites like Tinder tend to attract more young adults. Take a little while to look around at different sites and find one that has not only like-minded individuals, but also a variety of people. If you are religious and only looking for like-minded people, you may want to save time and just use a site for your religion. Also, think about how much time you want to invest in your search. Phone apps, like Tinder, require little time or effort setting up a profile and finding matches. Meanwhile, websites, like OkCupid give you more opportunity to get into depth about yourself and what you are looking for, possibly saving time in the long run.

Once you have found your online dating platform, it is time to set up a profile. You should always include at least a few photos. Choose recent photos that show you the way you currently look. Avoid photos that feature members of the sex that you are trying to attract, even if they are your brother or sister. Photos with animals or where you are smiling and doing something you enjoy are usually good bets. Your main profile pic should be of you alone. Include key information in your profile and avoid the use of too much filler. To see if others you know are using a Tinder profile and shouldn’t be, click here.

Once your profile is set up, it is time to meet some new people. Send nice, thoughtful messages that show that you took some time reading the person’s profile. Messaging multiple people will yield better results. Don’t give up if you don’t get responses right away; real connections take time. Finally, use all the resources that you have available. Surely, you’ll find the right one soon.