If there’s one mantra you should keep in mind when you’re swiping and matching on Badoo, let it be this: online dating is supposed to be fun. Of course, like any activity, dating isn’t perfect—putting yourself out there on a dating app is a vulnerable move, and there’ll be highs and lows. But recently, when we did some research on our Badoo community, we found some commonalities between folks who reported having a hard time or feeling burned out by dating online: a lack of dating confidence.

One in five (19%) daters surveyed for Badoo’s Confidence Report said their confidence in dating is at an all-time low, with a quarter (25%) saying they find it hard to put themselves out there when it comes to their dating or romantic life. Nearly three quarters (71%) said a lack of dating confidence has caused them to delete a dating app profile. Even those who have previously felt good about online dating say their confidence has taken a hit lately. Almost one in three (34%) daters surveyed who reported low dating confidence say their confidence has actually decreased over the last six months.

We’re here to help you feel self-assured while you’re swiping. Together with dating and relationship coach Persia Lawson, Badoo has come up with five new rules for confident dating.

Be your authentic self.

If you’re looking to establish genuine, confident connections, you can’t go wrong with being authentically you. Be honest with your Badoo matches about your interests, values, and aspirations from the outset. Just as importantly, don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. This way, you can help avoid misunderstandings later on.

Badoo tip: Add video clips to your profile to help express the real you—or add your mood so others can get to know you in real-time!

Respect boundaries.

When you’re dating, be sure to respect the other person’s boundaries. This is essential for cultivating a sense of trust—a non-negotiable component of all healthy relationships. It goes without saying that you should always seek consent, and never pressure your date into anything that could make them uncomfortable. Be considerate of their feelings, and show empathy towards their needs. If they set a boundary, honour it without question or negotiation.

Badoo tip: Check out our dating safety guides for tools, advice, and more, on topics from avoiding burnout to protecting your privacy.

Be upfront about your dating intentions.

If you’re transparent about your dating intentions—like, for example, whether you’re looking for a serious relationship or not—you’re helping to establish clear communication and mutual understanding from the start. You’re also showing respect for your Badoo match’s feelings and time, allowing them to make informed decisions of their own.

Badoo tip: Go ahead and update your profile if your intentions change. What made sense for you six months ago might not be what you’re looking for now!

Reply regularly.

Keeping up your end of the conversation whilst messaging a match is a sign of respect and consideration. Regularly replying shows that you value their time and are genuinely interested in getting to know them. Consistent communication helps build trust, keeps the connection alive, and can prevent misunderstandings. It also fosters a sense of mutual effort and investment in any relationship, whether romantic or platonic.

Badoo tip: You can send a ‘Quick Hello’ if you’re looking to minimise small talk.

Make an effort on dates.

When you’re on a date, putting in genuine effort is essential. It demonstrates interest in, and respect, for the other person—and shows that you value their time and their company. It also shows that you’re committed to making the meetup enjoyable and memorable for both of you.

Badoo tip: Stuck for chat on a first date? Fear not! Check out our tips for an easy, pressure-free conversation.

For more on confident dating, check out our full report here.