We said this before and we’ll say it again – dating is hard. Some would argue that dating is even harder when done exclusively through a screen. Yet, that’s the norm now. Dating in the digital age means that you’re starting your journey online—often reviewing a potential match by filtering through their pictures and their answers to standard questions around height, weight, occupation, etc. That’s all fine, but it’s not enough and we realize that at Tradition Reimagined.
Dating in the digital era should not feel like a chore and it should not feel like a game of swiping left or right. We are trying to make dating digitally easier by creating a process that allows for you to showcase who you are with the online element being secondary.
We know it’s difficult to be your true self, especially behind a screen. You may want to embellish parts of you while hiding other parts. That’s normal. We’re human after all. It’s why at TR, we’re trying to make the online elements a bit more fun and a lot more real!
Questionnaire:
The TR questionnaire looks to reveal who you really are and what makes you, uniquely you! In it, we don’t just ask you about your physical attributes and your employment background. We take it a step further by asking you about your strengths and your aspirations. The fact is, people struggle to boast about themselves. So a part of what we ask is how others see you—what would your best friend say makes you remarkable? What song always makes you smile and why?
For example, one client’s morning ritual is to wake up early, when the world is still sleeping, to enjoy a cup of coffee while reading a book. While another client starts her morning at the gym while reviewing the day’s headlines! These are daily habits that really give someone else a glimpse of what you value and how you spend your time. At TR we want to make sure these things are front and center of your bio.
The answers to these questions, in some ways, become your first impression. It’s why at Tradition Reimagined we take pride in the questions we ask with the hopes that your answers are truly reflective of you and the result is not just another generic dating profile, but one that highlights what makes you different, what makes you extraordinary.
Style:
Like our daily rituals, how we present ourselves to the world every single day says a lot about who we are and how we’re feeling. Style is very personal and reflective of one’s personality and energy! At Tradition Reimagined, we provide you personal stylists and image consultants whose goal is to ensure your personal style really shines through both on- and offline.
Our stylists really get to know you and advise on styles that not only flatter your body type but also align with your style goals and make you feel empowered to conquer the day. They will virtually shop and style three looks, which will include a virtual fitting, grooming tips specific to outfit and to your preferences, and tips for your photo shoot.
Virtual Dates:
If you and a potential match are located near each other geographically and are comfortable meeting, we recommend and even help plan a date IRL. However, we understand that it’s not always feasible to meet in person, especially during a global pandemic. As such, we’re also here to provide a few best practices for virtual dates.
Lighting:
Lighting is critical. Make sure there is a light that’s facing direct-to-camera and that you’re not backlit. Otherwise all your date will see is a silhouette instead of that glowing smile. If you want to really take it a step further, we recommend investing in a ring light. Yes, that’s what influencers use to ensure they are always camera ready!
Camera Angle: Ensure your camera is at or above eye level. This will ensure that you and your date actually feel like you’re talking to each other and can even have some virtual eye contact. It’s also the best angle to flatter one’s face!
Be Present: That means turn off your phone’s notifications, do not have your email open in another tab, and close your door (especially if you have roommates). Be present and ready to really converse with your date. The fact is that 80% of communication is non-verbal and if you’re constantly distracted and pretending like you’re not, it’s pretty obvious.
Online dating can be made a lot easier if you learn to bring your full self to the screen. Sharing who you really are both through your words as well as through your style. We want you to feel empowered to own and love your story! And remember, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Written by : Punam Nanda, Executive Matchmaker
