25-year-old Whitney Wolfe knows a lot about the way we date now. She's one of the co-founders of Tinder and the creator of a new dating app, Bumble.
Bumble is much like Tinder, BUT women have the power – it's their job to make the first move on men. In same-sex situations, either person can initiate conversation. The other twist is, you have to send a message within 24 hours of making a connection or it will disappear.
In the April issue of ELLE, Whitney talks to writer Stephanie Theobald about matchmaking, feminism and succeeding as a woman in the tech industry. Here, she shares her insider tips for empowered dating, aka the best way to Bumble:
1. When using Bumble, or dating in general, it is so important to always be yourself and be confident. There is no better way to create a confident and meaningful connection with someone than to be self-assured and true to yourself. Remember, you want someone to truly appreciate you for YOU, not for your best side. There is only one you, be proud of that and own it.
2. Make the first move. We have all been there, we see that gorgeous person across the room, and we want to go and speak to them so badly. However, the 'rules' of society mean we usually don't end up doing it, despite our friends' best efforts to convince us to. Time for a change. Be empowered and say hi! It's proven that people really like it when you take initiative.
3. 'Don't be impressed, for you are the impressive one.' These are words my father told me as a girl and they have never left me. Always know your merit, and how special you are and don't let someone else's qualifications make you feel small. If you stick to this, you will always deserve their respect.
4. Nothing is more attractive than a person with a sense of humour and intelligence, so don't be tentative in your approach.
5. Ask questions and don't be shy when it comes to getting the information you want.
6. When you're setting up your dating profile, choose the photos according to who you are today. A variety of recent shots that are a true representation of your character.
DOWNLOAD THE APRIL ISSUE NOW TO READ ELLE'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH WHITNEY
