6 science-backed and expert tips to be less awkward at online dating

The summer can bea great time to start a new relationship.Maybe it's that lingering "school's out" mentality that makes us feel young and carefree. Or, hey, maybe it's that people look better when they aren't bundled up in an oversized turtleneck sweater.Dating site Match told Business Insider that July tends to be one of itsbusiest months. Match's chief scientific adviser, Helen Fisher, said thatmight bebecause summertime is the mating season in many speciesand even though humans breed all year long, "increasing light does give us a sunny personality and more energy and optimismall of which could increase our sexuality.If you're thinking about joining a dating site in the near future, and if you're somewhat terrified by the prospect ofwading through thousands of nearby matchesin the hopes of finding someone decent (who thinks you're decent, too), we've got you covered.Below, we've rounded up someof the most practical online-dating advice we've published in the lastyear. Read on to learn thetricks of the tradeand the biggest mistakes to avoid.SEE ALSO:The 15 US cities where it's easiest to find a dateChoose a photo where you're taking up spaceResearch suggeststhat we're more attracted to people in expansiveas opposed to contractedpostures, even if we don't consciously realize it.Men especially appear more attractive to women when they're holding their armsupward in a "V," reaching out to grab something, or standing in another expansive position.Whatever you do, avoid choosing a profile photo where you're crossing your armsor hunched over.Don'tchoose a photo where you're covering your faceTinder's in-house sociologist, Jess Carbino,told Business Insiderthat one of the biggest mistakes Tinder users make is obscuring their face in their profile photo. That includes wearing glasses or sunglasses, or even a hat.The same logic likely applies to users on other dating services.According to Carbino, we use people's faces to make judgments about their personality, which are sometimes (but not always) accurate. So if people can't fully see your face, they might not be able to assess whether you'reextroverted or kind, for example. Meaning they just might move on to the next option.Include a question in your profileCarbino alsotold Business Insiderthat adding a question to your profile can make it easier for someone to message you, because they already have something to talk about.For example, if you mention in your profile that you like to travel, list a few places you've been and then ask: "What's your next destination'"If you're an art fan, cite artists whose work you enjoy and then ask: "Who's your favorite artist'"See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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