Digital dating: Understanding relationship intentions in a swipe-right world 

Digital dating: Consistent communication is key to determining someone's level of interest. Pay attention to how often they initiate contact and respond to your messages

Welcome to the world of digital dating, where communication can be both instantaneous and difficult to catch. Ghosting, leaving someone on ‘seen,’ not replying to calls or messages, and other digital behaviours have become common occurrences, leaving many feeling confused and frustrated. The anonymity of online interactions can make it difficult to gauge someone's true intentions, leading to uncertainty and doubt in relationships.

Here is how you may gauge relationship intentions in the digital era:

Consistency in communication: Consistent communication is key to determining someone's level of interest. Pay attention to how often they initiate contact and respond to your messages. A genuine interest in building a relationship will be reflected in regular and meaningful communication.

Quality of conversation: Beyond frequency, consider the quality of your interactions. Are your conversations engaging and meaningful, or do they feel superficial? Apart from being fun, a genuine connection often involves deep and thoughtful discussions about shared interests, values, and life goals.

Transparency about intentions: Direct communication about relationship intentions is essential for clarity and mutual understanding. If someone is serious about pursuing a relationship, they should be open and honest about their intentions from the start. Look for signs of transparency and sincerity in their communication.

Actions speak louder: Focus on their actions than words, especially in the digital world. Pay attention to whether their behaviour aligns with their words. Do they follow through on their promises and commitments? Consistent behaviour indicates reliability and trustworthiness.

Effort and investment: A person's level of investment in the relationship is a telling sign of their intentions. Look for signs of effort, such as planning thoughtful dates, making time for you, and showing genuine interest in getting to know you better. A lack of effort may indicate a lack of commitment.

Respect for boundaries: Respect for boundaries is important in any relationship, digital or otherwise. Pay attention to how your potential partner responds to your boundaries and limits. Do they respect your need for space and autonomy, or do they pressure you to conform to their expectations? Mutual respect is essential for a healthy relationship.

Go by your gut: Trust your instincts when it comes to gauging relationship intentions. If something feels off or too good to be true, it is important to listen to your intuition. Your gut feelings can often provide valuable insights into the true nature of a relationship.