Everything You Need to Know About Video Chatting on CatholicMatch!
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Did you know that CatholicMatch offers the ability to video chat with other users?
With this feature, you can easily video chat with other users without leaving the CatholicMatch website or app. We encourage all of our users to use this feature so that they can get to know their potential dates better.
Getting started with video chatting is super easy. It can be enabled in just seconds on desktop, mobile, or in our app.
Visit our FAQ page to get started!
If you're new to video dates, don't worry! We have some tips to ensure that you and your date have the best possible experience.
Here are some answers to the questions you may have about video chatting on CatholicMatch...
How should I ask someone to video chat with me?
If you just started talking: If you've recently started messaging with someone and you would like to move your conversation to video chat for the first time, simply ask him or her, "Hey, CatholicMatch has a video chat feature. If you're comfortable with it, can I call you just to say 'hi' in real time?" If their answer is "yes" you're all set to call! If their answer is "no" or they seem unsure in any way, don't be offended and don't pressure them into doing it. Plenty of people may be nervous to video chat. Respond by letting them know that's it's "no big deal" and if they feel comfortable doing a video call in the future, you could try again at another time.
If you have been talking for a while: If you've already been interacting with someone for a bit, video chatting is a very natural next step. Ask them if they feel comfortable switching to video chat so you can get to know each other even better. Say something along the lines of, "I've really enjoyed our conversations and I'd love to get to know you better. If you're comfortable with it, let's video chat!" Of course, if they say no or are hesitant, don't pressure them to do it.
Note: Using video chat is an excellent way to ensure that the person you are talking to is who they say they are. If the person you are talking to repeatedly refuses to video chat and also has other red-flags of being a potential scammer, don't be afraid to report their profile. See our video about scammers HERE.
What should I do to prepare for a video chat?
Make sure the area you're in makes sense for taking a video call. For example, you wouldn't want to be on a call in a loud or dark area or anywhere that will be full of interruptions and distractions. Be aware that your date will be able to see everything around you and behind you, so maybe tidy your space up a little! Be aware of how the lighting makes you look. Natural lighting is definitely the most flattering, so maybe try to find an area with a window. Next, make sure your interruptions are kept at bay. You want to focus on your date, not your roommate or dog! Make sure to take the call in a place where you won't be disturbed.
How can I keep the conversation going?
Don't worry too much about what you will say and instead try to let the conversation run naturally. You don't want it to feel like an interview. However, to ease any anxieties you have, review your date's profile before calling. See what their interests are and plan to ask a few questions related to them. Don't be afraid to make a short list of things you want to share with your date about yourself. However, don't pre-plan your entire conversation, because it will come across as unnatural! Instead, give yourself a few items that will guide your conversation and push you to get to know each other better.
What should I wear?
Appearances matter, but don't stress over your outfit too much! You should wear nice clothes, but they don't need to be fancy! You don't need to be dressed as if you were going to an upscale restaurant or to a business meeting. Choose an outfit that is well-fitting, wrinkle-free, and isn't a distracting color or pattern (such as fluorescent colors or stripes). Something else to consider is if your clothes are the same color as your background, you could look like a floating head.
Also, consider brushing your teeth and double-checking your hair, just to make sure you're all set for the camera!
Lastly, check yourself out in your camera before getting on the call to ensure you like how you look!
What should I avoid doing?
There are a few things you should try to avoid. For starters, don't stare at yourself! Look at your date, not at your image on the screen. Also, do your best not to slouch or fidget during the conversation, as this could make you appear bored with your date. Treat this conversation as you would an in-person meeting. Give your date your full attention and engage in the conversation, not distractions!
Do your best not to be anxious. Even if things feel a little bit awkward, remember that it's okay and every conversation will ebb and flow. Even if there is a little bit of awkward silence, don't blurt something else just to fill it. Instead, use this time to be yourself and enjoy the process of meeting someone new!
What should I be focused on?
Use this time to focus on your date and getting to know him or her better! A video chat isn't much different than meeting someone in person. Enjoy getting to know their personality and don't be afraid to let yours shine through too.
This is a great opportunity to discover if you have chemistry together and if an in-person date would make sense. By engaging in video chats, you can better screen your matches, and avoid the time and awkwardness of meeting up with someone you aren't actually compatible with.
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