I’ve learned that choosing a dating site really comes down to being honest with yourself about what you want now and later. I look at how clearly people can state their intentions, because mixed signals usually lead to frustration. Values matter too—things like respect, privacy, and how safety is handled tell me a lot about a platform. Location filters have been important in my experience; meeting someone nearby changes everything, whether it’s for conversation or gay sex nearby, and such tools make that practical without overcomplicating it. I also pay attention to whether the site pushes one definition of connection or leaves room for different goals, including long-term ones. A good balance of transparency, control over who I meet, and realistic expectations has saved me time and awkward moments. At the end of the day, the right site feels aligned with how I actually live, not how dating apps say I should.