The Online Dating Simp Checklist: Are You Crossing the Line?

You initiate almost every conversation.

It’s normal for online dating to feel competitive. As a result, you may think that in order to differentiate yourself from others, you always have to take initiative every step of the way.

This can make your approach less about genuine interest and more about statistically increasing your chances for success.

A healthy interaction includes mutual exchange. Before you take action, ask yourself if it’s truly necessary or if you are simply afraid that letting the other person make the next move means you’ll be waiting for nothing.

You double or triple text without a response.

Sending multiple unanswered texts can convey a sense of desperation and neediness. It indicates that you are more eager than the woman you’re talking to.

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff explains that double texting is problematic because you never know how the other person might respond without your prompting. She added that though people tend to double text to get more attention from someone, ironically, it only pushes the other person further away.

Instead of double or triple texting, give your special lady time to respond. She might be busy or need time to think. Most importantly, focus your energy on things or people who are actively engaging with you.

You put someone on a pedestal based on minimal interaction.

Putting someone on a pedestal based on just a few interactions is a trait frequently linked to the concept of “simping.”

You are idealizing a woman and assigning to her overwhelmingly positive traits based on only a limited understanding of her true character and personality.

You may have only seen a well-curated online profile or fleeting positive moments. These glimpses can be turned into a belief that the person you’re still getting to know is perfect or “the one” for you.

If this behavior resonates with you, then you’re closer to being a simp than you probably think. You’ll need to take your time and really observe the words and actions of the woman you’re talking to.

You constantly seek her approval or validation.

The online dating scene can be fraught with rejection. You might be under the impression that constantly seeking approval is a proactive way to prevent rejection or abandonment. You might try to say and do things you believe the other person wants to hear to make yourself more appealing.

For example, you shower a lady with compliments, often on trivial matters. You also rarely express a different opinion, even if you have one. You overshare and try too hard to find common ground.

Instead of always gunning for her approval, work on developing your confidence, being authentic, and trusting that the right woman will appreciate you for exactly who you are.

You’re excessively accommodating to her schedule.

Another sign of being a simp is being too indulgent.

You fear that suggesting alternative times or expressing your own scheduling issues will lead to rejection, so you place her needs and preferences above your own, even to the point of significant personal inconvenience.

This can lead to you doing things like changing your sleep schedule to accommodate her availability for calls or chats, traveling long distances at odd hours, canceling plans with your family or friends, and even abandoning everything when she makes unexpected requests.

For a healthier approach, be clear about your own schedule and what you’re willing to accommodate. Politely suggest alternatives that work for you, and look for reciprocity and consideration. Someone who respects you will understand and meet you halfway.

You overlook her inconsistencies or questionable behavior.

Some people have a strong longing for a relationship or fear of being alone that makes them more willing to excuse or rationalize the problematic behavior of others in the hopes of keeping the connection alive.

This makes them easy targets for dating platforms that are less than reliable, like the old Craigslist Personals, which had been used to exploit those looking for love and facilitate illegal activities like prostitution and sex trafficking.

Just like with Craigslist dating, you may overlook blatant warning signs like overly sexualized profiles, vague information, or controlling language because you like someone too much.

Overlooking red flags can put you at risk of emotional abuse, manipulation, or even physical harm. In such cases, seek clarification when things don’t make sense. If your special lady is sincere, she won’t have anything to hide.

You continue to pursue her despite a lack of reciprocated interest.

You may or may not be aware of this in yourself, but you can interpret polite but noncommittal responses as showing real interest. You may also interpret minor gestures or delayed responses as signs of potential. You think that it’s better to keep trying than to accept the perceived failure of giving up.

This approach is generally considered ineffective or even harmful because it can come across as annoying or creepy. Also, it’s not always possible to force or earn attraction and interest through persistence.

Pay attention to signs that someone just doesn’t feel the same way. Avoidance, short answers, direct rejections, and infrequent replies all indicate a lack of interest. Know when to leave a situation where your efforts are not being acknowledged and reciprocated.

If you find yourself nodding along to several items on this online dating simp checklist, it may be time for some self-reflection.

Remember that a genuine connection relies on mutual respect and genuine interest on both sides. By changing your approach, you’ll not only have the potential to attract better connections, but you also learn to value yourself and your time.

Take a step back, rethink your interactions, and don’t forget that one of the most important things in dating is knowing exactly what you deserve.