I felt compelled to ask which edition. XD

I sed to play forgotten realms (several editions) when I had time. I liked more eberron or ravenloft, but people usually prefered forgotten. Now is all about pathfinder. But sadly still have no time for campaigns. One shoots at most. Anyway, I digress.

When I was single it helped me to read a web called "captain awkward", it explains things in our terms. Offers practical advice on self care and also on trying to find dates.

There was also a specific dating app for people into fandoms. I would suggest that app since it makes it easier to find people you can have affinity with.

And if I recall correctly, there was dr nerdlove who gave dating advice for geeks.

Also, single events offer you a chance to meet people. It is difficult to met new people once you are older and working, but going to meetups helps.

As for pictures, A practical advice is that have some friend take the picture for you. It needs to be a clear one, doing something that makes you happy (that shows). Friends usually are the ones who can help you look your best. Well, a friend who knows how to take pictures. hahaha My profile picture showed me with a batman T-shirt. I did had less matches than I would have showing cleavage, but the people who was a match, was because they liked comics or RPGs. That way I could focus on matches where there was some afinity.

And there was a logic behind what I did. Since at the other side of the screen there was people swipping, by showing in my picture what I liked, I got the men who liked the same swipping right, and the men who didn't like comics, swipping left (well, not all, but some).

In some ways, the algorythm at dating apps can be metagamed the same way that you metagame D&D rules. The fisrt step is to look for an app with an algorytm that favours talking, since people who want a relationships would look for more information and offer more information.

Many average people find other average people. But you can be "average" and unique at the same time. Like snowfalkes, they look the same unless you look them close. So the way to "stand out" is to just take a the risk to show the things you like.

Also, making friends helps to met more people, including single ones. So while becoming friends when you wanted to date might feel disappointing, that person might introduce you to someone you are compatible with. I mean, I have introduced friends who ended dating. And men who weren't a good match for me, have been a good match for a friend. That is why I talked about collaboration with other single friends. If you see it as findind someone compatible with you, what you need is information and opportunities. And friends can provide both information and opportunities. Also, when it doesn't work, they are the ones who would offer support to keep going. I do know from experience.