Online dating: Why LemonSwan? Expert interview with Andrea Simmer

When it comes to online dating, many singles are still very uncertain. There are so many dating sites out there, so which one should you trust? And are they really as good as they claim to be? Women in particular often have problems with men who have dubious intentions. Typical macho comments, obscene images, and catcalling. That's why we asked our in-house psychologist Andrea Simmer why LemonSwan is ideal for finding a partner.

Ms. Simmer, there are a lot of dating sites and online matchmaking services out there.

Why should singles trust LemonSwan in particular?

Because “trust” has been the problem up to now. As a woman, you don't want to waste your time searching for a partner online with men who are looking for a no-strings-attached affair with embellished photos, fake professions, and interesting but fictitious résumés. And we certainly don't want to put up with brazen advances and obscene pictures. Unfortunately, all of this is not uncommon when searching for a partner online.

And how does LemonSwan prevent this?

By having profiles checked manually by specially trained women. We call them “bouncers.”

Bouncers? How should I imagine that?

You see, as a woman looking for a partner online, you actually want what has often proven successful in the analog world: a good friend who makes a preliminary selection, so to speak.

And how do the female bouncers assess the applicants? Not every woman is looking for the same type of man.

Our employees are trained in psychology. In addition, despite all their differences, women simply know what women want. Currently, we accept about 75% of all those seeking a partner. Of course, every woman likes a different type of man, but our female bouncers ensure that the basics are right. That only attractive and educated singles who are really looking for a serious relationship register here.

That sounds good, but how do your bouncers recognize the black sheep?

It starts with the pictures: we make sure that each profile has at least three realistic, clearly recognizable photos. We also only accept complete profiles. Serious intentions are a prerequisite—there are plenty of other portals for everything else.

Why don't you call your employees “girlfriends” instead of “bouncers”?

Because they not only understand women, but can also stand up for them very firmly. If, despite pre-selection and profile checks, someone does behave inappropriately, our employees take tough action.

What does that mean for online dating?

As in a good club, anyone who doesn't follow the rules will be sent home. We don't resort to female diplomacy here; we are decisive. It's about protecting our users, who shouldn't have to waste time and energy dealing with inappropriate behavior when looking for a partner online – but also about preserving what makes LemonSwan special.

And what about data protection when searching for a partner online?

That's a sensitive issue, especially today. Of course, we don't monitor our members' communications. To ensure that everyone can interact with each other in a relaxed manner, we adhere to the European data protection regulations, which are very strict, by the way. We work with completely secure photo albums, which means that no one can see your photo or find out your name without your express consent. Dating is a very intimate matter, which is why privacy is sacred to us. Our users can count on that 100%.

OK, so I'm in this “club” full of sophisticated singles who are ready for a committed relationship – but how do I find Mr. Right for me when dating online on LemonSwan?

Who you are introduced to, i.e., the “matching,” is determined by a test based on the latest scientific findings—the LemonSwan method. This analyzes personality and desires within a partnership—which is highly interesting, by the way! With the LemonSwan method, not only are couples found, but the relationships that develop are also of a higher quality. Our goal is nothing less than finding the partner for life!

Just imagine how great it would be if such a club existed in real life!

No question, I would go there... Thank you very much for the interview, Ms. Simmer!