The title pretty much says it all.
My boyfriend of almost one and a half years and I met on the popular dating app, Tinder. I actually downloaded the app in the first place because my best friend found their girlfriend on the app a few months prior, so really my friend deserves the credit for my dating success.
A lot of people don't think of Tinder as a viable option for finding a significant other. Mostly seen as a way to find one night stands, Tinder can seem a little shallow. You're ultimately deciding if you want to date someone based on a picture and a few sentences of typically cheesy and/or irrelevant information. I find it funny, though, because when you first join the app, you're much more liberal with the swipes you give. You take the time to read their bio and filter through the pictures, even though half of the photos are of their pimped out car, or there are multiple people in the same picture so you really don't know who you're looking at (but none of them are looking too promising anyway). Or better yet, they might even have a picture with their ex-girlfriend so that they look like a hot commodity.
As you continue with the app, however, it ends up being a pretty fast process. You no longer take the time to learn about the person you're swiping right or left for. You'll probably feel a little bit heartless as you use the app because you're most likely just going to saying to yourself, "Yep, nope, no, definitely not," as you go through all of these potential suitors.
While I understand why people feel bad about this superficial process, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to find someone that you're physically attracted to. Connection is important on all levels, external and internal. But eventually, there's something that pushes a relationship beyond "just friends" and most of the time that something is a physical attraction.
While sexual attraction is important, it definitely isn't the most important thing about a person, especially if you're looking for love and not just a fun night out. Here are a few tips if you're looking for a relationship online:
Always follow you instincts. If a guy seems shady, he's probably shady. He may have a six-pack, but it's not worth it.
Don't feel pressured to go on a date if you don't want to go.
"Hey :)"
"Hi!"
"Wanna hang out?"
I would be lying if I said this wasn't how at least half of the conversations I had on Tinder played out.
Don't feel bad about saying no. This (albeit imaginary) person clearly has something in mind, and I don't think they're interesting in getting to know more about you.
Finding someone worth your time will probably take time. My boyfriend and I both talked to and went out with other people before we met each other on Tinder. While you may find someone amazing on your first day on the app, you shouldn't get your hopes up.
Good luck and have fun swiping!
