I don't know how to begin this other than with a "you read that headline right." If you know me, then you know that I've been vehemently against Tinder from the beginning. I never saw the appeal in it; swiping "yes" (right) or "no" (left) on a person based on some pictures, a brief bio (maybe), and a couple of things you had in common on Facebook? Come on. How is that going to help me know whether I'm anything more than physically attracted to someone or whether that person is worth putting time into? Not to mention that I heard more horror stories than positive ones from friends who used it. It just never seemed like my type of thing.

My opinion on it softened as I witnessed some actual relationships come out of it and used my friends' a time or two, but I never felt drawn to it. I never broke down and made a profile...until December.

Okay, cut me a break. We all get a little curious. One of my best friends encouraged me to try it, I was home (and bored) at the beginning of a long winter break, and I was trying to take more risks. Couple that with the fact that I have been the token third/fifth/seventh wheel for the last several months and you had a match (pun wholeheartedly intended) made in...something. Desperation? Curiosity? Loneliness? D. all of the above?

Anyway, the point is, I broke down and made a Tinder and started swiping. It was very uncomfortable for me from the get-go. I felt awkward putting myself out there like that because it's not something I normally do. That part was good for me, I'll admit; it's always good to take risks and try new things. But I still didn't like the process; swiping, judging people quickly, not being able to go back if you were too hasty in your decision. I didn't like the thought of going on dates with people I had never met, either, although that could just be because I've never pursued a relationship using that method before.

There were some bright spots, of course. Because it was Christmastime, I stumbled across several people I went to high school with. It was interesting to see where their lives had taken them after graduation...well, what I could gather from a Tinder profile at least. I didn't reconnect with any of them (despite there being one or two with whom I wanted to) so that didn't prove to be a big draw to keep using the app.

I did talk to a few of the guys I matched with, but that didn't prove to be a reason to stay, either. The conversations were just uncomfortable and weird. They broached topics I didn't really want to talk about - either too personal or too sexual - and just weirded me out, to say the least. I talked to my best friend about it at one point and she just said, "yeah, most Tinder guys end up being a miss."

Now, I'm not going to generalize the entire male population that uses Tinder. I'm sure there are plenty of them who are decent human beings who are looking for more than just a hookup or a bunch of people to talk to. (Or ones that are decent that are looking for a hookup or a bunch of people to talk to, that's not the reason I was using Tinder, however.) I'm also not trying to knock those of you who use Tinder. I know that many people like it and find it useful for serving whatever purpose they're on it for. But when my best friend said that...I just thought, "what's the point?" The whole experience was making me uncomfortable. It didn't feel like me, it was too fast, too superficial, too removed from everyday life. It didn't suit me or what I wanted, so I deleted it.

It wasn't an entirely negative experience. As I said, using it helped me to take a risk and put myself out there. It also helped affirm my prior belief that it wasn't for me. I much prefer the interactions and comfort level that come from finding someone you know, someone who is, at least somewhat, present in your life already. I'm okay with being alone for a while longer if it means I meet someone the old-fashioned way. Besides, I'm not even 20 yet. There's no need to rush.

There's nothing wrong with Tinder; thousands of people use it. It's done its share of positive and negative like any other form of dating. But don't feel like you have to use it if you want to meet someone: you absolutely do not. People are still finding relationships without the help of a website or app. Don't feel like you have to give in to peer pressure or the latest trend, especially if it's not a method you enjoy.

My point is, do what you think is best for you. Take the risk and decide for yourself, keep using it, or stay away. Don't worry if it doesn't work out the way you wanted. Keep considering your options, your needs, and move on from there. The world is big, the opportunities plentiful. Don't settle and don't give up.

Cheers, Tinder. It's been fun...kinda...not really.