Online Dating

OOF, woof. There is so much to say about this one. I have felt every emotion under the sun with these stupid apps. I’ve felt excitement, anger, disgust, fear, disappointment, and much more under this umbrella chaos. And I know I’m not the only one. 

I don’t know what it’s like for men. But as a woman my “likes" and inbox was constantly flooded. Which at first was exciting and fun. But quickly started to give me anxiety and disappointment as the conversations either tended to be very vanilla and bland or SUPER sexual (and very quickly). And maybe those things might not be such a bad thing with someone I know IRL. But to have these interactions with strangers I “met” 27 minutes ago over a very base level platform felt so weird. And honestly I felt so weird “shopping” for strangers. (Weren’t we taught not to talk to those??) Like okay, I see 3-6 pictures of you from your life, read some basic facts about you, maybe see a few witty quips, and see how many miles away you are; and then I’m supposed to consider if I would date you? Hold your hand? Kiss you? Sleep with you? WTF. (I can’t be the only one that feels this way.)

I will say, I have met a couple of cool people through these apps. And I did get one decent 6-month relationship out of one. But between the love bombing, ghosting, virtual cat calling, and many other things I just can’t do it anymore. Women or men I just can’t do it. Dating sucks, and collectively I feel like we are all burnt out on these apps.

P.S.

If you saw me on one of these apps, (respectfully) no you didn’t. I’m trying to bury the online dating life 6-feet under and start fresh with authentic connection. So please don’t reach out, but also good luck! Online dating works for some people, just not this mama. I’m ready to move on.