Today the dating scene can be tough. While we slowly watch our friends pair off, many of us are still looking for the one. And somewhere along the way, amidst minimal prospects or a slew of failed first dates, you downloaded Tinder. The infamous dating app may have once been a great way to let your hair down or get over a terrible ex, but if you’re anything like me, you may be at a point where the app has simply become exhausting – or dare I say immature.
Ring a bell? It might be time to stop swiping and start living. The “oh so wise” twenty years may have you rethinking this whole Tinder thing, and honestly you’re not alone. Here’s four signs you’re probably ready to give up the app, and with good reason.
1. You find yourself mentally swiping on people you see in public.
As much as I hate to admit it myself, Tinder can be quite addicting. The eye candy draws you in while the quirky conversations keep you coming back. Soon enough you find yourself walking down the street or hanging out at your local bar thinking I would definitely swipe right on him or HARD LEFT HARD LEFT. Although physical attraction is a major component of any relationship, there is so much more to a person than his or her appearance (I know it sounds cliche but bear with me). It seems like a natural reaction to initially judge a guy on his looks, but it’s a slippery slope to placing the utmost importance on the “model aesthetic.” Don’t disregard a guy at first glance because he’s not David Beckham. After all, his personality can make him 1000 percent more attractive. Just think, you may have already swiped left on Mr. Right without giving him a real chance.
2. You’re actually looking for more than just a hookup.
It’s true, only flames exist on Tinder. Sure you may match with a guy whose butterfly-inducing good looks cause you to be oh so giddy, but remember at the end of the day Tinder is a game (hint: that’s why the app says “keep playing” after just one swipe). Although there have been rare cases of nuptials as a result of this dating app, most guys are simply looking for one thing (and I’m not talking about ice cream). It builds relationships over the Internet, where people can develop however inauthentic personas without the repercussions of face to face confrontation. Tinder breeds f***boys, so don’t beat yourself up for falling for someone who seems like he’s different – it’s simply time to move on. It’s the hub of low commitment, so it’s not uncommon for a guy to start to pull away after the game is no longer fun for him.
3. You’re tired of the superficial conversations.
Let’s face it, Tinder is home to both the questionable and quirky. The amount of cheesy pickup lines and generic inquisitions are exceedingly cringeworthy. No, I don’t like dogs and my favorite color is not blue. Thank you Sherlock for deducing those amazingly profound details about my life. What am I passionate about or what do I see myself doing in three years? Looks like you already deleted me.
4. You want to be present and open to new, lasting relationships.
As with any form of social media, it’s easy to get sucked in; whether it’s Instagram or Facebook, millennials have a tendency to be glued to their phones (or should I say mini computers). Tinder is no exception. As an app that cultivates bonds through online means, it allows you to get caught up in the initial excitement and “what ifs” of a virtual relationship, although in actuality you truly do not know the individual (not to mention you haven’t even met him in person, which trust me can make all the difference). Don’t devote so much time and energy to these likely frivolous interactions with the opposite sex that they become your focus. You want to pursue the solid relationships that you could be forming by meeting people in the real world. Go out to the bar and and glamorously sip a martini on your own – you never know who you might meet once you put down your glowing mobile device.
