Dating apps are just as much a part of millennial life as avocado toast, but after 3 odd years of endless swiping, the Tinder burnout is all too real. For those of us who tire of tinder, but aren’t quite sure what to do with ourselves without it – here’s your handy 6-step guide to taking your dating life offline…
Get out more
“Out?” I hear you shriek “Out where!?” If the phrase ‘get out more’ evokes a default feeling of panic, I feel you. It’s way easier to block someone you’re talking to on a dating app then it is to duck out of a bar or pub, especially when you’ve only *just* ordered your espresso martini. But the antidote to meeting people online is to meet people in real life in some sort of social setting. Even if you’re just walking round the park, meeting up with friends or studying in the library – you never know who might catch your eye.
Solo travel
You can expand your tinder mile radius all you like, but if you’re over swiping through the same sort of people and bore of the tired chat up lines, your soulmate might be in another country altogether. A solo travel experience could give you a chance to broaden your horizons, make new friends and connections, and give you a chance to reflect on what it actually is that you want. Not only will you fall in love with yourself, but you’ll also get a chance to check out a new, fresh dating scene. Double win.
RELATED: STOP TINDERING, START TRAVELLING
Digital Detox
For those of us who do everything from grocery shop to track their health on their phone, this one is easier said than done. But it’s possible your dating app fatigue is also general digital fatigue. A break from your phone altogether (apart from for absolutely vital things, like calling people) could provide you with the mindfulness and headspace you’re craving. Try to replace your swiping tendencies with a new hobby. If you tend to swipe before bed, use that time to read your favourite book or write your thoughts down.
Head to events
Everyone wants to find someone who’s like-minded, or with at least a few of the same interests that you have. Try heading to events that mean you’ll be surrounded by people with a shared interest – like a book club, seminar, concert/festival, or even a themed party. Whatever you have in common could be a good talking point, and you’ll likely be so enthralled by whatever you’re doing that you’ll forget to look at your phone altogether.
Get your mates involved
Part of the fun of dating apps is the excitement you get from blind dates – but the same feeling can be recreated by getting your friends to set you up. So many people meet their partners through mutual friends: they’ll know you well enough to connect you with someone you’d actually get on well with, and it will take away the fear that the person you’re meeting could be totally nuts. If nothing else, it’ll be more platonic and you’ll have expanded your circle even more.
Have patience
As convenient as dating apps are, they’ve undoubtedly paved the way for an ‘on demand’ dating expectation. As soon as one thing ends, we’re straight back onto the app, swiping like a banshee, desperate to set up the next thing. Take some time out to check in with yourself! If it’s a meaningful relationship you’re after, what’s the rush? Trust that no matter whether you spend 3 hours swiping every night, or only open the app once a month – your soulmate will come to you when you’re ready.