10 Signs It's Time to Delete Your Dating Apps

We're probably all guilty of no. 5

21 March, 2018
10 Signs It's Time to Delete Your Dating Apps

When it comes to dating apps, we're spoiled for choice. Tinder, Bumble, Happn, Coffee Meets Bagel, I could go on but if you're reading this article, then the last thing you need is another app taking up space on your phone. Some of us have given these services the old college try and still not managed to make it work. Whether it's because you keep matching with duds or you're just not opening yourself up to the opportunity, it's OK if dating apps aren't for you.

If you've been struggling, then here are 10 signs it's about time for you to delete the dating apps from your phone. ​

1. You don't like to message first.​ ​Waiting for someone to message first is kind of like playing a game of chicken: If no one does anything, you both lose. If the idea of messaging someone you don't really know makes you queasy, then perhaps apps aren't your ideal method of hooking up.

2. You have way more matches than you do conversations. ​Having a wealth of potential suitors is only helpful if you feel like following up on them. If you're just matching and bailing without responding to their messages, then it doesn't sound like you're as available as your profile would make it seem.

3. The thought of meeting up with strangers makes you uncomfortable. ​​This is totally understandable, but it's unfortunately the name of the game when it comes to making connections online. It's OK to acknowledge that it's not for you. You don't have to put yourself into situations you're not 100 percent on board with.

4. You're using it as a joke. ​While there is definitely a lot of fun to be had with strangers online, if you know it's not going to happen, then there's no point getting someone's hopes up ... even if it could lead to some epic screenshots.

5. You swipe without really even looking. Being too selective is its own problem, but not being selective at all could indicate that your heart isn't in it. If you're not seriously considering your matches, then they're probably not people you want to date.​ If this is your de-facto method, dating apps probably aren't for you.

6. You're embarrassed of it. ​If you're not treating datings apps as a legitimate place to find a partner or hookup, then it might not be the best place for you to find love. You should be excited to meet someone! You shouldn't be inventing stories about how you ​actually​ met the person because dating apps are totally normal!

7. You don't have time to use it. Dating apps take work and effort. You might be juggling multiple convos and, if you want, multiple dates. If you know you can't carve out that kind of time, then that's OK. You might just be the kind of person who works better when they meet someone by happenstance.

8. You're on it literally all the time. ​On the flip side, relying on the app too much won't help you either. If you're staying up to swipe, checking it during work, even looking at it when you're supposed to be with friends, then it sounds like you need a detox. Dating shouldn't come at the expense of other important parts of your life.

9. You're dating someone. If you're seeing someone who you met IRL or online, at some point, it's time to take the next step: deleting dating apps. If you've decided to commit to one person (which is by no means the only way to have successful relationships), then that means you're saying farewell to the world of casual dating. If things go south, don't worry. You can always download the apps again.

​10. It makes you sad! ​The reason I ditched dating apps was simple: I felt sad after using them. I would spend hours swiping and by the end of it, only have a few matches, and I wouldn't be over the moon about any of them. It made me feel like since I wasn't finding romantic success on the app, I wouldn't be able to find it anywhere. But that's not true! Everyone has a method that works for them, and if something isn't working, then there's no shame in cutting it out of your life.

​Follow Kathryn on Twitter.

Credit: Cosmopolitan
Comment