In the world of online dating it is a swipe left or swipe right. Swipe right means you're interested, and a swipe left means no thanks. We all judge. We judge based on pictures posted to a profile. We judge based on the information provided in a profile, or lack there of. We judge on their height, their profession, and sometimes whether they have any pictures of themselves without sunglasses or a hat on! Right now, I'm a serial swiper.
I've been open to dating and dating for at least six months now, but only got online with the famous dating apps a few weeks ago; Tinder and Bumble. Maybe I'm really still old school about how dating should be, but I feel like if you "match" with someone, the guy should be the first one to reach out and initiate a conversation. Now, if you are unfamiliar with some dating apps, there is an app Bumble, where if you match with someone, the female has to make the initial contact. However, after that initial contact, I still think the guy should initiate the first date.
I don't know how many times I have swiped left but I feel like it has been hundreds of times. Between Tinder and Bumble it is exhausting. I have matched with a large amount of people, but it usually just stops there. I've had a few dates but that's all they were. I've also had some really bad dates where I left shaking my head. I have learned a lot in the first few weeks of being online of how the game of online dating works. I'm a little more picky when it comes to meeting up with people. However, I have had luck with one individual, who gave me hope that there are still genuinely nice people who act like adults, can have a conversation, and have their shit together. I'm going to leave it at that and not go into details. Still waiting on that second date :)
There are days that I just want to stop swiping. There are days when opening up my phone and checking for new people is just not worth it. However, this is the new way to meet people. And I have. I have met some great people and have had great conversations. I'm still having those great conversations. Throughout my years of growth and roller-coaster of life, I have realized that I shouldn't have to settle for anything less than I deserve. I am truly holding myself to this. I'm at the point in my life where I'm done with the games. I'm done trying to be someone I'm not to try and fit into the life of a man who can't accept me for who I am.
I recently reconnected with a friend who I met when she was living in Alex working at the news station. You can follow her dating advice blog at platinumup.com or follow her on Instagram @platinum_up
She has some great dating advice on finding your person. I have reached out to her with my dating questions as I embark on this dating journey, and she has given me great advice! She also echos my mantra of not settling, because MY person will love every inch of me, and I shouldn't have to change who I am to fit their best version of me. My best version of me, is the person that is writing this blog right now. The person that has grown, and not allowed pain, conflict, and hair-pulling moments to stop her. I am fierce, lovable, creative, funny, fun, kind, and so many more things. I know I will find MY person. In the meantime, I will be over here swiping right and left to see if my next match leads me to that right person.
In a world where we can choose anything, choose to be kind.
XOXO
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