Dating has definitely changed in the last few years. With the popularity of dating apps, it’s become easier than ever to find a date — but it’s also become easier than ever to avoid meeting someone in person. And most people are guilty of it.
If you’re swiping right more often than going on dates, it may be time to take a break from your dating apps and start meeting people in real life (IRL). Here are five signs that you need to stop swiping and start dating IRL:
Sign #1 You’re beginning to feel jaded about online dating
If you’re feeling burnt out by the online dating scene, it may be time to switch things up. Online dating can be a lot of fun, but it can also be exhausting. Constantly swiping, messaging, and meeting up with people can start to feel more like work than fun after a while.
So, if you’re starting to dread logging onto your dating app, it may be time to give yourself a break. Try going to a speed dating event where you can potentially meet other singles looking to mingle and maybe even find a match.
You could also try meeting people through friends-of-friends. It’ll be a refreshing change of pace that might just give you the break you need from online dating. The point is, try meeting people in person and see how it goes!
Sign #2 You’ve had more bad dates than good
If you’ve been on more bad dates than good, it may be time to reevaluate your dating strategy. Maybe you’re being too picky or not giving people a fair chance. If most of your dates end in disaster, it may be time to take a break from online dating and meet people IRL.
This is because it’s difficult to create emotional connections with anyone online beyond the surface level. So, if you’re looking for a meaningful relationship, meeting people IRL should be your goal. It may be easier said than done, but putting yourself out there is the only way to find the right person for you.
Sign #3 You’re not meeting anyone you’re compatible with
If you’re finding that you’re not meeting anyone you’re compatible with online, it may be time to expand your search. There are only so many people on dating apps, and sometimes you need to branch out to meet someone new.
Try attending a singles event or joining a meetup group. There are plenty of opportunities to meet people IRL if you know where to look. If you’re not meeting anyone you’re compatible with, it may be time to take your search offline.
Who knows? The person of your dreams may be waiting for you just around the corner. But you’ll never know that if you just keep swiping on your phone inside your house. Go out, mingle, and have fun!
Sign #4 You’re not having any fun
Speaking of fun, dating should be one. But if you’re not enjoying yourself, it may be time to take a break from the online dating scene. If you dread dates and counting down the minutes until they’re over, it’s probably time to take a break.
Maybe you just need a break from the dating app or a break from dating altogether. Either way, it’s essential to listen to your gut and do what feels right for you because dating should be enjoyable, not a chore.
And don’t think you need to go on expensive dates to have fun, either. There are plenty of free or cheap date ideas that can be just as fun, if not more so. The point is to enjoy yourself and have a good time. If you’re not doing that, it may be time to take a break from the dating apps.
Sign #5 You’re addicted to the thrill of the swipe
Lastly, if you find yourself addicted to the thrill of the swipe, it may be time to take a break. Online dating can be addicting because it’s so easy to do. But if you find yourself spending more time on your dating app than you’d like, it may be time to wean yourself off of it.
After all, you’re using dating apps to find a person to date, not to kill time. If you’re addicted to the thrill of the swipe, it may be time for a break so you can focus on finding a real-life connection. This means meeting people IRL and going on dates!
Undeniably, online dating has its benefits. It’s efficient, and it can be a lot of fun. But sometimes, you just need to take a break from the apps and meet people IRL. If any of these signs sound familiar to you, it may be time for a change. So, go out there and mingle! Who knows? The person of your dreams may simply be waiting for you to step outside your door!
