I finally hit a breaking point last week and just deleted all the apps that felt like a digital meat market. You know that feeling when you've swiped on like 50 people in ten minutes and realize you don't even remember what the first person looked like? It’s soul-sucking. I’m looking for something real, something that actually has a future, and it feels like everyone else is just looking for a distraction or a quick ego boost. I want to actually know someone’s favorite book or what makes them laugh, not just what their best gym selfie looks like.
I started looking for platforms where people actually take the time to write a bio that isn't just a height and a cocktail emoji. I found this one site where the conversations actually feel... human? Like, people are asking about my day and actually waiting for an answer instead of just sending "u up?" at midnight. It’s such a breath of fresh air. It feels like the people there are actually looking for partners, not just temporary company.
One thing that really helped me shift my mindset was getting into the idea of mindful dating. It’s basically about being intentional instead of just reactive. Instead of rushing to meet every single person I match with, I’m taking it slow. I'm actually vetting people and seeing if our values align before I get my hopes up. It’s crazy how much less anxious I feel now. It's about being present and not treating people like they’re just disposable options.
If you're tired of the hookup culture too, honestly just take a step back and change the venue. There are definitely people out there who want to build something lasting, u just gotta look in the right places and be patient. It’s not about the quantity of matches anymore for me, it’s about the quality of the connection. Tbh I’m actually excited about a first date for once, which is a miracle lol. It's just nice to feel like my time is finally being respected.