Best Practice Advisory: The Art of E-Dating & Apps as "Insecure" Characters
It's about 6:15 p.m. on a Friday night. You're walking down a warm and busy, but not congested, street of a metropolitan city. ["Your Love is King" x Sade is playing as you walk]. As you're strutting, a man in a suit approaches and breaks his neck to admire your beauty. He, of course, recognizes your intelligence, your good heart, and great sense of humor from just a glance. But you can't be bothered with him. You walk into a local bar to meet a friend and while there 2 or 3 men ask if they can take you to a "picture-show" or to dinner sometime soon. In slow motion, you throw your head back and laugh at their attempt to win your admiration. *Scratches This Issa Fantasy*
If this is your typical Friday night, this blog post is NOT for you! This is for the woman who is considering the virtual dating world because the real dating world is actually a Greek Tragedy. I will admit living in Minneapolis (where the pickings are slim) my dating life has been more like episodes of "Hell Date." I have recently made the conscience decision to hold off on dating, but in my moments of quiet I have played with the e-dating world. Here's my take on some of the ones I've tried (all free - so proceed with caution) and who you'll likely meet:
1) Tinder
Summary: Do I really need to explain this app? Who hasn't heard of tinder?! An app that generates profiles of the good, bad, ugly, obnoxious, or all of the above, and users have the option to dislike (swipe left) or like (swipe right) to find love or otherwise. If both users swipe right, then they "match" and communicate in their Tinder inbox. Profile features are based on your location.
Who You'll Meet: David, The Occasional HookUp Who You Keep Forgetting to Compartmentalize
My Take: Tinder has been commonly known as the "hook up" app. I'm not saying that you won't find a date on the app, but before meeting up, be sure to clarify your match's expectations. In my experience, this is NOT the app you go to for a serious relationship. You'll get guys who are more interested in skipping the court phase and having you over their house. Honestly, in my late 20's it's a no for me dawg.
2) Coffee Meets Bagel
Summary: An App that matches you based on mutual Facebook friends, education, and interests. Everyday you'll get one "Bagel." You can like this person and start a convo or skip them. If you don't make your decision within 24 hours, this person will expire (yes like milk) and you will no longer be able to pick them. If you both share a mutual "like" but neither of your initiate a conversation, your inbox window will expire after sometime. The app also presents you with other potential matches, if your "Bagel" wasn't to your liking.
Who You'll Meet: Jared, the Nice Guy Who Doesn't Meet Any Of the Requirements On Your "Dream Guy" List
My Take: Most of the people on this app are professionals that are looking to date or begin a relationship. No "netflix and chill" but actually grab drinks and get to know you. The bad part? If you're a "Picky Patty," and won't vary from your list (e.g. 6'3'', dark chocolate, $250K a year) you likely won't find the man of your dreams on this app. You only get one chance a day to match. Also, if you're against initiating conversations, there may be a few bagels you match with, but then subsequently lose the opportunity to meet up because your inbox window closes. If you don't want to miss your match, you should turn on your notifications.
3) Soul Swipe
Summary: Tinder, but for Black People.
Who You'll Get: Thug Yoda
My Take: Ok, so boom! Don't match with people with one picture. Always ask if they have kids. Always ask if they have a girlfriend or if they are LEGALLY divorced (this seems silly, but do it). Honestly, while attractive, some of the men...most of the men on this app seem extremely lost. Responses to questions like: "what do you enjoy doing? what's your passion? what do you ultimately want to do?" have led me to press the "unmatch" button. Lack of direction and motivation makes me pick up my e-purse and leave. Your experience could be different, but PLEASE follow the rules above.
4) OkCupid
Summary: Ok so this app is a little strange. I'm not sure WHAT algorithm this company uses, but they provide matches and they feature profiles of people all over the country. In true creep fashion, this app allows people to contact you via message PRIOR to your matching with them. They also notify users when you've viewed their profile.
Who You'll Get: Eddie, Issa's Weird Neighbor From Downstairs
My Take: There's way too much going on in this app. I downloaded it while at my friend's house as a bet, and within a matter of a week I deleted my account. The app was extremely busy. I didn't like that people you hadn't screened could contact you. I would get on the app to be greeted with 156 messages of "hey gorgeous!" from BigPoppa23 or "I've never dated black person" from WithLoveFromRussia61. If you're looking for a confidence booster, go for it. If you value your safety, I'd steer clear. This app is for someone who has time and patience to filter messages.
5) The League
Summary: There is an actual waiting list to join this app. This is a new-ish dating app, that's also marketed as a social group. This app only allows professionals to enter their pool. In "Coffee Meets Bagel" fashion you are offered 2-3 "professionals" to choose from daily. These professionals include doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other admirable fields of occupation. You can also join a group geared towards your interest. If you like food, they have a foodie e-group where you can meet up with people in your city who share your interests.
Who You'll Get: Lionel, the Man Who Has It All and Just Wants to Marry SOMEBODY
My Take: I joined this app out of sheer curiosity after hearing Molly mention it on "Insecure." I was # 3,153 of 5,000 on the waiting list for weeks before my profile was approved. I've been matched with other professionals who are serious about relationships. They have their careers and they want someone to share the picket fence dream with. The only drawback for me is that the conversations never really seemed organic. I mean, how can they be on a dating app? Sometimes it seemed that my matches didn't care WHO filled in their blank, as long as she met certain credentials (advanced degree, nice smile, good career, nice build, etc.) This is the only drawback I have about the app. But this app is for people who are READY for a relationship.
Please note that I did not include sites such as BlackPeopleMeet.com or Christian Mingle. I've never done Christian Mingle because - why? and BlackPeopleMeet.Com is full of weirdos.
Ok, bye!