Im not hating on dating apps.
Ive used every popular one there is out there: Tinder, Bumble, CMB, Hinge.
Dating apps definitely increase the pool of potential romantic partners, but they somehow feel limiting, too.
Clem Onojeghuo
Luckily, meeting people in-person doesnt have to be an elusive endeavour.
I know it sounds hopeless, but its completely viable to still meet potential partners without dating apps.
If you want to date people you meet IRL and are having trouble, try using these tips.
You have to get out into the world and do more.
Turn Off The Screen And Look Up
Nowadays, people tend to fill their idle time with social media.
Instead, peel your eyes away from your phone and look up into whats going on around you.
Nothing says, Im not interested in talking, quite like scrolling through Instagram.
At the very least, appreciate the present and whats going on around you.
Make simple chit chat with others that arent preoccupied with their screens.
You never know when that person might be someone you spark an interest with.
Shoot Your Shot
Talking to strangers can be intimidating, even more so if youre attracted to them.
But if you dont shoot your shot, youre going to miss every chance at meeting someone potentially special.
Back when I was single, I went to a hot yoga class at a new studio.
I stepped out of the class to take a breather.
Thats when I got to chatting with the guy that worked at the front desk.
We instantly connected over our obvious common interest: yoga.
But then the class ended, I left, and that was that.
I got home and instantly regretted that I hadnt asked that guy for his number.
I went back and forth with myself and finally decided to call the studio.
Low and behold, the guy answered.
I asked him if hed like to grab dinner sometime, and he was flattered.
We went on a few dates after that, too.
Things didnt pan out between us, but at least we gave it a try.
Had I not called the studio, I always wouldve wondered.
Meet Your Friends Friends
Meeting people through your friends is one of the smartest moves to make in dating.
Spoiler alert: This is how I met my current boyfriend.
When we finally met, I was dating someone, then he was dating someone, etc.
When your friends have a party,go.
When your friends go out, tag along.
Better yet, when you make plans with your friends, ask them to invite their other friends.
Thats probably going to be your biggest hump.
But luckily,the more youre rejected, the easier it gets.
The same goes for if theyre just not interested in you.
Honestly, if someone shows disinterest from the get-go, at least youre not invested.
The Takeaway
If dating apps are your jam, swipe away.
Im not saying this wont take a bit of effort.
Im not saying youll find someone right away.
