If you're a millennial who is currently single, or if you've been single at some point in the last few years, there's a good chance you've dabbled with Tinder. Or Bumble. Hinge. Happn. JSwipe. OkCupid. Plenty of Fish. Farmers Only? Alright, I'll stop there. What I'm getting at is, there are a lot of dating apps. So many, in fact, that you'd think it would be easier than it is to find someone who doesn't take sitting-in-the-front-seat-of-my-own-car selfies or pose with a tiger (okay, that one really isn't so bad).
As a millennial who became single around the time Tinder started getting big, I've done my fair share of swiping. I've even had a lot of real dates (I promise you, they exist if you make room for them) with great guys who I came to realize just weren't long-term matches for me outside of an app.
Now, although my Tinder days are pretty far behind me, I am admittedly a fan of Bumble. It might be due to the fact that I like making sure a conversation gets started on a fun, thoughtful note (on Bumble, the girl has to message the guy first when it comes to heterosexual matches), but I've simply had the most luck with it. So have the vast majority of guys and ladies I've spoken to about dating apps. That doesn't mean we've all found "the one," but we've had better conversations and better dates. And those I've talked to who use it mostly for something casual/physical? They've had a more positive experience as well in terms of conversation and comfortability.
The reason behind Bumble's success? It could be that women are champs at getting a conversation started on the right foot (and generally don't throw unsolicited dick pics at people). It could be that the minds behind Bumble are doing something different and better behind the scenes to attract quality individuals. Or maybe it's that quality men like empowered women who can start a conversation. Whatever the reason, or combination of reasons, it's working.
So, after a few years of using and testing dating apps, I think I've seen it all. I like to think, though, that for all the weird, creepy, and aggressive types (and there's been a whole lotta that), I've seen a good amount that are cute, charming, funny, and creative. Speaking of funny and creative... Let me introduce you to Harrison, a 27-year-old fella living in Los Angeles who put some serious effort (and humor) into his Bumble profile.
And to top it all off, his bio reads: "Looking for somebody to help me take care of my Tamagotchi."
Well, Harrison, you definitely got some laughs. Four for you, Harrison! You go, Harrison! (And good luck with that Tamagotchi!)
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*For more from Alyssa, check out her blog, Rawality Times!