21 Jun 2021

Do you really want your future child to ask “Dad, how did you meet mum?” 

I mean, it’ll either be a great story to tell or you’ll say something along the lines of “I met mum on a dating app, I nearly ghosted her but then we got a 10 day streak on Snapchat and the rest is history”.

Not sure about the consensus on this one but I personally prefer some type of love story like Jack and Rose’s from the Titanic (not the ending, although they both could’ve gotten on that door) or flirty banter like from The Breakfast Club (John throwing his fist in the air for finally getting the girl - please watch if you haven’t seen it - great 80s vibes).

My point is… social media has taken control over our lives. In some ways it makes us happier, we love an endless TikTok scroll until that ad pops up telling us that we’ve been watching for too long. But social media has also impacted us by changing the way we communicate online with potential dates, hook-ups or maybe even, life-long partners. 

It’s a fight to the death of who has the best joke or pick-up line. Who has the best photos (with their dogs preferably) or who looks the happiest, holding a fish they just caught as their profile pic. We’re quick to swipe left for whoever we deem unattractive and we swipe right to the type of boys that break our hearts and we keep running back - is that really how harsh we’ve become?

 

Unfortunately… yes. Disclaimer: I’m in no way, shape or form hating on dating apps. But what if I told you, there was a way to actually meet people face-to-face again? Suss out below how you can meet someone without looking down at your little handheld machine.

Don’t be afraid of rejection

I get it. It’s frightening sitting at a bar with your mates and having eye sex with someone across the club, only to find out that they’ve actually been eyeing off one of your friends... but don’t let it weigh you down! The more you get rejected, the easier it gets to talk to people, so try not to fear it.

Shoot your shot

Easier said than done, right? If you don’t try, you’re going to miss the chance to meet some pretty special people. You’re going to regret not getting their number or asking them out for a first date. Just shoot your shot and send it!

Say yes more

On the lookout for a beau? Be open to saying yes to parties, weddings, birthdays, heck I don’t know, maybe even Christenings - you never know where you’ll find love. Be spontaneous because by saying “no”, you’ll inevitably ruin your chances at finding your soulmate or the best hook-up you’ve ever had.

Avoid ghosting

It’s a classic tactic of disappearing online from someone that’s interested in you but unfortunately, it does happen in real life -  it’s called “smoke-bombing”. Where you suddenly need to use the bathroom, end up leaving the club and the person you were with thinks you fell down the toilet (or doing a number two). Stop it right this second and learn to communicate with people.

You’re not vibing with them? Be honest - they’ll appreciate it more than just never speaking to them again.

Take up a new hobby

Just try it, you may love it or hate it but what have you got to lose?

Some of the most interesting people I have met have been through exercise. Pilates or yoga? Tell me everything about your life please. I’ll sit here, casually falling in love with you. 

Go on the same walking route every day - you’ll start to see all the beautiful people doing the same thing and maybe just start a connection with them.

Give off good vibes

You’re only going to attract what you’re putting out there so have some fun, ask 21 questions, show off your goofy side and your infectious laugh. Talk about all the positives, what you love about life, and what you’re grateful for. Dark humour is acceptable.

Get out into the world and see what you're missing!