💬 My Experiences with Dating Apps - a guy's POV
Why I started using dating apps 🤔
I started using dating apps for one simple reason — I’m introverted and work full-time, so I don’t have many chances to meet new people outside of work. I thought about going for social events/clubs but I feel that it may be overwhelming and usually there are cliques that are already formed so it can be hard to fit in. Honestly, I was also encouraged because I know quite a few friends who surprisingly found their life partners on these apps.
I’ve tried Bumble, Hinge, Tinder, OKCupid, and Coffee Meets Bagel.
Bumble and Hinge are my favourites — better conversations and more genuine vibes.
Tinder seems full of bots and questionable profiles.
OKC has too many people who aren’t looking for anything serious.
CMB is slower-paced but didn’t give me many quality matches.
📊 Guys vs Girls on Dating Apps
We already know the basics — girls usually get way more likes, matches, and messages, while for guys, it’s harder to even get a conversation going.
Because girls have more options, guys need to stand out just to be noticed — good photos, a profile that shows personality, and an opener that actually makes someone want to reply.
But here’s the twist: this might not actually be a bad thing. From what I’ve seen, a lot of guys (yes, guilty here too at times) swipe mindlessly. This means girls often get lower quality matches, while guys tend to match with people they’re genuinely interested in.
📅 My Dating App Journey
Since last year, I’ve gone out with quite a few girls from dating apps. Most of them ended because we didn't really vibe after meeting, had different lifestyles or because it just felt platonic
But… I’ve had 2 really bad experiences:
One girl blocked me out of nowhere after the date — even though everything seemed fine. I believe I did not do anything to make her uncomfortable as I always try to be respectful and wary. We exchanged ig and talked about making future plans. Although, I paid for the lunch and desert first, I didn't explicitly told her that I was treating her. However, she didn't even asked about the bills so I can’t help but suspect she was just there for a free meal.
Another girl came late, seemed disinterested and cold. She only replied with short phrases, and at one point started using her phone right in front of my face while I was trying to carry the conversation with her. It was totally one sided and I felt disrespected. I had more plans for the date but decided to call it short and went home instead :/
That said, I did meet some really nice people, heard their stories and even made some fun memories!
💭 My Takeaway
Dating apps just don’t feel natural for me. The whole experience may feel “forced,” and it’s hard to really know someone just through texts. The constant cycle of matching, talking, and failing before even meeting can get mentally draining.
It's tough but not impossible. It does take alot of patience and effort from both side for it to work though.
I think I’d prefer to meet someone organically — where we can naturally connect and I can just be myself.
If you’ve used dating apps before, what’s your experience like? Feel free to share your success or failed experiences here :)
In my experience, dating apps can be quite the mixed bag. It's important to remember that behind every profile is a human with unique intentions and emotions. One thing that helped me was focusing on crafting a profile that truly reflects who I am, rather than trying to fit a mold. Also, investing time in thoughtful openers made conversations more meaningful. For those navigating the apps, setting clear expectations early on can save you from misunderstandings. I learned that patience is key—sometimes it takes several swipes and chats to find potential matches who genuinely click with you. Furthermore, keeping safety in mind is crucial. Meeting in public places and sharing plans with a trusted friend made me feel more secure during dates. Lastly, don't let discouraging experiences deter you; they’re part of the process and can offer valuable lessons in understanding yourself and others better. If you try to approach dating apps with authenticity and a playful, open mindset, it's possible to not only meet interesting people but also grow personally along the way.
Sigh. Most of the posts are women complaining about dating apps but it’s refreshing to see things from men’s pov. Hang in there and you will find someone suitable. Don’t bother to get affected or upset over the bad experiences since they weren’t worth it to begin with. Don’t settle. Don’t let yourself be disrespected. And someone who appreciates you will come along.