How to Make Using Hinge a Little More Bearable
It seems like everyone is always complaining about how terrible Hinge is these days (and all dating apps in general). While, yes, it can be a bit time-consuming to actually find some gems on there, I honestly feel like people are writing these apps off a little too quickly. Especially if you go into it knowing exactly what you are looking for, these easy tricks will help you start utilizing Hinge to your advantage and getting exactly what you want. Your potential future boyfriend may be right at your fingertips.
Actually give out likes
A lot of people tend to get frustrated that no one they’re interested in is in their “likes you” section, so honestly, it’s best to take matters into your own hands and give out likes yourself. At first, you may not see a lot of people who are your type when you are initially swiping, but if you are looking for your dream man, you will have to face the fact that it will take some time to find the diamonds in the rough. Maybe I’m just a go-getter, but I’d much rather vet out the potential options myself than sit around waiting for whoever likes me. Besides, the majority of guys who are actually successful and living fulfilling lives are most likely too busy to be scrolling on their phones all the time, so at least you have a better chance if you shoot your shot first. Even if you have to swipe left on a million weirdos who have the same cringy prompts, don’t give up because eventually you might come across some total catches.
Don’t be afraid to message first
Even though, in general, it can be a little taboo to message a guy first when it comes to texting, I feel like this rule definitely doesn’t apply on dating apps since it is so low stakes. Especially if you have already matched with someone, you should feel confident knowing that there’s mutual attraction, so you might as well get the ball rolling. When sending the first message, always try to use humor to your advantage and use their prompts as a way to start the conversation or make a joke that warrants a bantery response. If you can make someone giggle, you will already be ahead of the curve because the majority of people just say “hey” or “what’s up,” which is boring as hell.
Don’t settle for a lack of effort
If someone is asking you at the very last minute to go on a date or just wants you to come over to their place the first time you meet, try to steer clear. Although having them plan something over the top is super unnecessary, they should at least put in the effort to make a solid plan with you beforehand and be courteous of your schedule, since you have a life of your own already. If you are firm about your standards, people will either act accordingly or they will luckily hit the road on their own if they can’t rise to the occasion.
Don’t be afraid of rejection
Rejection is a natural part of dating, and it's essential to view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. Understand that not every connection will lead to a match, and that's okay. By becoming unbothered about rejection, you'll maintain a positive mindset and be more open to finding the right fit when it comes along. Additionally, you will radiate so much more confidence when you aren’t caring so much about whether another person likes you or not. If you’re that girl, you will always have options, so there’s no point in getting obsessed about the outcome with a specific person who you are still getting to know.
Be open-minded
Approach each interaction with an open mind. Don't set rigid expectations or preconceived notions. Being open-minded allows you to appreciate the uniqueness of each person you encounter, increasing the likelihood of finding compatibility. In my experience, some of the people I have had the best connections with were those who were not even necessarily my typical “type.” Unless someone is creepy or straight up giving off bad vibes, give people a chance because it’s not worth it to write off a potentially amazing connection for seemingly superficial reasons.