Swipe, match, ghost and repeat. Sound familiar?
For a lot of people, it certainly is, as dating has now been associated with whether or not one is on the apps.
Because of this, the whole romantic journey has been reduced to just flicking through profiles, hoping to find the perfect match.
So when people lump it all together, saying they are sick of dating, what they’re really sick of is the endless game of dating apps.
Because let’s be honest, those apps can start to feel like a game of Deal or No Deal.
The good news? There’s a whole world beyond the screen and maybe it’s finally time to hit pause on the apps and get back to the old-school ways of meeting someone face to face.
WHO spoke to Kelly Anne Mitchell, Relationship Expert, on all things dating and how we navigate this wild world.
So, what is the problem with dating today?
When people say they’re feeling “dating fatigue,” what they really mean is, “I’m tired of the results I get from dating apps.”
“In traditional dating environments, we don’t typically hear of dating fatigue, but rather the disappointment of dates not working out or the frustration of not meeting people,” Kelly shared.
But apps? “With heavy app use, you can experience disappointment and ghosting every single day,” she said.
And one of the worst parts? The obvious choice overload.
If you say something that doesn’t resonate with a potential partner, it’s an immediate unmatch, and onto the next, as there’s so much choice.
That’s not to say that dating apps aren’t worthwhile, as some of the best love stories have begun on them, but again, opening yourself to a wider opportunity of dating takes all that swiping pressure off.
“We start thinking someone better is always just one swipe away, and we get picky about all the tiny details — stuff we probably wouldn’t care about if we met face-to-face.”
Plus, apps can make dating feel like a game, rather than taking into account that these are real feelings and emotions.
So, what’s the game plan for 2025? Kelly’s advice is simple: “Know who you are, what you want, and don’t settle for less. If your dating scene isn’t cutting it, switch it up!”
Instead of endless swiping, why not shake things up a bit? Try new hobbies, hit a workshop, discover a cute cafe, join a book club, or even test out a new gym.
Life has this way of bringing people together when you’re just out there living your best, authentic self.
“Trust life. Don’t force it. When you follow your passions and do what makes you happy, connections happen — often when you least expect them. So drop the desperation, get out there, and just live.”
Easier said than done, right? So we have put together three of WHO’s top tips for meeting someone out in the wild.
1. Join clubs and groups that you love
Meeting someone in a club or group that actually interests you guarantees that you have at least have one thing to talk about.
Your shared hobby!
Or even if it’s a social sport of an afternoon, it’s putting yourself out there.
Bonus is that there’s no awkward small talk, just obvious common ground.
2. Be open and approachable
Sometimes all it takes is a smile at a stranger or a friendly “hello” to spark a connection.
Opening yourself up to connections is the first key part of meeting people, maybe putting those headphones away for your commute home (tough one we know) or complimenting a stranger could open a door that will serve you later.
3. Go to your favourite local spots
Whether it’s a coffee shop or a park, or even just the gym that you go to, regular visits help you become a familiar face, which starts to lead to common ground and the potential of a connection building.
Dating isn’t easy but taking the pressure off and being open-minded is the first stepping stone to finding romance in this tricky world.
