Swipe, Chat, Caution: Navigating the Unpredictable Seas of Dating Apps

Thegirlfromtheyellowapp
3 min readNov 15, 2023

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First text. Really?

In the realm of dating apps, this blog was supposed to delve into the tales of my third date. The intention behind these chronicles was to bridge the gap between my present self and a version of my past, offering a reservoir of wisdom distilled from my experiences in the labyrinthine world of dating apps. Unveiling the truth, I’ve had my fair share of incredible moments, but let’s not sidestep the heartbreakingly horrible ones that serve as a mirror reflecting the depths some members of society can stoop to. Consider this an honest rant, a precursor to the actual narratives of my more challenging experiences, which will be revealed in due course.

Now, let’s dissect the fundamental question: Why do we embark on the dating app journey? There isn’t a universal answer, as motivations and expectations differ for each individual, and that’s perfectly acceptable. However, what’s far from acceptable is the audacious demand some strangers on the internet make — essentially soliciting strangers for intimate encounters. Yes, you read it correctly.

Beyond the countless ‘DTF’ propositions that have flooded my inbox, there have been instances where strangers attempted to coerce me into a sexual encounter.

The question reverberates: Where, for heaven’s sake, are people’s boundaries? Amidst discussions of their recent heartbreaks and freshly-ended relationships, I’ve encountered attempts to lure me in with promises of shared pleasure.

Trigger warning for what follows.

The first time I found myself in such a situation, the encounter was anything but premeditated. Meeting the person just hours before, the intricacies of that experience are too convoluted to dissect here. What I can unequivocally state is that many men on dating apps possess a calculated understanding of what they’re doing — let that echo.

I loathe to gender this, but these are my experiences.

While online dating can indeed be enjoyable, and the primary objective is to have fun, let me impart a piece of earnest advice: Take your time. Understand that people know what to say, and more importantly, they know what to do. Imagine an actor rehearsing the same play a hundred times. With dedicated effort, their final performance would undoubtedly be award-worthy.

Sometimes, that’s precisely what this entire endeavor feels like — a meticulously played game that demands caution. If you’re a woman,or anyone non cis-male, exercise extra caution. It might sound like the wisdom of an 80-year-old grandmother, but these words stem from someone who has traversed the terrain and, despite it all, continues to trust the world and maintains an unwavering optimism.

The dating app world is a theater, and we are all players, each with our script, our role, and our stage. So, to those embarking on their own dating adventures, may your swipes be savvy, your conversations insightful, and your heart, well-guarded. Let this serve as a humorous guide and a gentle reminder that in the world of dating apps, the unexpected is always just a click away.

Jump to a more interesting topic, my next date experience: Swipe Wisely: A Tale of Unexpected Twists and Turned-off Shoes

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