Like any other 20-something looking for love, dating apps were my go-to when it came to finding a potential partner. Whenever I was craving some flirtatious exchanges with random strangers online, I would be swiping. It was honestly addictive. Though it was really fun in the beginning, I got tired of it very quickly, and the several bad dates as well as being ghosted by people certainly didn’t help. Before I knew it, dating just felt like a chore. The idea of going on dates and getting to know someone from scratch just sounded tedious. Sound familiar? If you can relate to this, you might be experiencing some dating burnout.
Now that more and more people are hopping on to dating apps, whether they’re there to find love, or just something casual, you’re basically exposed to a catalogue of potential partners. However, it is completely normal to feel burned out from time to time. But, don’t lose hope, here are some ways that you can cope with dating burnout!
Take a Break
As I mentioned previously, dating apps can be addictive. Most people use dating apps because they want to get into a relationship fast, yet all that mindless swiping will eventually lead you to exhaustion. That’s why it’s always important to take a break from dating every once in a while. Instead of swiping, take some time to focus on YOU! This could include pursuing your passions, practising self-care, or spending more time with friends.
Reevaluate What You’re Looking For
One thing I noticed, 3 months into using dating apps: I was less picky, a.k.a, I lowered my standards. I would be swiping right on people who I wasn’t even that interested in. As a result, I became emotionally invested in people who wanted completely different things, causing some unnecessary hurt feelings. Hence, it is crucial that you know what you want and be more intentional when choosing your next date! You’ll be happier with your matches if you’re clear on what you want.
Break Some Bad Habits
It’s time to take a good look at ourselves! The first thing we see in a dating profile is their image, then a short description of themselves and maybe their biggest pet peeve, or whether they’re vaccinated or not (safety first, people). I found that I had a habit of choosing people who only look good on paper, but I had no emotional connection with, or rejecting people simply because of one minor detail (sorry, short kings). Removing these superficial standards will help you make smarter choices!
Be Okay With Rejection
When it comes to dating, you are bound to face some rejection. It’s safe to say that the first time I got ghosted by someone, I did not handle it well. Rejection stings, and there aren’t always explanations for it. The key to this is to not take it personally. And if it makes you feel better, most people have been ghosted before, so you’re not alone in this! The best thing to do is to take it with a grain of salt and try to move on.
More on dating? Read these:
https://lipstiq.com/love-and-relationship/191642/no-vax-no-sex-5-tips-for-dating-safely-during-the-pandemic/
https://lipstiq.com/love-and-relationship/190777/looking-4-love-in-cyberia-basic-online-dating-tips-for-gals/
