It can happen to you anywhere. You could be at the gym, getting food, or walking to class when suddenly you see someone that looks vaguely familiar. You start to think back to all of your classes and where you were last weekend to try to piece together where you know this person from. Then it hits you. The two of you matched on Tinder. There are a lot of unsaid rules when it comes to Tinder and for the most part there are no universally known guidelines, especially when it comes to what happens when you see each other in person. If the most progress you’ve made with someone on Tinder is simply just matching them, then the thought process that takes place when you come across them in real life is filled with apprehension and anticipation. It goes something like this.
1. Who is that? I know him from somewhere… wait, is that the guy from Tinder?
2. Yeah, that’s him that’s definitely him.
3. Did he see me yet? Does he recognize me too? What am I supposed to do when we make eye contact?
4. I’m staring way too hard right now, I need to look away. Okay well eye contact has been made. It’s done. ABORT.
5. He probably thinks I’m such a catfish. Could I be a catfish? No there’s no way he could think I’m a catfish. My Tinder profile accurately depicts who I am and I am awesome.
6. Do I say something? What do I even say? How does one approach a Tinder match?
7. “Hey we matched on Tinder” is that a thing people do? I haven’t even considered what happens after the whole matching part.
8. Oh God, he’s approaching. The window of opportunity is getting smaller, think fast.
9. Maybe he’ll say something first. Yeah, I’ll just wait for him to say something first.
10. Never mind there he goes. Maybe next time. If it’s meant to be it will be, right?