I always thought one day on my way to class I would drop my books, only to bend down and pick them up while I look up and lock eyes with the love of my life.
Well, it’s senior year and the only thing that’s dropped is my motivation to get my work done.
After years of resisting and insisting that I didn’t buy into the whole ‘Tinder’ thing, I downloaded the app one drunk night while in Nashville on vacation.
I mean, my roommate met her boyfriend on Tinder so maybe I’d have luck. My bio reads, “I like coffee, music, and long walks through Target”. What could go wrong?
After matching with lots of people and having conversations with complete strangers I decided that Tinder would strictly be for conversations. I mean… I would never actually go meet someone from an app, would I?
Well fast forward to June and apparently I would. I went on 3 Tinder dates and here is what happened.
Date One: It’s a no from me
My first face-to-face Tinder experience was a date in Boston with a guy who seemed really sweet, and he was. He was also ridiculously attractive.
But here was the problem… we barely chatted before meeting and our date consisted of walking around Boston for 3 hours (sweating is an understatement). I knew it was bound to go downhill because when I asked what his career aspirations were he said “I want to be a politician”. (Nothing against politicians, but he proceeded to describe his campaign plan…..for the entirety of the date)
This was the l o n g e s t date of my entire life. We parted ways (finally) and never contacted each other again. I guess It was pretty mutual that the conversation lagged.
Date 2: The Hookup
Okay I’m not gonna lie. This wasn’t a date- this was a hookup. Although I’m a bit ashamed, I was in a tough spot and trying to get over an ex. It was fun, but yeah, needless to say it was a one-time thing.
Date 3: I’m so glad I downloaded this app
Holy cow. For the purposes of this article, and the fact that I want to keep his identity private, I will call him Brian.
Brian and I matched in July when I was sitting on the tarmac coming back from a family trip to Italy. Our conversation flowed so easily and we had an unbelievable amount in common. He went to school in the same state as I did and he was also going into his senior year. Also.. he was literally the funniest person I had ever talked to on the app. His initial message to me made me laugh so hard I actually snorted.
When we finally decided to meet, I remember telling my mom, “I think he’s gonna be in my life for a while”. I got my hair done, bought a new pair of Vans and had never been so excited in my life.
The thing about Tinder, is that you can vibe with someone easily when a screen is separating you, but it is a lot harder when you’re sitting across from each other.
Although Brian and I were both incredibly nervous on that first date, we had a second one, and a third and a fourth and I can happily say we have been going on dates ever since. We went to a music festival over the summer, and even took a trip to Boston. He stood by my side during an unplanned E.R. trip (the fourth date by the way), and always asks how I’m doing.
He is so funny, incredibly interesting and even though our schools are an hour and a half apart, we have managed to see each other almost every weekend. He has been such a light in my life and whatever happens, I am so grateful that I met him.
So – Take the chance! Put yourself out there. Honestly I’m pretty shy and introverted when it comes to dating but the best part about Tinder is that if you match, you both already mutually like each other enough. The worst thing that comes out of it is a funny story.