I've always been hesitant to try online dating because 1.) I'm a guy 2.) I look like hell 3.) the algorithm prioritizes profit.

But lately I feel like it may be easier to throw my expectations out there and cross my fingers. Seems easier than trying to speak to people in person. But then again, the human aspect sorta just disappears too and I'm now stuck in a game of numbers, and perhaps quite literally as apps line Tinder gamify their services.

Anyway, I don't have anyone I could call a close friend. Hell, I don't even have anyone to call in general lol. I'm thinking it's a bad idea to dip my toes in that crap because I have nowhere to turn when the rejections inevitably come in. Plus at least with face-to-face interactions, I can have some sort of closure (I don't really know how to articulate this part. I guess being able to read faces will give me a better chance of understanding what I did wrong vs. emotionless text on a screen).

  • LiberalSocialist [any,they/them]
    ·
    2 years ago

    You should still work on improving yourself, even if you decide to not use dating apps.

    Gym, grooming, hobbies. Do that at least.

    • Shoegazer [he/him]
      ·
      2 years ago

      I do do those things. Though working out is the only consistent one. But I think it was a mistake making this post because the more advice I get the less confident I become, so now I don't even care about dating anymore

      • LiberalSocialist [any,they/them]
        ·
        2 years ago

        It's up to you.

        I think, though, that the fact you made this post proves you want to date. You want to have that connection with others. Which means stopping yourself from having that is only going to hurt you emotionally, mentally etc. IMO, the only way forward for you would be to date. I think the short-term pain of rejection would be far less than the long, drawn out, pain of loneliness.

        • SuperNovaCouchGuy2 [any]
          ·
          2 years ago

          IMO, the only way forward for you would be to date.

          Unfortunately brah idk whether its good advice to tell someone that the only way to fix their lonliness and alienation is to throw themselves into the dating market on Tinder. Wouldnt friendship be a better goal to have? Its like saying a romantic relationship is the cure to ones problems, I understand why people think this but it might be a bit too "magic bullet"y yknow what i mean, mang?