IRL

I've been hearing a lot from clients lately that they feel the apps have ruined dating. These women are sick of getting rejected by men they have never even met before and feel insecure that a guy they like could ditch them for a sexy stranger on their phone. 

What a lot of women don't know is that men are just as sick of the online dating trend as women. Men too want to feel that connection in real life (IRL) again. We've become too desensitized the last 5 years and have forgotten there is a real live person you are dealing with on the other end of the app. 

When I was dating a bit on Bumble, I noticed that almost half my dates would be cancelled for some excuse or another. Whether they were legit or not, the odds were much lower of them bailing if I met them in real life. There is a different respect factor. 

So if both sexes are yearning to make connections in person again, why do we still hold on to the apps for dear life? If you're having success on there then, by all means, keep them on your phone. If you're feeling frustrated and disconnected from dating because of them, maybe try a dating app cleanse. See how you feel after 2 weeks of no swiping, scrolling, judging, etc. Look and see if your energy towards dating has changed. Are you going out feeling less anxious? Maybe you're checking your phone less and actually engaging with your friends while out. If you're noticing some positive benefits then maybe the apps aren't right for you.

With that being said, take a look around next time you go out and be that inner Happy Dog. Smile, laugh and have fun with your group and maybe someone great will notice you. Take a deep breath and just say hi to someone you find attractive. Take a chance. You won't regret it. 

xo,

AM

datingrehabnyc@gmail.com