Whether you’ve been online for 6 months or 6 years, had 10 or 100 first dates, and progressed to assorted numbers of second dates and actual relationships (short or long term), you may reach a point where you are tempted to give it up.
Possible triggers include a heinous ghosting episode, an increasing lack of suitable partners, or the propensity of many men to window shop as a way of life.
Join me in some Turkish chickpea burgers as we review specific signs that you may be at or have already reached your breaking point:
You’ve been online too long when:
*You can remember the early days of Bumble when there was only one worker bee available.
*You have saved and checked enough photos on Google Image Search or Veracity mobile image search to fill an FBI most wanted file.
*You know that when a man says his age is 60 but he’s willing to date women up to age 75, he’s actually 76.
*Similarly, you know when a man says he’s 6’ tall, he’s actually 5’8.”
*Checking the online dating sites every morning and night is as mindless as brushing your teeth but without a guaranteed reward like a healthy mouth.
*You immediately shut down any guy who asks, “How long have you been on this site?”
*Being “favorited” is now one of your least favorite things, because it usually means you have been bookmarked and soon forgotten.
*You know not to take a man at his word when his profile says he likes to listen as much as talk.
*You have a new lexicon of dating terms: breadcrumbing, ghosting benching, swiping, etc.
*Dating terminology starts to affect everyday speech. When someone asks, “Do you have a match?” you don’t search through a drawer, you start to daydream about the guy you reached out to on Match.
*Your main reason for acquiring new Facebook friends is to increase your ‘stable’ of possibilities on Tinder, Bumble, and other Facebook-based apps.
*You immediately know when there’s a new guy on one of the dating sites because you are so familiar with the membership.
*Your inner editor is working overtime to correct such spelling or proofreading gaffes as “love the autdoors.”
*The bartenders at your favorite first date spots know what you’re drinking before you order.
*You’ve been filmed kissing dates goodbye on so many parking lot cams, that attendants are bringing popcorn to the security reviews.
Ranting aside, online dating – despite its many frustrating and time consuming aspects – continues to be a viable way to meet a romantic partner.
Hang in, continue to pursue real life interactions, and take it all with a grain or two of salt on your margarita glass.
Until next week, happy dating or not dating.
XXXOOO
Nadia
Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @60sdating
Dating, Sex, and Life in your 60s 