Valentine’s Day is upon us, and it can be tough sledding for those in relationships trying to make plans … as well as those who are single and looking for love. Ann Parnes, Co-Founder of the New Orleans-based matchmaking service afterhello.com says dating apps still rule the landscape.
“People are getting exhausted and jaded by the dating apps, but it’s still (statistically speaking) the number one way single people are meeting,” Parnes notes.
Parnes does emphasize that keeping your true intentions in mind and following through with them is the key to making app use fruitful rather than depressing.
“A lot of the apps are really good about having users state what their intentions are on the app, and while people may not be 100% authentic … it’s really about HOW you use these dating apps. It’s not so much about how you meet, but what you do after you’ve met,” says Parnes.
While dating apps are prevalent, the burnout from them is definitely real. Parnes emphasizes that she helps to guide clients with their app use to avoid becoming too jaded by the process too quickly.
She recommends putting aside three days a week where you use the app to start five conversations. From there, continue the conversations and try to meet up in real life as quickly as possible. “That’s your best bet, moreso than any algorithm figuring out your preferences for you,” Parnes notes.