23 October 2018
Edna Newey
Like many of my classmates, I had a summer romance that ended before school began. After getting over the initial sadness, I realized that I was, for the first time in my generally solitary life, lonely, and there’s only so many times someone can eat alone at Panera before getting pitied by the staff.
In the age of technology what is the easiest way to find companionship? The answer for me came in the form of the app, Bumble.
Why Bumble? Simply put, although I wouldn’t mind an occasional date, I liked the option to be able to just find friends. Bumble communicates exactly what the users want, eliminating the ambiguity that comes with getting to know new people.
It was weird at first, seeking out strangers for company. As I have used it more and more however, I have gotten the chance to move outside my comfort zone, and that’s a good thing. Each person that I have interacted with has made me discover something new, either about the world or myself.
Each person presents the chance to try something new – a Netflix series I wouldn’t normally watch, sushi, or even square dancing. I like to think that maybe I’m helping my dates figure themselves out too.
Particularly, I like how Bumble has given me the opportunity to better solidify what I do and don’t want. I have always been soft-spoken, maybe even timid in what I don’t like out of fear of hurting others feelings. The casual interaction means that my emotional investment in people are not great enough, that I am willing to compromise, and that has helped me to better communicate with my more intimate relationships.
I make it very clear to my matches that I don’t want a relationship. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us emotionally or timing wise. Maybe that will change if I find someone truly special, one that understands and respects my priorities and aspirations.
In the meantime, even though Bumble can’t give me the companionship that I desire, it does offer me the chance to learn. Education is my first lover. I shall not forsake it.
Do you have any dating app stories? We want to hear them!