Over the last 10 years, online dating has gone from being something we assumed was reserved for the socially awkward to being a vital part of dating culture. In 2017, online dating is quite possibly one of the most popular if not the most ideal way to meet people if you are looking for a relationship. Sites like Match.com, e-Harmony and PlentyOfFish have databases with millions and the testimonials to prove their success.
With people spending in excess of 16 hours plus attached to their smartphones per day, it’s no wonder that dating apps would supersede meeting someone at the local grocery store or gas station. Sidney, a 40-year-old hairstylist in Atlanta says before getting engaged most of her dates and relationships were from people she met online. “I was hesitant at first but I had so many clients that would tell me they found their boyfriend or even husband online that finally I had to try it,” she shares. Although she grew up with her fiancée and reconnected with him later in life, Sidney says she has several clients that tell her about some of the great guys they meet online. “I kept hearing good things so I tried it myself. I have to admit I met some really good men. Men that I never would’ve met normally because I own a women’s hair salon. My day consists of going to work and then usually going home in the evenings because I’m too tired to go try to meet someone. I don’t really do clubs or lounges that often, so it would’ve been difficult for me to meet someone new.”
Like Sidney, many women are seeing that they live very independent lives and are unable to meet men outside of the workplace unless they utilize online dating services. Shelle works in a doctor’s office and doesn’t meet many eligible men. “It’s not like men are just walking by my office looking to meet women, so because my work environment doesn’t offer social interaction I really wasn’t meeting anyone. My daily routine includes going to the gym by my house and work but I rarely get out of my area. Dating online allows me to meet men that I wouldn’t run into in my day-to-day routine,” she says. Shelle is actively dating two guys that she met on Blackpeoplemeet.com.
For anyone who hasn’t gotten the memo, the dating scene has changed dramatically. Anyone waiting to meet their Prince Charming in the fruits and veggies section of the grocery store is probably going to come up short. By the same token, many men aren’t looking for love when they go to the nightclub or happy hour spot after a long day. Dating apps are no longer the wave of the future, instead, they are the most effective form of dating presently.
What is your favorite dating app? Want to share your story? Email me at [email protected] and we may share your story on relationship reality check!
