#NoFilter – Tinderella for a Week (The Age of Dating Apps: Part 1) 

Warning – The article below is based on experience and its intent is not to offend. 

Several months ago, somewhere around July / August last year I was coaxed in to joining Tinder. A friend of mine, who was tired of hearing me whine about not finding the one, suggested that I try Tinder to meet a man. Apparently one of her friends from Down Under found the love of her life via Tinder. Obviously I was sold then. 

It is not that I hadn’t heard of Tinder. I knew of it as a dating app. Of course eventually I found out that it isn’t a dating app it is in fact a hook up app. Now some of you out there would say ‘hey there is no difference between hooking up and dating’. Well to this Lizzie Bennet- there is a difference. Dating requires a period courtship that will then lead to the inevitable hooking up, contrary to hooking up that will eventually lead to the possibility of courtship? 

Going back July / August 2015 There I was optimistic as ever as I downloaded Tinder and stingily logged in to it using my Facebook account.  And my… was I not overwhelmed by the number of our Lankan boys on it. Well according to their profile picture I must say most of these fellows look quite smart. Which makes one wonder why they just can’t approach (old school style) a girl they fancy? 

The dynamics of Tinder is such that they offer you potential partners according to your location. The next step is to adjust your settings regarding age, gender and something else I can’t remember. Then you go on swiping right - if you like, and left – if you don’t like. Of course initially I was a little confused and accidently “liked” a couple of people. Oh well small harm, little foul. 

Nearly everyone I had swiped right on had already swiped me right or eventually did, I was extremely flattered. 

Tinder is a hook up app, as I have accepted. And I have no issue with two people wanting to express their physical needs without even a dinner. But my point is shouldn’t (at least) the initial conversation proceed in a way that is well…arousing?  If anything it should never be this. 

Clearly I was not ready for whatever he thought I was ready for. 

I am not sure what happened here… do you? Having spoken to a few chaps, they always claim that Tinder doesn’t take them anywhere. May I suggest continuous conversation rather than a disappearing act? 

Gentleman, please! Bowel movement or illnesses related to it shouldn’t be mentioned in the first hours of communication. I mean I get the whole sympathy game you are trying to play, but a more serious illness would be effective for a successful conquest. And certainly nothing regarding any toilet related disorder. 

Then there is the extremely cute but insecure type such as this. 

This conversation looks sweet enough thanks to my editing. It does continue to go on to something like 

Me: Bank robbers aren’t rich that is why they rob banks. 

He: No no they are. But I am not rich. I am poor. 

And continues a little bit more in the same vein. My eyes couldn’t roll any further that day. 

In conclusion 

· If by chance any of you happen to be a romantic – this app will not work for you. 

· If you are looking for some short term and extremely short term fun then yay Tinder. 

· If your intention is to find prince charming, then it’s a no. You have a better chance at a bar. 

· If you are looking for some good phone flirtation – yes. But don’t have too much of expectations and don’t build theirs if your intention is only to phone flirt. 

· You will offend someone if you accidentally like them and then unmatch them. #TrustMe 

Recently I read an article explaining that the dawn of dating apps have made the actual approaching game nearly extinct. The chances of him actually walking up to you and chatting you up is nil, compared to the chances of him hitting you up on Tinder. 

Therefore ladies, it looks like the era of the bold prince charming has disappeared and the age of the Tinder-man has begun. 

Embrace it or hate it. There is no in between. 

By S.A Hamid