ONLINE DATING & TINDER

My life is busy. Between work, events, clients and meetings I’m always on the go and although I spend a lot of time in a room full of people, it’s really hard for me to meet people. The older I get, the more selective I’ve become with whom I choose to spend my time. Even my large group of high school and college friends has slowly dwindled down to about three people who I actually hang out with on a regular basis.

I pretty much keep to myself and lately; I’ve been so consumed with getting my business off the ground that I don’t make much time to socialize. And, on top of all that, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m shy. Well, let me clarify. If I know you, I can’t stop talking, but if not, I’m not the type of person to just strike up a conversation.

For all these reasons, my dating life sucks. Okay, let’s be honest. It’s nonexistent.

If I’m out and about and happen to see a cute guy, I will literally avoid eye contact. Like, literally go out of my way to avoid eye contact with them. I’m weird.

Truthfully, I’m also a bit “old school.” I fully believe in guys approaching me (‘cuz I’m obviously not going to do it-ha). But, the ones who I think are cute never approach me and the ones I have absolutely no interest in, are always the ones that try the hardest. It’s like a curse. I always get the guys with no job, no goals, and sometimes no teeth that want my number. Seriously? Why is it so hard to meet someone decent?

Can I just meet someone who’s 6’6+, muscular built, funny, driven, HAS A JOB, facial hair, pretty eyes, believes in God, respectful, a gentle man, supportive, and resembles Sam Hemsworth? I mean is that too much to ask? Ha!

And then there’s Tinder.

I have a few friends with Tinder accounts who have occasional met and hung out with people they’ve met online. And to be honest, I’ve made an account several times but I always end up deleting it.

First of all, I feel like a weirdo who can’t meet people in real life so I have to resort to “internet dating.” And even though this is partially true (I am pretty weird), making an account feels like I’m admitting that to the world. I prefer to live in denial. Ha. 

And then, let’s say that I do meet someone on Tinder and we start dating, There’s always that embarrassing question, “so, where did you two meet?” I swear if I do ever meet someone online we both have to agree that we met at a coffee shop, or wherever we actually meet in person. LOL. But, I’m so serious!

To be honest, the real reason why I just can’t bring myself to make and keep an account is because, what if someone from the fashion community sees my page, God forbid a client or someone I work with. I can’t even imagine going to an event and seeing someone from Tinder in real life. It’s just awkward. (Especially if he didn’t like me back. Rude-ha.) But women too. I'd feel embarrassed if the women in my industry knew I had an account. And my clients? Let's not even go there. 

I know professionals have lives (duh), but is it "professional" to have a Tinder account? Obviously people aren’t using Tinder as the new LinkedIn but, if you see me on Tinder are you still going to take me serious in a professional setting? Are you going to look at me different when it comes time to discuss your marketing and pr strategies? 

Alright so obviously you don't announce to your clients and professional associates that, "hey I have a Tinder account" but, it's bound to get out. I had an account for two days and saw people that I knew. Awkward. 

Maybe it’s just my own embarrassment and maybe I'm just over thinking it. But I mean come on, it's awkward right?

I recently came across a 2014 article on The Coveteur, listing 10 fashion people who have accounts on Tinder. The list included a few fashion greats like Kendall Jenner, Ashley Olsen, Oliver Rousteing and Alexander Wang but sorry, this doesn’t make me feel any better. It almost feels like a joke. I mean is Kendall Jenner really going to date someone who finds her on Tinder? I mean really?

For all these reasons I just cant bring myself to make and keep a Tinder account. It would be fun to have someone to text and to go on dates with sure, but the kids these days are just too much for me. Have you read this article? Or OMG this one? Where are the gentlemen in the world? Where is Sam Hemsworth’s other, other brother? Obviously NOT on Tinder-ha!

So my question remains...

In a society that is driven by technology and social media, is online dating truly the “new dating”? Is it considered "normal" to meet your boyfriend/girlfriend online? Is it "bad for business" to be a professional with a Tinder account? 

But the real question, is the world really just too “too busy” and "too focused" to meet and approach people in real life?