I’m not really a ‘judge a book by its cover’ kind of person. I judge people by their drink order, public or private Instagram account, their friend circle, and mostly, their dating history. And this method works like a charm for me.

Just for the record, I’m 26 and have been in the dating game for a long time. Sure, I have had phases when I wasn’t dating and I’ve been in those ‘we were on a break’ situations. But mostly, I have navigated it all quite decently.

And you wanna know the interesting part? I have never in my life installed a dating app. Cue gasp! Gen Z in 2024 dating without dating apps? How?

Are dating apps helpful or just a hot trend?

A lot of people have had successful dating stories that have turned into lifelong bonds, all thanks to dating apps. And I have always been curious as to whether it is really helpful or just a hot trend. Throughout my dating life, I have met people through common friends or approached someone after quietly stalking and observing them for a minimum of 1-2 years. Doing your homework is really important people, and it is not like y’all are saints, so save the judgement. I have friends who’ve had great first dates through dating apps and some have gone through disasters as well. But somehow, I have never been tempted to download one.

Now, you may think that the old-school approach isn’t too practical anymore. But I like being a dating app virgin because no matter what kind of relationships I have, I have never been catfished. My best friend and I have never ended up seeing the same guy…well, almost never. Smooth sailing, you see?

Have all my relationships been a hit?

A big fat NO. But do I need to blame anyone for that? Maybe my exes? Just kidding. It’s not like I have never failed in a relationship or cried with my face stuffed inside a pillow. I too have made mistakes, done people wrong unintentionally, and made fake profiles to check up on them. I have, of course, played Bewafa on loop just for the feel of it. But has that made me give up on dating altogether? I guess the answer is no.

Navigating any kind of relationship isn’t easy. You may have met through common friends or found each other on a dating app. But at the end of the day, if you aren’t making an effort, I don’t think any kind of relationship can last. Unless your purpose is just to stay FWBs or hit each other up for booty calls, then you do you. But for the most part, what I have realised and understood is that you can meet all sorts of people and you can try all sorts of relationship styles. It could be real love, a situationship, casual dating, open relationships, or whatever is latest in the market. As long as you are willing to wake up, put in the work, and also allow yourself and the other person room for mistakes, things usually work out.

So, I’m not gonna lecture you about the dangers of dating apps. Love is a scam, no matter where you find it. Feel your feelings, swipe left and right as much as you want, but remember, eventually, you will have to step away from the trends of social media to actually make something of a relationship.

With love, not your usual Gen Z xoxo.

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