Your Personal Guide to Navigating SU Tinder
In 2022, we’re swiping right on spring flings!
by MADISON MANCZKO ★ MARCH 4, 2022
We all have our own opinions about the perfect way we’ll meet the one. Maybe you’ll bump into them at your favorite coffee shop, lock eyes across the quad, or touch hands after asking to borrow a pen. I don’t know about you, but I do not have the time to wait around for a hypothetical soulmate, and we have to keep ourselves busy in the meantime, right? That’s where Tinder comes in.
I am fully aware that Tinder can be a scary place. Not to be dramatic, but I think I’d rather sit through a boring lecture than see one of my matches while walking to class. I am also aware that the amount of time I spend on the app is a major character flaw, but luckily for you, at least I’ve picked up a few tips along the way.
#1: Look out for the obvious red flags
I’m talking pictures of him holding a fish, paying for Tinder Premium, or posting a picture with a girl that is clearly not his sister. While this isn’t necessarily a red flag, also look out for the guys using their pictures with Pete Davidson in their profiles. Sorry boys, meeting him at the Dome does not mean you’re friends. Identify the red flags early, because you deserve the best. Prescreening is the key to success.
Credit: Pinterest
#2: Lower your expectations
We all love the Tinder relationship success stories because it gives us hope that one day swiping right will lead to a long-term relationship. But, at the end of the day, most people, regardless of gender, use Tinder as a hookup app. I am not saying everyone on there is a player, but if you’re looking for someone that’s marriage material, maybe try Christian Mingle.
#3: You don’t owe your matches anything
Sure, Tinder is an app designed for hookups, but that doesn’t mean you should feel pressure to do something sexual right away. It’s completely okay to get to know someone first or wait a few dates, and if your match doesn’t want to wait, drop them! When it comes to dating apps, safety is the most important thing, and you’ll only have fun if you feel comfortable.
Credit: Pinterest
#4: You never know who you’ll meet
Believe it or not, I met a lot of close friends because of Tinder. After all, it is an app designed for meeting new people, so keep an open mind. If your Tinder match isn’t your soulmate, maybe his roommate is? People are (usually) never as intimidating as we first think, so put yourself out there!
Credit: Pinterest
#5: It’s an ego boost if nothing else
If you can say that scrolling through a list of people who find you attractive doesn’t boost your confidence at least a little, you’re lying. You’re not contractually obligated to meet any of these people in person, so why not have some fun swiping?
Even with all the new dating apps popping up left and right, I don’t think Tinder is going away any time soon. Sure, it has a less-than-stellar reputation, but your experience is exactly what you make of it. Have fun, and be safe. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next success story.
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest