woman deleting dating apps on her phone | Image: Supplied
The Swipe-Life Blues
Look, I get it. Dating apps are supposed to make finding love easier. They're supposed to be convenient, efficient, and… fun? But my experience felt more like a constant low-grade anxiety attack. The endless parade of superficial profiles, the pressure to present a perfect version of myself, the ghosting—it all took a toll. I'd spend hours crafting the perfect bio, agonizing over photos, only to receive a few lukewarm responses and the inevitable left swipe. You know what I mean? The dreaded 'Nope'. It wasn't fun; not anymore. I started to think, 'What am I even doing here?'
person looking unhappy at their phone | Image: Supplied
The Great Digital Detox
Deleting the apps wasn't easy. There was a part of me that felt like I was cutting myself off from a potential lifeline. The 'What ifs?' and the 'Maybe I'll miss out!' thoughts were relentless. But honestly, the relief I felt after hitting that 'delete' button was immense. It was like I’d just shed a heavy coat I didn’t realize I was wearing. The constant pressure to be 'on' was suddenly gone. I could breathe again. I started focusing on myself, my hobbies, and the real connections in my life. That doesn't mean I stopped wanting a partner, but it did mean I finally had time to think about what I really wanted—beyond a quick swipe-right.
a person smiling and relaxed, surrounded by nature | Image: Supplied
Finding My Feet (and Maybe a Partner?)
It's been a few weeks since my digital detox, and I'm still figuring things out. I'm rediscovering old hobbies and making an effort to spend quality time with my friends and family. I joined a hiking group – surprisingly fun, you should try it! One friend actually gave me a new perspective on dating. This isn't a race. Not like it feels, when all you see is endless choices. It's actually about building a life I love so that when the right person comes along, we naturally fit. It's about enjoying the journey, not just stressing over the destination.
group of people hiking a trail | Image: Supplied
Is This the Right Move for You?
Now, I'm not saying everyone should delete their dating apps. Maybe they work great for you! But if you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or just plain unhappy with the dating app experience, maybe it's time to consider taking a break. It's okay to step back, prioritize yourself, and redefine what you're looking for in a relationship. What's more important—finding someone immediately or finding someone who truly fits into the rich life you've already built? Seriously, think about that.
person meditating peacefully | Image: Supplied
What's Next?
I still don't know what the future holds romantically, but that uncertainty doesn't scare me anymore. I'm focusing on building a life that makes me happy, and whatever happens from there is a bonus. Perhaps some more hiking? Maybe I will try that cooking class I've always wanted to attend... Ultimately, deleting my dating apps was a act of self-love, and that's something I won't regret. It's my story, and I hope that somehow, you might find inspiration in my experience. Even if it's just to take a short break from those endless swipes. You deserve it!
