I like to call myself a founding father of dating apps. Back in 2012, when Tinder first launched, I was one of the few brave souls who downloaded it. The app was brand new, and the dating pool was small—more like a wading pool, really. At that time, Tinder felt like a wild experiment. You’d swipe right or left, and if you matched, the app would tell you how far away the person was. It was both fascinating and, at times, scary.
One of the funniest aspects of early Tinder was how quickly people would add you on social media. Instagram and Facebook were the go-to platforms for continuing conversations. Fast forward over a decade, and I’ll still get notifications for weddings, baby showers, and birthdays from men I never deleted from that era. I’m happy for them, of course, but it’s comical that we’re still connected on social media despite not speaking in over ten years.
The Terrifying Mile Marker Incident
Of course, not all early Tinder experiences were funny. Some were downright creepy. I remember one particular Friday night when I was out bar hopping with friends in Wrigleyville. I matched with a guy who immediately messaged me, saying, “It says I’m 1 mile away from you.”
Excuse me?! That felt less like flirting and more like a tracking device. I unmatched him so fast, my friends and I left imediately. It was moments like that that made early Tinder both thrilling and terrifying.
The Evolution of My Dating App Journey
Since 2012, my relationship status has evolved—a lot. I’ve downloaded, deleted, and redownloaded Tinder more times than I can count. Along the way, I’ve tried other apps like Bumble and Hinge, each offering they own unique features. While I’ve met some great men through these platforms, there have been plenty of misses, too. Stories for another day.
What hasn’t changed is how dating apps continue to reflect the complexities of modern romance. Whether it’s endless swiping, ghosting, or finding unexpected connections, dating apps have become a constant in navigating love in the digital age. Because who has time to meet potential lovers out in the wild? I don't.
What’s Next?
While I haven’t ventured into the world of Christian Mingle (yet!), who knows what the future holds? For now, I’ll continue to laugh about my early Tinder days and embrace whatever adventures lie ahead. After all, being one of the OGs of dating apps has its perks—even if it comes with a side of nostalgia and the occasional cringe-worthy memory.
xoxo,
A