Swipe Right but…for Friends
If your first thought reading this is along the lines of, “OMG MAIRO!, that sounds so weird/awkward/stupid….” - Hear me out!
As adults making friends becomes increasingly difficult as we age. There are tons of articles that have been written on this subject matter! You can also revisit some of my shared thoughts here.
When I think of process associated with making friends, I also think about how our smartphones play an integral role in our social lives in this day and age. For example. dating apps have become synonymous with romance. However, there's also a growing trend that is expanding the narrative of these platforms (i.e., using dating apps to make friends). It turns out, these apps can be a surprising and effective way to forge meaningful connections beyond the realm of romantic relationships.
How do I know this?
It is because earlier this year, I tried it (particularly on the app Bumble) and to my surprise found amazing connections I leaned into and currently nurturing.
I by no means think that swiping right for friends replaces the value of face-to-face interactions but it more like provides a modern and efficient way to connect with like-minded people.
So…
If I were to be asked if using dating apps for friendships can transform adult social life, I would say, “ABSOLUTELY, I see potential!”
I will be honest and say that at first, it was an unusual experience for an introvert like me to find confidence in my ability to initiate friendship as I was putting my life out there on the internet. Within weeks, I had arranged a few of friend dates with multiple connections that had been made through the app. Each friend date came with the all so familiar first date internal dialogue with self - wondering if my outfit was cute/good enough, what questions I should ask to fill any potential awkward silences, what the escape plan is, and so on. At times, I even frightened myself at the idea of meeting total strangers on the internet, having watched true-crime TV shows (not an absolute fave but I dabble here and there).
My interactions with each person I have met with so far started with the same awkwardness of putting a face to the image you had connected with online. Over time, I moved past this and found myself engaging in easy conversation and enjoying the company of the people I met, who, like me, were choosing step out outside thier comfort zone.
While some connections fizzled out, some connections are beautifully blossoming in the present. I have come to appreciate the lessons I learned from friendship dating especially challenging myself as an introvert in a way that allows me to pursue new connections.
In general, I have a significant amount of respect for the process of seeking out relationships whether be it online or in-person.
So, in a nutshell…
Maybe embracing the idea of using apps to make friends, people can tap into a diverse pool of like-minded people, fostering connections that enrich their lives in unexpected ways.
The next time you find yourself swiping right (please be ethical if you are coupled or in a relationship!) consider expanding your horizons and using apps to embark on the exciting journey of platonic connections. After all, friendship knows no bounds – not even the boundaries of an app I would say!
Thoughts? Please share. You know where to find me. 😊
Keep spilling,
Mairo
