Navigating Modern Romance Is Tricky; Deleting Dating Apps Together Is A Significant Step But Fraught With Complications And Mistrust In The Digital Age.
The phrase "Let's delete the apps together" holds a powerful significance, akin to a grand romantic gesture. It's as disarming as the famous confession from Daphne Bridgerton to the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton: "I burn for you." But given our attachment to our phones and the constant allure of the next swipe, settling on a final match is no small feat.
The digital dating landscape is overflowing with options, making it challenging to commit. While one person might be ready to soft-launch the relationship, the other is busy updating their profile with new photos. It feels safer to keep options open. After all, setting up a dating profile is a significant effort—why repeat the process every six months? It's not laziness but optimism for another round of the unpredictable game that is modern romance.
Moreover, hesitation to delete dating apps stems from mistrust. Even if you think your partner is ready to commit, they might still be active on their dating profile. You might be excited about a new follower on Spotify, while they are double-tapping their exes' photos. How many algorithms must you navigate to ensure they are truly committed to you? Asking directly seems out of the question, especially if you believe in Nick Lowe's song, "All Men Are Liars."
Exclusive relationships, despite the challenges, are still highly sought after. A college friend thought she had found love during Covid-19. Her boyfriend assured her he wasn't pulling matches on dating apps, only to later swipe right on her best friend. The social launch of their relationship was abruptly canceled. He claimed he was on his last leg of app usage, just looking "one last time." This incident underscores the tricky nature of trusting digital declarations of commitment.
Gen Z, in particular, values loyalty, even if the word itself seems heavy. Instead of asking for it outright, many use their sleuthing skills to gauge a partner's commitment. Some recommend blocking all his followers on Instagram to see every new match he adds. With platforms like X making likes private, it's harder than ever to track these activities.
The milestone of deleting dating apps together is fraught with complications, making it difficult to enjoy. Perhaps, we are meant to navigate this swiping culture for the foreseeable future, as long as these apps remain free. While romance isn't dead, our approach to it has become casually indifferent, reflecting the evolving landscape of modern relationships.