Ditch Dating Apps: '10 Seconds of Courage' Can Find You Love
US-based dating coach Lily Womble says people can find love in real life without relying on dating apps, while a study finds using multiple apps can reduce anxiety among gay men
A US-based dating coach is encouraging singles to ditch dating apps and instead take '10 seconds of courage' to meet new people in real life. Lily Womble, a former matchmaker and author of Thank You, More Please, suggests that fall and winter are the 'highest-opportunity time to date IRL' due to an influx of social engagements and gatherings.
Lily Womble has set up 399 dates during her matchmaking career and has helped over 400 'late bloomers' turn real-world interactions into meaningful relationships. Her approach to dating involves three main steps: joy building, co-conspiratorship, and taking '10 seconds of courage' to meet new people.
A separate study by Flinders University found that using multiple dating apps can lead to lower levels of anxiety among gay men. The study surveyed 578 Australian men ranging in age from 18 to 69 years, with an average age of 34 years. The researchers found that using a broader range of dating apps, including both mainstream and gay apps, can lead to lower levels of anxiety.
## Why it matters The idea of ditching dating apps and meeting people in real life may seem daunting, but Lily Womble's approach suggests that it can be a more effective way to find meaningful relationships. With the rise of dating app fatigue, many people are looking for alternative ways to meet new people. The Flinders University study also highlights the importance of considering the specific needs and experiences of different groups, such as gay men, when it comes to online dating.
The stakes are high for those looking for love, and the pressure to present a perfect online persona can be overwhelming. By taking a more nuanced approach to dating and considering the benefits of meeting people in real life, singles may be able to find more meaningful and lasting connections. As Lily Womble says, 'you don't have to be on dating apps to be trying' - sometimes, all it takes is '10 seconds of courage' to meet someone new.
## What happens next As the autumn-winter social calendar gets underway, singles may be looking for new ways to meet people and find love. Whether it's through Lily Womble's approach or by using multiple dating apps, the key is to be open to new experiences and connections. By taking a more courageous and joyful approach to dating, people may be able to find more meaningful relationships and a more fulfilling love life.
