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Swipe, swipe, swipe. If the novelty of dating apps has worn off, and you’re still not connecting with your true love, it could be time to put your phone down. But how can you ignore those little dings and banners that let you know you have a new match? Popular dating app Bumble wants to help you do a digital dating detox without wiping out all your data.
The new “snooze” mode can help you step away from the world of digital dating for a bit, so you can get a little “me” time. Whether you just need a 24-hour breather, an indefinite break, or something in between, it’s one way to help you break a little bit of the addiction to social media. Alternatively, you could get out in the real world to try to make some real connections.
If your dating life has mostly involved your phone or laptop, you may have forgotten how to make those organic connections. You can learn to flirt again, and you may even find that a digital detox makes it easier to detect a spark. Even if a pub or bar isn’t your scene, there are plenty of ways you can get out there and meet people “IRL.”
Sign Up for a Class
The littlest interest in some new hobby could turn into a lifelong learned skill or uncovering of a hidden talent. Try art, gardening, cooking, or cake decorating class. Your fellow classmates could turn into friendships … or more. You could also sign up for a wine or whisky tasting course, where you can train your palate and potentially make a date with a fellow student to test your skills together.
Volunteer
Do some good for your community while doing some good for yourself. You can find plenty of volunteer opportunities by checking the bulletin board at your local library, or turn to your phone for a little help to just look up some volunteer options. Whether it’s serving at a local soup kitchen, helping build a house, or just picking up trash, you’re bound to meet some like-minded individuals.
Consider Coworkers
Dating coworkers might not be the best choice and it could even go against company policy. At the very least, though, you could tag along on an office outing to see where people and hanging out, and maybe make a connection with a coworker’s friend or acquaintance.
Join a Sports Team
There’s nothing like getting outside for some fresh air and a bit of sport to give you some perspective. Even if you stay indoors for a sport, such as bowling or darts, you’re still getting away from small glowing screens and getting off your sofa. You don’t have to be great at a sport to have fun and connect with people who are also eager to just have a good time.
Go Where The People Are
If sports and classes aren’t really your thing, there are still other options. Go to a coffeehouse, museum, gallery, or anywhere people gather. If you’re not particularly extroverted, you might want to try a library or a singles’ outing to meet people. Regardless of how you do your digital detox, it can help to put the phone down to refresh, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself and the people around you, rather than the polished profiles online.
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