You don't have to use dating apps. But if you do - some tips!
4/27/202624 min
If you use dating apps, you'll know that they often suck. They're not the only way to find a romantic connection, but if you want to use them, we have tips. Here's one: When you match with someone, try to hop on a video call as soon as possible. You can think of it as a pre-interview.
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First 90 secondsTom Bowman0:00
Every day, NPR reports stories that keep you informed without fear or favor. That's the promise of a free press in a democracy. It's in the First Amendment. I'm Tom Bowman, and I cover the Pentagon for NPR. Stand up for independent news coverage today by donating early for Public Media Giving Days coming up on May 1st and 2nd. Give now at donate.npr.org.
Marielle Segarra· Host0:23
You're listening to Life Kit from NPR. [upbeat music] Hey, it's Marielle. I want you to raise your hand if you've been personally victimized by dating apps. Yeah, that's a Mean Girls reference. I am a millennial, sue me. But seriously, why is it that so many people hate dating apps, absolutely hate them, but still feel like they have to be on them?
Marisa Cohen· Guest0:49
[upbeat music] I recently just did a talk in New York, and a lot of people... It was on relationship science and the factors of interpersonal attraction.
Marielle Segarra· Host0:59
This is relationship scientist and marriage and family therapist Marissa Cohen.
Marisa Cohen· Guest1:04
I had a line of people that came up to me at the end of the talk, and they were saying, "Feel like I have to be on the apps. Feels like everyone is meeting that way," or, "There's the expectation that I can only find my partner using this approach."
Marielle Segarra· Host1:15
Now, we've done a whole episode on how to date outside of the apps, and I'm a big proponent of that, but a lot of people still wanna try them, and as Marissa puts it, they can be an access point, a way to meet people that you wouldn't otherwise.
Marisa Cohen· Guest1:26
There's going to be some that you click with, some that you don't, and some