The Best Way To Date Online As An Introvert

Putting yourself out there in the dating scene can be pretty scary. We all know what it's like to be the single friend in the group, always hearing about how many "fish in the sea" there are that we are totally missing out on. But, when you're an introvert, putting yourself out there is something that you take completely off the table. 

You're not looking to go stand inside a loud, sweaty bar and pretend you can hear the other person over the music and loud screaming of drink orders around you. And sitting across a candle-lit table with a complete stranger is definitely not something that excites you, either (via Introvert Spring).  

As the world has progressed and technology has become more at the forefront of our lives, dating itself has changed entirely. Long gone are the days where you have to go out in public, amongst the masses, to meet someone new. Instead, dating apps and online forums have made it much easier to meet people and mingle. In fact, online dating is the absolute perfect way to mix and mingle if you're someone who is not big into socializing in person.

With social media and smartphone apps becoming a huge part of our everyday lives, it's changed the way that we see dating and interacting with potential suitors. According to a University of New Mexico study, nearly 40% of heterosexual couples and 65% of same-sex couples in the United States say they're meeting through online dating services today (via 16 Personalities). For those who are more inclined to be introverted and find the "in person" mingling to be a bit anxiety inducing, online dating is the perfect way to swim in the sea of fishes without having to get wet. 

Many of the dating apps allow you to showcase different aspects of yourself such as your occupation, your hobbies, and even your lifestyle. This makes it easy to find someone who is likeminded or share qualities with you that you find interesting and attractive. Many people who use dating apps report that they find it easier to mix with people and find individuals who share similar hobbies and interests because of spelled out it is (via Pew Research).

Many apps, like Hinge and Bumble, are so "prompt focused" that it allows introverts to have conversation starters, too (via Mashable). Some apps like Match even organize small meet up events, so you don't feel completely overwhelmed by too many people. And, even more apps like OkCupid allow you to showcase what you're looking for — whether something casual or serious — without the judgment.