I’ve been trying to meet people in real life by going to social events, being open to conversations, and putting myself out there. But nothing ever turns into dating or a relationship. Men don’t approach, conversations fade quickly, and I end up feeling like I’m not getting anywhere. Because of that, I feel like I have no choice but to use online dating, even though I’d prefer meeting someone naturally. Does anyone else feel like real‑life dating just doesn’t work anymore, and online dating becomes the only realistic option?
- 3.5K opinions shared on Dating topic.
2 moyou aren't the ony one and it isn't just this time. I tried dating here and there and took decades to get anywhere. Online dating is sorta like mud wrestling. Sounds like fun, it's going to be messy, and in the end, probably not the best.
But I know people that met "online" and hit it off, worked well, got married, and doing well. More than one. It's possible, just be ready to say no quickly and a lot and know what the heck you want and will deal with. As a woman, you will be sifting through old clothes in a trash can... so to speak... or worse.
It's better to meet real humans in real life. if you don't have those skills, work on those skills.
Always keep your wits about you as a woman, you know that. Meeting people that other people know, church, through common activities where they had some checking out is good. Random people is not the best.
anything can work.
019 Reply- 2 mo
@msc545 that's false in my world, which is east coast and midwest, bunch of peeps in my family/friends are dating some scheduled to be married. Most everyone is married and made kids, a few divorced or cat people or single forever. I do think it's challenge though and too random. The advice I'd give is... your life will change every 10 years, roll with it, and embrace changes. Embrace the inner persons growth, heal the trauma (emotional/spiritual connection) wounds, explore new paths, be open to exploration. Being stuck due to the past is actually bad. Been there done that.
That said, life can hurt bad. I read story about step dad whose step kid was abducted and missing for decade... he saw her taken but couldn't stop the guy. I cannot imagine living in that misery. There's some awful challenges in life that will test a person.
The first step is the hardest... followed by the second!:) But it's fun too...
- 2 mo
@lightbulb27get what you mean. I do try meeting people in real life, but it’s hard for me because my parents are very anxious and I can’t drive, so I rely on them for transport. That’s why online dating ends up being my only option sometimes.
- 2 mo
@msc545 I get that. Or at minimum, go into different worlds in your same area. Like, different cultures. I did that, it's another world. You'll find new issues, but maybe not as much the awful ones ya had before. It's just not easy overcoming trauma. Can break it's control, but that doesn't mean want to go and experience it again. Like I had fear of snakes, I overcame that, doesn't mean I want to become a snake handler. Humans same.
@unsteadydreadfeeling have to work within your parameters. I met my wife online, here on GAG. I'm not suggesting that is the way to go. you can meet someone anywhere. in fact, I met several decent well mannered singe men traveling recently, in eateries and on airplane. I'm not in a position to play match maker though, but you can do that. The more you are living your good life, better chance you meet someone in theirs... and come together.
If you are in fear of others (your name), I'd definitely go to social events like church or running club or bike club to develop social skills. no pressure, and develop from there. That includes doing things you wouldn't normally think of being interested in.
- 2 mo
- 2 mo
- 2 mo
@lightbulb27 I do go out to social events, meet & greets, and gaming groups already. And just to explain, my username isn’t about fear — it’s from a Splatoon 3 weapon called Dread Wringer. My anxiety mainly comes from dating some men and also from my parents, not from the name.
- 2 mo
I have no context for those games. I would have been called "pacman". Ok. you have a right to your anxieties. are you possibly from Asian culture or indian? I notice lot more potential for anxiety in those for some reason, the pressures from parents are substantial. My culture had none, just do whatever and we're happy". kinda attitude.
You'll figure it out, it takes time. It ony took me 50 years... lol:) The more intensely you work on it, you, the better your success gets. And yes, it's frustrating and difficult. I see some very decent people give. Be careful what you believe, that is the rudder on the ship. There's some bad advice out there or bad translations of books. Focus on your goals and passions and what you want.
- 2 mo
I’m not Asian or Indian. My anxiety comes from a lot of trauma and bad experiences here in the UK, including anxiety around dating and a train incident that really affected me. My username is just from the Splatoon 3 weapon Dread Wringer.
- 2 mo
I had a lot of issues with dating early in life, which I learned to understand. Do you understand the source of the anxiety in dating, how does it relate to your personality and experiences? I found, once I got a new perspective in life, understood myself including higher power, it became possible. The rest is just building some skills. That said, I've heard bad things about Europe abuse of women, so it may be physical reality.
- 2 mo
I'm sorry to hear about the train accident. Have you enageged in group therapy or what have you done to try to get that behind you?
You are hitting on the challenge in life in general, we experience traumas but can take long time to process and put behind us, for some personalities and experiences. Life goes on, but the trauma ends up controlling. Get lots of those, and it's a mess. Fear is powerful. That's the anxiety... thinking ahead and being afraid. Getting control of that is good.
I have a variety of secret sauces and here's one. What is the truth? List it out, accept it. Then get your mind onto the positive side, what you can do, breathe. Put the truth to higher power (meditation, God, etc..). You have to release the lies and traps your mind and body are stuck in. That's a rough sketch of it. It's easier than that. "Hidden" things are trouble and there's a lot of that... how much does our society learn to handle our traumas? Exposed, re-imaged, they lose their power so you can live free again. Then you build skills to measure your risks and are in control again. That's a rough sketch of how I view things. I'm not a professional, just lived life. Take for what it's worth and get yourself health. I've met a lot of people traveling and so many are doing well, finding relationships, enjoying life, traveling. I've met single guys traveling and single women too. Get to that side and join "us", and get your life revitalized!
- 2 mo
It very much helps to undersatnd yourself, like are you sensitive person, etc.. and go back into childhood hurts because those are influential in how you are being controlled and limited in the now. Healing those things, getting them into perspective was very helpful for me. The rest is then discovery about other people and learning to handle them, which again, is a matter of just discovering the truth and what you want to do about it. There are different cultures and issues, frankly, guys seem less complicated than girls generally:) Once I learned, it wasn't so scary anymore, I was more confident and could handle life. The rest... then letting life take you to new destinations!
- 2 mo
My greater point to your question is that going into anything with anxiety or consternation, is kinda normal, but also problematic. It will influence whom you draw and success rates. There is no substitute for being in a "good place" emotionally for taking on any challenge and change.
- 2 mo
I’ve had a lot of anxiety from different things over the years. In special‑education high school my teacher put a lot of pressure on me, and I really struggled there. I also had a bad experience with an ex who love‑bombed me, and that affected me too. The train incident made my emotions more unstable as well. I’m on sertraline 100mg, but it hasn’t helped much with the anxiety.
- 2 mo
I'm not a fan of medications, but in a pinch maybe.
You are young, still developing and have a long ways to go in life. I really didn't wake up until 40+, and in layers thereafter. I'd suggest exploring ways to heal your inner self. A huge growth for me was learning about myself... that I was very sensitive and abused, healing prior traumas controlling, and other ways of being freed (Christ/faith). You choose your paths you will pursue. In a way it flips the negative abuse into power. Amazing when ya get it, when you grow.
Time to explore self. I could say more. Looking for love/relationship, that will exercise the inner self.
Most Helpful Opinions
1.8K opinions shared on Dating topic. There is no one way that works for everyone to meet someone for a serious relationship. Online dating sites may work for you, but don’t give up on meeting people in person.
01 Reply
What Girls & Guys Said
Opinion
40Opinion
3.2K opinions shared on Dating topic. I still think being out inbound is still the best but that's for me everyone is different I have had 2 really good long distance romances I was able to travel to see one of them
And I think everybody should try at least one online romance or long-distance Romance because communicating with voice and your energy is completely different than physical touch it will teach you so many different things about yourself and just romance and passion and desire
If you understand energy you can become closer than you would be with somebody standing right in front of them being physical but after you learn whatever it is you want to learn through energy then go see them and that just creates craziness LOL
I've never had hooked up on a dating app I've never even applied for dating app I've started six times to fill out my form but each time I just say forget it it's not worth it to me I have two friends that are on line dating and they tell me the stories and it's just nothing but fun games I guess for some people00 Reply1.3K opinions shared on Dating topic. For me personally it's a lot better meeting someone in real life vs. online dating/apps. In-person is better because when you meet someone up close what you see is what you get. As opposed to people having certain expectations of a person based on their pictures, which could be older than what they are at present.
00 Reply4K opinions shared on Dating topic. I do just fine encountering guys. I’m fairly sure that the quality of the ones I meet in person is not too different from the fellows online (based on what all my friends keep whining about). I refuse the apps.
00 Reply3.3K opinions shared on Dating topic. Just continue to do both and one of them will eventually work
00 Reply- 3.5K opinions shared on Dating topic.
1 moOffline still works. Especially if your family or friends introduce you.
00 Reply 972 opinions shared on Dating topic. I always had better luck meeting a guy when I was with at least one or a few of my friends there with me - out somewhere. Usually to a restaurant/bar, night club. But if I went there alone, I stayed alone!
I know that they have groups for people who have disabilities and they go to dances and other places together.
Volunteer your time for a good cause that has a lot of people volunteering there. You might have better luck with something like that.
I meet guys by accident. They were my divorced neighbor, another neighbor in my apartment building.
I'm not Catholic, but the Catholic Church holds parties and I know a man and a woman friend of mine that both met someone that way. The woman ended up married to the man.
I've never been on a dating site and would be too afraid 😳 of meeting some seriel killer or a mean man.
I've been alone for most of my life, so I am used to it. I am older now and I enjoy my peace and quiet. I'm not the type of person who has to have someone living with me.
Usually when you aren't looking is when you have a better chance of meeting someone. It's just how the universe works.
A guy can feel it when you are putting off a desperate vibe so try to thrive on your self respect and learn to be confident in yourself.00 ReplySince most of you are modern women, the first question is, are you even somebody who men want?
If you aren't feminine, virgin, traditional etc then you have no business dating men. Most women want traditional men and traditional outcomes. Like masculinity, loyalty, honour, being taken care of and provided for, marriage etc.
Traditional men only date traditional women. Most likely you just dont qualify.
Or lets say if you do. Then perhaps simply you look like a typical modern woman or hang around such women. So men dont want you.
Also, men chase goals not women. And women spent years telling men not to approach, so even simps mostly stopped doing it, why are you so shocked now?
Most of the time it is just simply that you women think men should want you no matter what, no matter what you do, just for all the fake stuff you have on your face. No. Most of you are not worth a darn to men, your own poor life choices. For men most of you are same that broke weak dudes are to women.
So, perhaps you should look inward and what you have done wrong.00 Reply13.5K opinions shared on Dating topic. Where are you going? Here are some places to meet single men:
Groups for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, etc. At least they are in good shape.
Co-rec sports like volleyball, kickball, whatever
Gaming groups: DnD, board games, Magic the Gathering, Chess
Maybe sports bars on game day if you don't mind that type.
Community orchestras and choruses if you're into that. Everyone can sing a bit.
Community theater groups.
Charities like Habitat for Humanity
Political campaigns or other activist groups
Intellectual meetups like movie groups, book clubs, etc.
If you are not religious, any non-religious meeting.12 Reply- 1 mo
Differences between offline dating and online dating:
1. Online profiles include the basic points of incompatibility: religion, children, desire for children, politics, interests. When you meet someone IRL you have to ask about all these. If religious compatibility is important to you, and the majority in your area do not share your beliefs, it can be hard to meet compatibility people IRL. I was non-religious in Dallas with few connections so meeting another non-believer through activity groups was not likely to work.
The best way to meet people offline is to be introduced by mutual friends, but that is not always possible. I was newly divorced and didn't have a large network of friends.
2. When you meet someone offline, you immediately know if they are attractive to you. Dating online, even after viewing pictures, it's not so clear. Almost everyone I met online had been honest about their appearance and had posted current photos, but a few had not. One woman posted a picture that was ten years and a hundred pounds out of date. Another woman wrote "a few extra pounds" was about 5'4" and 250 pounds. If anyone is wondering, I was as honest as I could be.
- 2.3K opinions shared on Dating topic.
1 moIf your only encounters with a person are words alone, you have a very limited knowledge of a person. Humans need to meet in person and experience each other in person. What if their teeth are rotten, they have a weird body odor, they can't hold a conversation, their manners are appalling? Actions in real time support words in asynchronous talk.
Also, you cannot carry on a valid relationship if you cannot be in each other's presence. Phone calls and texts are fine in addition to a real life relationship. But without the real life part, a relationship is not whole unless you've had a long friendship or relationship previously.00 Reply
2 moIt's the bestest way in my life experience. I did the bar-hopping in my early 20s after my uni girlfriend broke up with me. Then I later I met my wife at picnic around 27, and we were friends for a year before even going on a single date.
Maybe some people are different. I don't prescribe this for everyone. I just know she was the one and I knew the moment we started talking for hours at the edge of the parties, like the balcony of our friends' house.
But you can't be a dork about it. It's not like I decided to stop picking up girls in night clubs and met my wife. It's more like a transition. I had to build my community. Go hiking, hang out, picnics, home parties. Then I met my wife-to-be: a friend of a friend. I had to amp up my social skills.
And even as a woman, I figure you can't peacock and just stand there. You have to learn to grab things when you want them. That applies not just for guys, but everything in your life: jobs, friends, dates.01 Reply- 2 mo
If what I'm proposing seems tough, it might only be because you want the guy now. Want friends now. Want fun now. Want to have a nice weekend now when it's the weekend. Then make the best of each social situation. Don't be shy if you like a guy. Don't be an idiot either and be a sloppy drunk kissing him. Just be okay. Hang out. Have fun. And then if you don't fuck it up, nice things tend to happen with nice people.
I would say you have to try both to eventually get to the outcome you would like best.
On my end I had tried both.
In the end I would say meeting people naturally, organically is still the best.
You just can let your hair down with the person you meet personally naturally, and will be much more considerate of you than people who met you only online.
Online is not a problem but there are still grey areas, potential risks, while some have had positive outcomes, yet, it's not the same as meeting someone naturally.
Don't be so hard about it. Just enjoy doing what you do and it just happens.00 Reply427 opinions shared on Dating topic. I'm having the same problem as well. Many people say they meet in real life but nothing has ever worked for me if it wasn't online dating. But from my experience, a lot of getting a man to be interested in you is based on physical attraction and knowing how to charm / flirt. Just doing small talk to a guy in a t shirt and jeans really isn't gonna get him interested in you. Not everyone has an outstanding, charming, charismatic personality so if your social skills are a bit dry then try to look pretty, dress a little sexy. Workout to develop an hourglass physique and wear nice dresses. Put on some makeup.
00 Reply- 1.6K opinions shared on Dating topic.
2 moAs for love it’s a wonderful thing & when it comes to dating offline dating has worked from the beginning of time & in this connected world it can still work if you allow it to.
In life if you never try you will never know & in life if you like someone you shouldn’t be afraid to let them know.
As for every journey it starts with one small step & when it comes to approaching it should be a two way street. As for men approaching a select few do & the rest don’t.
Times have changed & some say change is a good thing & when it comes to dating some people have success online & some people success offline.
As for the connected world we live in so many people have lost touch with reality it’s unbelievable. So many people nowadays see the world through their screens & I just wish more people would see the work with their own eyes instead.
If you want to meet people you have to get out & greet people.
Trying isn’t easy & trying isn’t hard either.
00 Reply 14.7K opinions shared on Dating topic. Well, i could answer. But i think i'd be answering for my demographic. I don't really consider any woman younger than 32. And the 30 and under crowd are a breed all there own. I think the women over 40 are real relaxed about dating, or at least the ones i've met. I wouldn't want to try to date your age group. It seems like it'd be a nightmare. My age group lived in a world before everything was done online so, not that we don't utilize it. I just think we're less DEPENDENT on it. Especially when it comes to relationships and meeting people.
I know where i meet most women. It's typically at concerts and music festivals. Maybe try that? To be fair though most the women approach me.
00 Reply
2 moIt works but women in general are too up tight.
Well in my experience they are so much in the strongest independent character that they become rude if someone is trying to approach them.
It also depends upon the men who are approaching, if he is too skinny, fat, short then no matter how much they try rejections.
For me, I am skinny and ugly, so I normally get awkward silence. Or a defensive response.
So yes if you want someone to ask you. Not going to happen. I'll suggest that go to him and ask ( if you are approaching a handsome guy be aware he is going to be toxic)00 Reply1.3K opinions shared on Dating topic. Online dating is shite. Or at least it is for men.
When I pluck up the courage to approach in real life, it feels like I'm at a job interview asking questions. I don't blame the women (although they could make some effort sometimes).
Vibes and interest happen spontaneously.
When you look into someone's eyes, and you're kind of like, wow.
But it happens at inappropriate times. They might have a boyfriend. Or they're... not the most appropriate age. Blah de blah.
10 Reply- 1.8K opinions shared on Dating topic.
2 moi live in a small town , feel like the majority of younger couples have still meet inperson or through social connections like parties/events , don't feel the % who have meet online is that high.
but it varies for everyone , some people are going to have more options in real life than online , i don't know it really depends i guess00 Reply Online dating is littered with women who don't want real dates. Sites are constantly having to filter out hookers, professional letter writers and security service plants. They want you to spend $250 before dropping you. You might as well take a hooker on a no-sex date offline.
At least if you have an offline contact, your eyes tell you they are the sex they claim to be.
00 Reply
2 mo@unsteadydreadfeeling I've never been shy talking to women unless they were really really out of my league or really really uninterested
Some people can't even make a phone call for personal matters in life, so hell I must have more confidence to even talk to women than most folks do in person or not lol 😂😆04 Reply- 2 mo
I'm no tall poppy, 🌺 but it seems I don't get enough credit lol 😞😆
- 2 mo
I'm definitely Mr Excellent 👌🏻👍🏻 lol Finch from American Pie 1 and 2 "he's just so refined" - poops in toilet, loudly 💩🤭 I prefer the second film and Finch isn't my fave. I like Jim's Dad and Steve Stifler the best. And a bit of Michelle, Jim and Ox and girlfriend
- 2 mo
Kevin is just - depressing 😞 lol 😆
2.3K opinions shared on Dating topic. Compared to the way dating used to be, online dating largely sucks, but as a woman, you've got a better opportunity. Dating sites went downhill quickly when they moved online, versus through the telephone and even the mail in response only advertisements that preceded them. When you're online, you've got dozens of possibilities, which means you don't have any.
00 Reply2.1K opinions shared on Dating topic. LOL, you need to switch style, switch perfume, or switch your makeup routine.
If you're going out and getting nothing... then the problem is you, not them.
You're selling something others aren't buying.
Online is WORSE for people like you as you can lie and obfuscate all you like, to get the meet, but will not get the meat.
00 Reply327 opinions shared on Dating topic. Online is easier to a degree of finding someone who mite be in your realm. In person you get a better since, but trying to talk and approach some people in public also seems to be a horrible way, as people are almost offended when you start talking to them even in general conversation.
I feel you on attempting to put myself out there.
02 Reply- 2 mo
I feel you too. I’ve tried putting myself out there in real life, but it’s hard for me because of my parents’ anxiety and the fact I can’t drive. So sometimes online feels like the only place I can even try.
1 moonline dating definitely makes meeting people easier in some ways, especially if you already know what you're looking for. the hard part is finding a platform that actually leads to conversations instead of endless swiping. adoreo is one dating/social site i've seen focused on meeting women, including polish women.
10 Reply
1 mosorry to say this, but I'm glad I'm not the only one experiencing this.
I actually dont like online dating and never really tried it, but it seems that people are more chatty online than in real life. I wish things were different but I guess this is the world we're living in now..00 Reply- 498 opinions shared on Dating topic.
2 moI do find it hard to meet people honestly! Especially people who are social. And I'm staying away from online dating after the last time, I'll just buy a wicker basket! 🤣
20 Reply 2.6K opinions shared on Dating topic. I found both the guys I have dated in the real world. Never had to online date.
Granted, we have over 50k students at this university. So, it isn’t hard to meet people.
11 Reply- 2 mo
1 moI don’t think offline dating is dead at all. I actually prefer meeting someone naturally because you get a much better sense of their personality and energy in real life. Online dating just gives us another way to meet people we probably wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise. I think the real challenge, online or offline, is finding someone who’s genuinely compatible. I’d rather wait for the right connection than force one just because I don’t want to be single.
00 Reply3.7K opinions shared on Dating topic. The thing with offline is you can learn so much more about someone in a shorter time than online. The pace of online is just too slow for me. There is also so many more landmines in online dating.
00 Reply
2 moSorry, my experience is completely different. Face to face interactions work better for me than I actually want them to. I get approached by women all the time.
00 ReplyYes. You have to be trying hard not to find a date when you're in your 20s
31 Reply- 2 mo
Either trying hard or totally inept.
2 moUnless I'm working with someone who I would be interested in, I've pretty much accepted that online is the way most people meet nowadays.
00 Reply
2 moI think it can work but it's difficult to find groups where potential partners might be intentional about meeting and getting to know you. I have had experiences at conferences and bars I enjoyed where I met cute girls. It's definitely possible
00 Reply516 opinions shared on Dating topic. Well it still seems to work for me. I do not waste my time online dating... too much hassle. I meet women the old fashioned way. Face to face.
00 Reply394 opinions shared on Dating topic. You'll have to do the approaching and make it clear that you are interested in a date.
12 Reply- 2 mo
understand your point, but approaching men isn’t always possible for me. I do try to be friendly and open at social events, but men still don’t approach or show interest in dating. Even when I start conversations, they don’t continue or turn into anything.
So it’s not that I’m avoiding showing interest — it’s that real‑life dating just hasn’t worked out for me, which is why online dating feels like the only option left.
1 moI hate to say this.. if you're not having luck as a woman than you're not attractive to the opposite sex. Women always get approached. Men on the other hand don't
10 ReplyI much prefer meeting people irl. However most of my time is spent at work. When I’m not working and out, I’m usually focused on what I’m out doing and so it seems with everyone else.
00 Reply1.5K opinions shared on Dating topic. Offline is needle in a haystack stuff , possible but highly improbable..
00 Reply- 572 opinions shared on Dating topic.
2 moOnline might me easier to connect but don't have much issues to find dates irl either.
00 Reply - 6.4K opinions shared on Dating topic.
1 moReal-life doesn't work for dating because people aren't in the right headspace. They aren't thinking about dating. They're just trying to live their lives.
00 Reply 1.7K opinions shared on Dating topic. Fortunately I have never done online dating. I have always met girlfriends or my casual friends with benefits when in college or at a job I have had.
00 ReplyI've had a foot in both waters. Online hasn't been as successful for me honestly unless you find out you live close together and its actually feasible to do both.
00 Reply8.7K opinions shared on Dating topic. I have been married for a long time, but I still cannot imagine online dating
00 Reply11K opinions shared on Dating topic. Online isn't really an option either. Was on dating sites for a number of years and never met anyone worth pursuing.
00 Reply- 3.4K opinions shared on Dating topic.
2 moOnline is a con, offline is effective if it's dating specifically rather than generally social
00 Reply - 2.4K opinions shared on Dating topic.
1 moi get rejected both online and offline. and i have piles of rejections from the 2000s
00 Reply 6K opinions shared on Dating topic. Dating doesn't work. Either offline or online.
19 Reply- 2 mo
The trick or the magic is - if both were interested first 🥇 the spark
- 2 mo
Depends on the sparks ⚡🌩️ lol
- 2 mo
Lol 😂😆 you never know, some rare women could be relied on not to cheat ❌
- 2 mo
And that's why I'm just happily single. Never mingled - been stood up once. Learnt a lot from other women who were just platonic. Etc. life learnings. Chicken, egg. Etc
- 2 mo
It's all good my man. It's all good 😊👍🏻 smooth sailing over here ⛵
- 2 mo
Have a good day ) nice day
2 moYes, it takes time, and time acts like the roll of the dice.
00 Reply- 428 opinions shared on Dating topic.
2 moOnline dating doesn't work either.
00 Reply - 4.6K opinions shared on Dating topic.
2 moIn person is better for me.
00 Reply 3K opinions shared on Dating topic. I guess that depends on where you live
00 Reply380 opinions shared on Dating topic. Meet in person is better
00 Reply
2 moI never been in any relationship
00 Reply
2 moThat's in the past.
00 Reply
Is online dating still a thing?
Learn more
We're glad to see you liked this post.
You can also add your opinion below!
Girl's Behavior
Guy's Behavior
Flirting
Dating
Relationships
Fashion & Beauty
Health & Fitness
Marriage & Weddings
Shopping & Gifts
Technology & Internet
Break Up & Divorce
Education & Career
Entertainment & Arts
Family & Friends
Food & Beverage
Hobbies & Leisure
Other
Religion & Spirituality
Society & Politics
Sports
Travel
Trending & News
Most Helpful Opinions