Hello World. It's me. Rachel Marie. I'm a 25-year-old girl, and I am so totally single! This being the case, I tend to think that it would be cool to find a charming man I get along with and make it a thing! But then often I also think that I make an awesome single person and I'd be comfortable hanging out with myself a little longer.
Anywho, the point is that I'm single.
In addition to being single, I also live in a glorious valley where being single at my age is sometimes not so cool. People here get married quite young! And very, I might add. (And I wish happiness to them all!) Although I feel comfortable and happy with myself, I definitely feel the pressure of society to quickly find a man and get married.
And before I get too far into this, let me say this: I want to get married. I most definitely do! I would love to live the rest of my life with my best man-friend and create little versions of ourselves together to have run around the house and play with. Family is awesome! Yes, there are difficult things that come along with having a family, but from what I understand it's so totally worth it! I believe in a God who is also our loving Heavenly Father, and I know that families are a huge blessing from Him. They are the most basic and important unit in His glorious plan for us. So yes, I want this. I really, really, really want this. But I also know that timing is a legit thing, and it's pretty apparent that it just isn't my time yet. I've dated several incredible guys, and I continue to go on dates, but I simply haven't gotten to the point where I can say "Yes" and let him "put a ring on it."
Enter Tinder.
When I first heard about Tinder, I had recently returned home from serving as mission in the Hungary Budapest Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka the LDS Church, aka The Mormons). I knew the world had changed a little bit while I was away on my mission (living a lifestyle away from the media and other technological pleasures), but I hadn't realized that the dating world had shifted into a whole new dimension!
"What is this thing, Tinder?" I asked. Based on my short research project, I gathered enough information to lead me to the conclusion that I would never use Tinder. I like the idea of old-fashioned dating! I like it when men have the courage to ask me out in person, or at least over a phone call. I like feeling like a human by have face-to-face interactions with people. I like communicating in person with people so I can hear their voice, and see their facial expressions and other body language. I don't like being judged based on a picture of me. I don't like communicating through my phone all the time. I don't like the idea of there being creepers on apps--such as Tinder--that could easily fake one personality, but then turn out to be my worst nightmare. So I decided no-- I will never use Tinder.
Well kids, I got Tinder.
WHY???? After going strong for nearly THREE YEARS, I got the one app that I had committed to never get! WHY???? Okay, I'll tell you why.
I'm an incredibly busy person. (Yes, there are definitely people in this world who are more busy than me, but let me tell you in short-- I'm incredibly busy.) With the insane schedule I have, I am always interacting with the same circles of people as I go from place to place, from one responsibility to the next. I rarely meet new people! It's hard to find new people to interact with and go on dates with when you always see the same people.
So a couple weeks ago I began asking myself, "How am I supposed to actively go on dates and actually find a suitable husband if I'm not meeting any new men?!" Sure, maybe I'll surprisingly end up marrying someone I already know. But what if I don't? I need to meet new people! I dwelt on this question and dilemma for several days, and one word kept popping into my head: Tinder. The moment it entered my mind I shoved it out and locked the door. But again it came knocking. Tinder. It pestered me for days, and wouldn't leave me alone.
Make this long story a little bit shorter, I ended up having a conversation with my brother who has been a part of the Tinder community for a few years now. He validated all of my fears and concerns with the app, but he also made it clear that Tinder can be a great tool when it comes to meeting new people.
So, friends, I am now a partaker of the Tinder World. I'm still very new to it, and I'm still trying to figure it out. I am amazed by how anxious I can get about swiping right or left! People make it seem so easy, but man, I'm having a hard time!
With this being a new blog about my Tindering experiences, I will say now that I won't be revealing any personal information about those I go on dates with from Tinder so as to avoid any embarrassment (unless it's me that I'm embarrassing-- then that's okay.) Who knows what crazy adventures this new endeavor will bring, but I hope they're mostly good!
So go ahead and join me as we find out What's Tindering!
