[dropcap]I[/dropcap]’m not the dating type. That’s not to say that there is any real ‘dating type,’ but if there was a non-dating type, I would be it. I enjoy copious amounts of time alone, I’m a sheet hog, and I generally don’t have patience for love games. Occasionally, however, I wonder if maybe I could become a ‘dater’. I like sharing, I enjoy the company of other people, I love cuddling, and you know what, sometimes I can even be charming.
When Tinder first arrived, I laughed. I gave it a once-over on the App Store and thought look at this recipe for disaster. However, initial judgments aside, I have seen many of my friends use the dating app for all sorts of purposes. Whether it was to make new friends or to meet future partners, my friends met people who would eventually change their lives, for better or for worse.
Since then, I’ve been rather curious about the app that I had initially scoffed at. Who uses Tinder? What compels people to use it?? And, most importantly, is Tinder any better in Europe?
This fall, when I jetted off to Copenhagen for a year abroad, my love life was less eventful than most 13-year olds’. After my friend dared me to get the app, I finally gave in. Rumour has it, the best way to meet Danes is online; it was time to kill my curiosity. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
Diversity is low — In Europe, everyone on Tinder has essentially the same name. I’ve matched with 10 Rasmus’ and five Christians. Not to say that this is an issue per se,, since I did get the app to meet locals, but it does lead me to the next problem.
Lost in Translation — All of the bios are either in Danish or Swedish. Someone could’ve written, “I’m a serial killer who enjoys plastic dolls filled with spiders” and I still would’ve swiped right thinking it meant, “I enjoy long walks to the fridge.” Google translate quickly became my best friend. Although everyone spoke English, it was only a matter of time before “where do you go to school?” and “why did you come to Copenhagen?” got a little old. But, it does make moments like these far more interesting.
What is a ‘superlike?’ — Does a ‘superlike’ mean love at first sight? Have I committed to this? Does this mean I really really like you?
A surprising amount of mutual friends — Whether it was from programs I had completed in the U.S, to my friends in Toronto, there were an incredible amount of Europeans who had friends in common with me. It really is a small world after all.
‘Netflix and chill’ — ‘Netflix and chill’ is a sexual innuendo I hadn’t caught on to for an uncomfortably long period of time while on Tinder. I genuinely thought this entailed eating pizza and watching Narcos. I was wrong.
Bad pick-up lines — As it turns out, lousy forms of greeting are present all over the world.
Travelling with Tinder, and the luck of the Irish — I happened to travel to Dublin to visit a friend of mine and swiped, because why not? Well, we can say that a) I’m luckier with the Irish, and b) they weren’t too happy about me flying back to Copenhagen…
Verdict — I went on a couple of dates, and all of them had some positive outcomes. Whether it was trying a new Danish pastry, or just meeting a very nice person, I’ve had some interesting experiences with Tinder. Have a met my Prince Charming? Well, I’m still navigating this minor humiliation until I find my Kanye.
