Online dating and anxiety

@Curlygirl1

Online dating can get quite toxic and exhausting really fast! It definitely feels good in the beginning to receive all the likes but it can get quickly overwhelming and even become an addiction. Perhaps taking a break may help, what do you think?

Hey so I’m 16 and a month ago I was broken up with and we were together for a year and a half and I love her to death and she blocked me on everything so I have no way to contact her at all and she lives 45 minutes away. A week after she broke up with me I started talking to another girl and she liked me and we started hanging out and she started to say that she loves me. I don’t feel the same way yet and I just got out of a relationship and she broke up with her boyfriend to be with me. I always say I love you too just because I don’t want it to be awkward and everytime we hang out all I can think about is my ex and it’s getting so bad that everything we do just reminds me of her even when we are having sex and it’s been a month since the break up

@Curlygirl1 that can really be overwhelming but know that online dating should'nt be the solution to get rid of your loneliness. I understand it can be hard being lonely but you should take that time to get to know yourself and what you are interested. what are your hobbies and interest? what comes to you mind? try doing that for a change. you should always be aware of what it caused you since you can itself feel that online dating drained you. Take care you should be you priority, any other should only add happiness which you have.

@Curlygirl1 Online dating is freedom of choice. You can search for people by interests, place of residence or even worldview. If you want, you can check out hookup sites. This is especially useful for busy people who don't have time for spontaneous dating. All you need to do is fill out a profile and start chatting at your convenience.

@Curlygirl1

I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way, it sounds like things have been really tough lately. Online dating can definitely take a toll, especially when you’re putting yourself out there and not getting the results you hoped for. It’s okay to feel low right now, but I want you to remember that your worth isn’t tied to these experiences. Maybe taking a step back and focusing on things that bring you joy, whether that’s a hobby, self-care, or just taking time for yourself, could help shift your headspace a bit. Be kind to yourself during this time.

@Curlygirl1

Sorry to hear you are going through this. Dating can sometimes be a struggle. Have you considered taking a break, especially since it doesn't sound like you're enjoying yourself at this time? What other activities do you think can do to occupy your time in place of dating?

@Curlygirl1 I have had issues with online dating, too. I am currently in a relationship, but I barely have had relationships, outside of one that lasted three months. One thing that I learned is that the most effective time to match with people is when you first join. If you don't get matches and things are not going your way, to stop using that specific app for a time (sometimes, even deleting the app and re-creating a profile about a couple of weeks later), and the app will refresh and try to give you matches so that you are hooked on it. I also limited my time to just 15 minutes a day. When I started doing this, I eventually had better quality matches. Also, some apps are better than others, either better for your specific needs and what you are looking for, or just their user interface. If you are having trouble with prompts, using AI can help make things easier.

@Curlygirl1 Online dating is always tricky, as you see only part or the person and you tend to imagine the rest so that it fits what you want to have. Once you meet someone, try to do it in person as soon a as possible, so that you don't create fake expectations. And, at the same time, make sure you don't stop socializing and meeting people in real life, make the effort to go out and overcome shyness if you need to. Thanks for your question, it made me think and helped.

I am sorry to hear about your difficult times that you are experiencing and I hope things get better for you.

Hey @Curlygirl1!
I'm really sorry you're feeling this way. It sounds like online dating, which you initially approached with a positive mindset, has started to feel overwhelming and draining. It's tough when things don’t work out the way you hoped, and it’s understandable that it’s impacting your mood and anxiety. Remember, your worth isn't tied to your dating experiences, and it's okay to take a step back when it starts to feel too much. Focusing on self-care and taking time for yourself might help ease the pressure. You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to feel how you're feeling.