Smartphones have changed the way we date in just a few years — but why does it still feel so hard? We've partnered with Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt to remind you what dating used to be like.
There's no denying that technology has changed so many aspects of our lives. We rely on our smartphones for almost everything — transportation, streaming shows, and even dating. Online dating in the early 2000s was very rare, but now in 2016 it has almost become the norm. If you aren't on multiple dating apps at a time, then what are you doing?!
We often catch ourselves remembering our early dating ways as if they were just yesterday — though they practically were. Keep reading to see the major differences between dating now versus in the late '90s and early 2000s. Then let us know — has dating changed for the better or worse?
1Meeting Online vs Meeting in Person
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim
One of the major differences of dating in the 2000s was that you actually met people in person before the first date. You could go to bars, parties, or clubs to meet new people and everyone was more friendly and open to conversation with strangers. Now people are more reliant on dating apps and sites to meet singles in the area. It's more convenient when you have a busy schedule, but it takes a bit of the fun out of going out.
Remember setting up your AOL status as "offline" just so you could "coincidently" log on at the same time as your crush? Those were the good old times! Now it's all about the constant back and forth on apps like Tinder, where you can message each other at any time.
There was nothing like rushing home to see if your new love interest had left you a romantic voicemail while you were out of the house. But do you remember how awkward it was to be the one that had to leave the voicemail? You felt like you were always put on the spot! Thankfully text messages are a lot easier to send, and they can be more direct so you make sure you don't forget anything you wanted to say.
Don't get us wrong, FaceTime is super convenient — you get to see your crush's adorable face without having to leave your house. But there was something so romantic about talking to that special someone on the phone all night. Plus, you didn't have to worry about the pressure of looking good throughout the whole conversation.
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5Social Media Stalking vs Getting to Know Each Other in Person
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim
Social media is now used as a tool that can help you learn things about someone without having to ask nosy questions. You might even become aware of major deal-breakers that you'll be happy you found out about sooner than later. But there are also those awkward moments when you feel like you know too much about your date before you actually meet in person. Maybe you shouldn't know about all his favorite shows from the past three years unless he tells you about it himself.
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