Today, more couples meet online than any other way, radically changing the world of dating compared to just a couple decades ago.
Still, traditional in-person methods may have merit, especially for those who have suffered from bad luck while online dating.
If you’re trying to find your soulmate, you may feel like you don’t have much time to waste, hoping to find the best and most effective dating methods in order to avoid the duds and sort through only your best matches.
Read on for a quick comparison of in-person and online dating, including the pros and cons of each.
In-Person Dating
In-person dating used to be the only option available for those looking for a romantic partner. And it’s still the best way to judge true chemistry, without screens or text delays getting in the way.
You can also avoid being catfished (falling for someone who isn’t actually who they say they are) or misled the way you might be online.
Still, in-person dating has its limitations. In particular, there’s a limited pool of people available when you only depend on meeting organically in person, and it’s hard to know who’s actually single and ready to mingle. And if you do find someone who looks interesting at a bar or party, it can be hard to initiate small talk without having any background information on each other.
Some old-school methods, such as speed dating events or being set up by a friend, may still work well for some today. These methods make it easier to break the ice, without needing to ever swipe on an app.
Online Dating
Compared to in-person dating methods, online dating makes it much easier to match with hundreds of singles. If you don’t want to be overwhelmed by your options, you can search by your personal preferences. For example, you can focus on only a specific nationality, like on these polish dating sites. Or you can focus on one shared interest, religion, or hobby.
But people may not always be who they say they are, and you may not truly connect offline. A match might be charming in messages but completely different in real life.
Dating apps can also be tiring to use, and while harassment isn’t tolerated on almost any app, you may still encounter someone who is rude or makes you feel uncomfortable.
Which of These Dating Methods Is Right for You?
Today, the dating options are practically limitless, with the internet making it easy to connect with thousands of new people. But that doesn’t mean that online dating is always best.
Of these dating methods, ultimately you get to decide which is right for you. And there’s nothing wrong with trying both! Try meeting people in person, and if you face some setbacks, take a break and join a dating site or app.
And above all else, remember to stay patient. No matter the dating method, it can take time to find your true love, but it’ll be worth the wait when you do!
For more on dating and relationships, read our other lifestyle articles!