Choices are endless it seems, even in dating. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make the reality of dating any easier. That’s why most daters keep going back to Tinder, or Match, or OkCupid. Or whatever app they know, and hoping this time it will be different. We have become afraid to try new approaches, and new apps, because…what’s the point? But here’s the thing: some dating apps really are different, and are built with women in mind. Our number one issues with online dating – security and empowerment – have become a priority.
I’d like to cut through the crap and point out some noteworthy female-friendly dating apps to try.
Let’s be real: a lot of women are turned off by online dating because of safety concerns and unsolicited/unwanted messages. Online dating takes courage, people. Let’s not forget to treat each other with more respect.
That said, I’m glad that there are dating apps trying to foster better connections, providing services for the frustrated female dater. Because at the end of the day, regardless of the app, most people want to form real relationships, not an endless string of messages that go nowhere.
So, I decided to do a little round-up of new female-friendly dating apps to try. These I feel are focused on building relationships, and help women avoid the d*ckpics. If you have gotten tired of the online dating scene, cheer up – here are some great new choices:
Sweet Pea
Like its name, this dating app’s approach to the online dating scene is a bit…nicer than most. Sweet Pea’s mission is to connect people by “fostering quality conversations and self expression” according to its website. Sweet Pea wants to create a “more empathetic” experience for daters who have reservations about the genuineness of online dating. In addition to great features that other dating apps employ, such as icebreakers and video profiles, Sweet Pea offers safety features like “Driver’s Seat,” where a user can decide if they want to message matches first. “Hush” allows users to filter messages and content. Users can also choose from an array of 20+ gender identities, making it a much more inclusive app.
PLUS, my personal favorite part of the app is its tangible commitment to building healthy relationships, something that is a first for the online dating industry. Sweet Pea donates 10% of all profits to charities that help people escape and recover from toxic relationships and living situations that involve verbal abuse, domestic violence, and emotional trauma. Here’s a sobering statistic: Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women ages 15-44 in the United States. Sweet Pea partners with organizations like The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Loveisrespect, and RAINN to raise awareness and help address this public health crisis. Thank you Sweet Pea!!
Bumble
Bumble has defined itself by giving women the power in online dating. Rather than deleting endless unwanted messages (and d*ckpics), the app makes sure women have the choice to reach out first, so men don’t become predatory online daters. While this isn’t a new concept, Bumble seems to get the marketing right, and has amassed over 12 million users in just two years. Ladies, I suggest you use Bumble as an alternative to Tinder.
Coffee Meets Bagel
CMB has gone through a few changes, but the newest version of this dating app is focused on all the right things. Like Bumble, the app has always championed women, usually by limiting matches so that users are not mindlessly swiping. Case in point: the company’s now offering Ladies Choice, which sends guys up to 21 matches each day where they “like” or “pass.” Women receive matches of the guys who already “liked” them, and they can choose to message or not. So, give these apps a try and see what you think. I’d love to hear from you. Happy dating!
XO,
Kelly
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
Turner says
Guy Here. I am on bumble and find it refreshing. I think as a guy too it is a better experience than say…Tinder because the girls on Bumble seem to have a more genuine interest to move the conversation along and get to know each other than to have some killer one line interactions. I think it is better to have the girl more comfortable and want to initiate the next move in the convo, otherwise you just end up with a meat market online…
Ill be sure to check out sweet pea. Thanks for the heads up.