How to Meet People IRL and Ditch Dating Apps

Tired of endless swiping? Dating on Tinder and other top dating apps is how many singles find potential romantic partners. But something about meeting people out in the wild feels much more organic. Meeting people in real life helps you get to know their entire vibe and not base your attraction on photos and a bio. 

After using dating apps, you might wonder if you’ve forgotten that essential social skill of meeting people and approaching them in public. We know you’ve still got it! It’s all about building your confidence back up, removing yourself from behind the screen, and getting face-to-face.

Are Dating Apps Worth It?

The question on everyone’s mind: “Are dating apps worth it?” It depends on how seriously you take them.

You have to be open and willing to put in the effort when dating on Tinder and other apps. You have to craft an authentic dating app profile that portrays the real you. You have to take time to have real conversations with your matches instead of rushing on to the next. Sure, there are dating apps scams where people create fake profiles to try to get you to send them money. (Anyone watch The Tinder Swindler? It happens!) But if you use dating apps intentionally, they can totally be worth it. 

Can online dating replace meeting a person in real life? Especially when so many of us are conditioned to using dating apps? All the apps and online dating websites in the world could 

never fully replace meeting people in real life. Dating apps have become the norm in modern dating, but meeting people out and about is always a possibility, no matter what. (Well, unless the metaverse takes over!) We’re all social beings, and that won’t change.

Tips for Meeting People in Real Life

It’s an IRL dating summer, and it’s time to get paired up before cuffing season officially starts! We’ve got your tips to ditch dating apps (at least for now) and give meeting people in real life a shot, even if you’re a bit out of practice. 

Visit Local Spots on Your Own

This can be a bit intimidating at first, but choose places you already love going to! Start with spots like coffeehouses, farmers markets, cafes, or bookshops––all perfect for meeting people and striking up casual conversations. You could chat with someone reading an interesting book or grabbing fresh produce. If you have a dog, take them to the local dog park and talk to other dog owners. Let Fido accidentally bump into the cute guy or girl you want to meet. These are all very low-pressure, relaxed environments where meeting people feels natural.

Enlist the Help of Your Friends

The best possible scenario is getting introduced to a friend of a friend. Your friend can vet this person, and, since you love your friend, you’ll probably get along with their friend, too! It’s great meeting people that come pre-approved! Get a group together for some drinks or a house party. Have your friend invite people who might be outside your usual circle. This way, it’s a laid-back atmosphere where everyone is just getting to know each other. And if you hit it off with someone, it’s even better! At the very least you’ll make some new friends.

Get Involved with Your Hobbies

We know, we know. Everyone tells you to focus on your hobbies and the right one will come along eventually. (Major eye roll.) But meeting people this way works, especially if you’re proactive about spending time doing what you love with a group of people who also enjoy it. You never know: You could connect with someone passionate about the same thing and have something in common right away. 

Here are a few hobbies and activities that make meeting people IRL easier:

• Sports clubs
• Gym group classes
• Yoga or Pilates studios
• Art classes
• Improv groups
• Acting classes
• Book clubs
• Volunteer groups

And, just in case you don’t believe us, we’ll tell you again: It’s so much easier meeting people in real life when you’re enjoying yourself. So get out there and have fun sharing your passions, hobbies, or newfound talents with like-minded individuals. 

Attend Events for Singles 

Go where the single people are! Who would have thought it was that simple as a group of people gathered together, actively looking to date, right? You might try out a few meet-up events like speed dating or singles-specific events like happy hours or group activities. Even if you don’t meet anyone the first few times you go, socializing with other singles is always good practice. So, find local meet-up groups for singles and see where it leads you! 

Meeting People IRL Is Easier Than You Think

The idea of meeting people in real life sounds much more daunting than it actually is, we promise! Our parents, your grandparents, your great-grandparents all met people before dating on Tinder was a thing. We know it’s hard to imagine life before dating apps and online dating, but there really was a time when meeting people out with friends was the go-to. If dating apps are your comfort zone, put yourself out there! Get a little uncomfortable! The reward could be your next meaningful relationship! 

Need that extra boost of confidence for meeting people IRL? Heart Appeal is a dating community that offers one-on-one dating coaching, a supportive community of other singles, and valuable advice to guide you toward finding the love you deserve. 

Become a member and gain the confidence you need to enrich your love life.