babe •
How soon is too soon to join a dating app post-breakup?
Is the next day moving too fast? Let’s find out
by Jenn Ficarra
So you just dumped your boyfriend after two years together but truth be told, you've been over it for a while and you're ready to get back in the game. One hitch — you're unsure if it's too soon to join a dating app. What if his friends see? What if he sees? Well, if he sees it that means he's on the app too and as for his friends, they can mind their own damn business.
Is there such thing as too soon? An investigation:
"I waited two days after I dumped my boyfriend. I'd been over it for a while and was ready to get back out there." – Jane
"It's never too soon because I've literally downloaded it to see if he downloaded it as well!!!" – Gail
"This is bad but I do it during the argument that is leading up to breaking up and swipe while we argue to calm myself and be like 'ok theres plenty more out there'" – GiGi
"Always follow the Joey Tribbiani rule: half an hour." – Tess
"Who cares, as soon as you want to get back on your feet and sign up, sign up." – Anon
"Apps are what I turn to when I'm hurting over a guy or trying to get through a breakup. It's probably (read: definitely) unhealthy to slap the proverbial band-aid over the wound so soon, but it's so nice to bask in the attention of dudes after being kicked to the curb by one. I jump on Tinder or whatever pretty much immediately after to fill the void." – Amanda
"I waited two months out of respect for the relationship because I didn't want to hurt him any more than I had." – Lee
"Fuck his feelings. Join whenever you want to." – Julie
"Totally your call. Maybe day of is too soon but if the relationship is definitely over and you're ready to move on then do it." – Melissa
Whether it's the next day or four months later the truth is there's no set time limit for hoping back on dating apps. It's about when you feel comfortable and ready. Your dating life is your business and your business alone and if you feel ready to download Tinder, then do it. If you're more gun-shy that's okay too. Point is: swipe when you're ready and fuck what anyone else thinks about it.
Related stories recommended by this writer:
● Your realistic guide to life after an extra-messy breakup