Shove this in the face of your friends who think they’re better than you for meeting guys in real life

You know that friend? The one who's always bringing up the fact you're on Tinder, and particularly so when it comes to social outings. Somehow the topic of dating comes up, and she's quick to out you for relying on some "stupid app" (she's ~totally~ never downloaded) for romance.

She and her boyfriend met IRL — as you already know because she reminds you three times a day — and even though it's only been four dates, she's sure he's The One.

The good news? It isn't terribly likely they'll last. The bad news? When they do inevitably break up, you're still going to have to be the on there, picking up the pieces.

According to new research, meeting your significant other online means you have a better chance at making it last, because online dating culture is bringing down rates of break up (and divorce).

An economics professors at the University of Vienna in Austria has found that online dating brings about stronger bonds between partners, and people who wouldn't usually run in the same circles otherwise. They also found that in 2017, about a third of relationships are beginning online, with the method of meeting over apps only second to meeting at a bar or restaurant. But trends see it moving to first in coming years.

The best part? Couples who meet online are reportedly happiest, because every day they have to make the conscious decision to choose one another again and again. So know that just because Jess and Jake have some annoying meet-cute story about getting too high at a party and lying on the floor of a bathroom together, it doesn't really mean anything.

That guy you met on Tinder? He might actually be The One.

@carolinephinney