The Sexual Health Centre is delighted to welcome the Sex and Love Therapy (S.A.L.T.) programme to its services. This customised group therapy programme supporting people with concerns in relation to problematic sexualised behaviour is a further resource to support the sexual wellbeing of the Cork community.
“The S.A.L.T. programme has been developed over the last number of years with a view to supporting people in regulating their own sexual behaviour and eliminate any internalised shame or isolation that may be associated with it. At the Sexual Health Centre, we recognise that sex and relationships can sometimes become problematic. As sexual health remains an inherent aspect of each of our lives, we are delighted to now be able to offer this service from our organisation in Peters Street, Cork”, noted Catherine Kennedy, Centre Manager.
The Sex and Love Therapy (‘S.A.L.T.’) programme was created by Donal Clifford, an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist working in addiction therapy and is based on the training he undertook with Paula Hall, a leading expert in the area of sex addiction in the UK.
Dr. Martin Davoren, Executive Director of the Sexual Health Centre said that this service is “for any person who feels they are engaging in any sexual activity to a degree which creates a negative impact on their life.”
Mr. Clifford highlighted the niche cohort of counsellors that are adequately trained and equipped to fully meet client needs in this specific area of work:
“The most effective therapy in this area requires counsellors who have a background in both addiction counselling and psychotherapy, and who are comfortable addressing the range of sexual behavioural issues that can come up for clients.
“Some clients would feel quite detached and avoidant of sex, which is also a problem for long-term couples, who may not be engaging with each other sexually at all. Others have co-dependency issues and consistently jump in and out of unhealthy relationships,” highlighted Mr. Clifford.
The programme is predominately run in a group therapy setting, separated by gender. The group dynamic encourages trust and allows people to address their issues in a safe space with the help of their peers.
“It is so important to listen to a client’s concerns without judgement. I am not here to tell someone what is normal or right. This therapy is not about labelling anybody a ‘sex addict’ – it is a tool that helps people to identify why their behaviour concerns them and how to move forward in a healthy, responsible, shame-free manner.
“It also provides crucial intervention which can prevent increased risk-taking behaviour further down the line, thus improving sexual health outcomes.”
Issues related to a pattern of consistent unhealthy relationships, compulsive porn consumption and anonymous sex are also within the wide remit of the S.A.L.T. programme. The Sexual Health Centre is keen to develop this area of work, recognising that the behaviour can lead to many issues for an individual including relationship problems, friendship problems, difficulties at work, and substance misuse amongst other negative outcomes.
Anyone interested in this service can contact the Centre via our helpline on 021 427 6676 to book a consultation and establish whether S.A.L.T. is suitable for them. Following this, individual assessments are carried out to ensure that clients meet specific criteria.
This Device for Your Penis Might Be the Answer for ED
If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), you might find the answer in a new wearable device for your penis called Eddie, by Giddy.
For many men, erectile dysfunction is a condition that puts a serious damper on their sex life. And, more guys experience ED than you might guess; more than 47.5 million in the US. ED can affect men both young and old, through physical or mental health conditions. According to earlier statistics in an AskMen article on erectile dysfunction, 40 percent of men around the age of 40 suffer from ED as well.
All this to say, ED is a problem that can affect men of all ages. And while there are various new medications available to help, you might have another option courtesy of today’s technology through Giddy.
Sure, it’s probably just another cock ring, right? Actually, Giddy claims to be the answer to treating erectile dysfunction without medicine. According to the website that launched last year, you’ll also have great sex with the device. To be clear, “the best sex you’ve had in years is here,” it says on the page. “No prescriptions. No side effects of ED pills. No waiting.”
The device is similar to a cock ring, but instead has a unique fit that keeps blood in your erect penis, essentially keeping it hard, without compressing the arteries. The idea is that the device keeps the blood in the area of your body where it needs to be while you are having sex. When you climax, there’s no discomfort because it doesn’t compress the urethra.
Eddie by Giddy is backed by a team of urologists, ED specialists, and engineers, as well as professionals in various areas. According to Dr. Chris Kyle, MN, MPH, “Eddie is the most comfortable, wearable ED product. It’s designed to actually fit the human body and work with its natural functions.” And, according to Shan Boodram, certified sexologist, “It’s changing the way we look at ED and changing the lives of those who have been hurt because of it.”
Eddie comes in four different sizes, with two different tension bands with varying constriction levels. Giddy also produced a dynamic video series led by experts in health and wellness, meant to treat the mental, emotional, and lifestyle aspects of ED. A free version of the ED Guide was released to the public at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, for singles and couples stuck in quarantine.
For guys who might be struggling with ED, or are looking for a recreational “boost” in their sex life, Eddie might be the perfect new sex tech product to bring into the bedroom. But, never assume there are guarantees to treating ED. There are other factors at play and you should always consult with a medical professional for treatment options.
Dating for older people can be an exciting, rewarding, and incomparable journey. Whether you’re newly single or you’ve been on your own for years, finding love is possible.
Sure, the dating game may have changed since the last time you were in it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take part.
Think about it: you’re wiser, more confident, and less willing to settle. This puts you in a great position to find a fulfilling connection.
But to do that, there are some things you should take note of first. Here’s our advice on how to navigate dating after 50.
Dating for Older People: How to Find Love After 50
Learn from your previous relationships
Our past relationships can hold many lessons. Take time to look back over your past romances before you start this new chapter.
If you were in a loving committed relationship for decades, think about what made your dynamic successful. Or if you’ve always been unlucky in love, identify your missteps.
Did you go for the right kind of people? What may have held you back from giving a certain connection your all?
Learning from our past can help us understand ourselves better and give us an idea of what kind of traits, and people, we should go for this time around.
Be accepting of where you are today
If there’s one thing that we can be certain of, it’s that life rarely goes as planned.
Maybe you’ve just divorced someone you thought you’d be with forever? Or are you just ready to start dating after losing a long-term partner?
Even if you’ve never had a serious relationship or children, everyone has a history by the time they’re 50.
Wherever you find yourself, you may begin to critique where you are to where you thought you might be or compare yourself to others.
Our advice? Avoid doing this. You know what they say, comparison is the thief of joy!
Instead of seeing what might be missing from your life, notice all that you’ve achieved! You’ve created a vibrant life for yourself. Better yet? You did it all on your own.
Taking pride in your accomplishments will instill you with confidence and make you more attractive to potential suitors too.
Open your heart
If you’re dating again for the first time in a long time, being vulnerable with your dates may feel daunting.
Maybe you’re so used to managing your feelings alone, or been with the same partner for years, that sharing your emotions with someone else seems scary.
If it does, take a deep breath. One of the great things about dating for older people is that it can move at your own pace.
Instead of putting yourself out there by revealing too much, take time to get to know someone before opening up. For example, don’t feel pressure to share your entire relationship history with someone on the first date.
Wait until you that topic comes up or you feel close with someone to reveal any intimate details. In the meantime, share something else with them!
Take a trip down memory lane and tell a story from your past or open up about your passions.
Opening up doesn’t have to mean telling them something painful or upsetting. It can mean sharing how you feel, what you believe, or what you want.
Try out online dating
If you’re not a fan of technology, don’t let that deter you from trying out online dating. It’s simply a tool people use to find love and a pretty good tool at that!
Start by exploring some online dating sites. There are tons of over 50s online dating platforms that cater to people just like you.
The best online dating advice for older people is to pick one dating site and then, stick with it. Dedicate time to become familiar with it. That way, it’ll feel less intimidating in no time.
You can even adjust your preferences so that you can find someone of a similar age and expectations. Think of it as a modern-day matchmaker!
If tackling this part of online dating feels overwhelming, don’t stress.
Why not search for dating advice online? Or ask a trusted friend or family member for advice?
Try out a new hobby
However, just because you’re looking for love online doesn’t mean you should give up on finding it in-person!
A classic tip for anyone looking for love is to take up a new hobby. This is particularly true when it comes to dating for older people.
Not only will taking up a hobby in your 50s connect you with like-minded individuals, but it’s also beneficial to your overall health.
If you’re currently socially distancing, don’t worry. There are currently tons of classes and groups that meet online.
Choose a hobby that you’re passionate about. You don’t need to be an expert or have any previous experience in it, just have fun!
It’s a good idea to opt for a pastime that’s age-appropriate and in your locality. That way you’ll meet people in your age range who’re closeby.
Dating when you’re young wasn’t straight-forward and unfortunately, neither is dating for older people.
It’s a journey full of surprises, joys, and maybe even upsets, but that’s what makes it special.
One thing is for sure, by taking note of our advice above, you’ll feel prepared for any unexpected turns that come your way! Make the most of it and remember, there’s no age limit on love!
Revolution Dating is honoring all First Responders for their service during challenging times by offering Exclusive Memberships for all First Responders who enroll this November.
Press Release –
updated: Oct 19, 2020
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., October 19, 2020 (Newswire.com)
– First Responders sacrifice their time and their safety to keep everyone safe. During the global pandemic, they care for the sick and the most vulnerable. They take care of children and the elderly. They work long hours in uncertain environments during the pandemic. And like everyone else, they need love. Revolution Dating is an agency that cares about connecting those in the community who are the Ultimate heroes. Revolution Dating is offering exclusive Memberships for all First Responders who enroll this November. Call 561-630-9696. First Responders don’t have time for Online Dating. Instead, they need a service that pre-screens and connects people through a Matchmaker.
Kelly Leary, the founder of Revolution Dating, has seen more than ever before that online daters have become intolerably disenchanted with the risky game of internet dating sites. At Revolution Dating, they meet everyone face to face safely, separating the good from the bad. Kelly’s Team is not just setting up dates. They’re changing lives, and what better time to start but now before the New Year?
During the Fall they see a huge increase of new applicants. Years ago, people used a dating service because they couldn’t get a date. Today, they join because they’re too busy to look or dislike online dating and the bar scene. Revolution Dating is an upbeat private relationship club set up to attract upwardly mobile singles from their late 20s to comfortably retired men and women in their early 80s. It’s been celebrated on the cover of four magazines these past years. This month, they’ll be featured in Jupiter Magazine and Stuart Magazine. Also, look for The Singles Scene columns by Revolution Dating founder Kelly Leary.
This Fall and Holiday season, hundreds of local people will spend this month together, thanks to Kelly Leary’s team. LOVE is the answer. Today, do something spectacular. Everyone deserves love. Visit www.revolutiondating.com.
Exclusive memberships for all First Responders who enroll this November. Call 561-630-9696
THE Florida Matchmaker will also be open on Saturdays and Sundays for new client interviews by demand. Don’t get on the Waiting List. Call 561-630-XOXO (9696) to set up an appointment today.The team at Revolution Dating is looking forward to meeting more spectacular people in November.
Revolution Dating is a professional matchmaking service in Palm Beach, Florida owned by well-known Matchmaker and local Cupid Kelly Leary. Members enjoy the privilege of having a professional evaluate and match them with a mate who shares their goals and values. South Florida and Treasure Coast singles should inquire about www.revolutiondating.com.
The iOS app version of Positive Singles has recently announced that they have optimised the bottle drift feature so as to bring in better engagement and aid in improved dating ease. They are foreseeing great response for it.
Press Release –
updated: Oct 18, 2020
NEW YORK, October 18, 2020 (Newswire.com)
– Positive Singles has recently announced that they have brought some changes to their iOS app version. The bottle drift feature that allows the different members to throw bottles that can be opened or closed anonymously as well was a massive hit among users. Given the kind of prolific response this feature got, the team decided to make it even better and thereby brought in some changes.
Free members on the site will be able to send 1 throw and three pickups every day. At the same time, those who chose to have premium membership on the site are entitled to 3 throws and 10 pickups every day. This has been done with the key aim of increasing the effect of floating bottle on the sea. Most users are mighty excited about this change.
Suny Zhang, the CEO of the site was quoted as saying, “At Positive Singles, we believe in incorporating the best features and then improvising them every now and then so as to keep the members hooked. Based on the responses gauging the use of different features, we decided to come up with this new strategy and we are hopeful that things will peak up drastically.”
Those who would like to try out the drift bottle feature and even the ones who would like to opt for paid membership plan and enjoy increased throws and pick up should make it a point to visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1419085637
About Positive Singles
Positive Singles is one of the top online dating portal that has tons of verified members. The site enjoys whopping success too as several people managed to find their true partner by choosing to register as a member here.
Technology has revolutionized the way we find love. With over 366 million people using dating apps, you don’t have to set foot within 100 miles of a bar these days to find what you’re looking for. The best dating apps connect like-minded singles from all over the globe with the swipe of a finger or the touch of a button!
But with so many dating apps for iPhones, Androids, Google phones, Windows phones, etc.—how do you know which ones are actually worth your time? That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you avoid the duds, find the studs, and get what you’re looking for. Below you’ll find a list of the top dating apps for singles in 2023.
The Best Dating Apps
1. Elite Singles
When it comes to leaders in the online dating app world, Elite Singles is one that almost always (and should) be at the top of the conversation. With almost 400,000 new users every month and 85% of the membership base holding an above-average education, it’s a great place to find high-quality, successful, and educated single men and single women. Elite Singles is a great pick for those looking for a relationship or at least dating that could eventually turn into a relationship with the right person.
2. Zoosk
35 million members…3 million messages sent daily…and a decade and a half in the online dating community. These three stats alone should tell you why Zoosk is a must-try for singles in the US and internationally (available in over 80 countries). What’s great about Zoosk is the dating app caters not only to singles looking for serious relationships (like Elite Singles and eHarmony), but it also works for those looking for a little more relaxed (which is why it also headlines our list of the best casual dating apps). If you want the most options out there, try out Zoosk.
3. eharmony
There’s a reason that so many people call eharmony the best across the board—because it works. To date, over 2 million people have found love through the app’s matchmaking algorithm, which works out to a new couple about every 14 minutes! By the time you get done reading this article, another couple will have found love. Maybe you’re next? With over 2.3 million messages sent weekly, eharmony is a must-try for singles looking for committed and serious relationships. It’s no surprise that eharmony tops the list of the best dating apps for marriage too!
4. SilverSingles
Dating apps don’t just cater to the young and tech-savvy anymore. SilverSingles, part of the prominent Spark Network brand of apps, is designed exclusively for singles 50 years and older making it our top pick for the best senior dating sites. What’s great is that users report the app is filled with “young at heart” singles and is a great place to find single men and women who are in the same season of life as you. Whether you are looking for friends, activity partners, casual dating, or to find the love of your life—SilverSingles is amazing for the 50+ community.
5. Higher Bond
It’s always exciting when a new dating app comes out! And if you’re a Christian single who is tired of the luke-warm options out there that feel more like mainstream dating apps with the word Christian slapped on—you’re in luck. Higher Bond is a brand new Christian dating app designed for singles who “value faith as the driving force behind their relationship decisions.” If that sounds like what you’ve been looking for, then this is a must-try for you.
Currently, Higher Bond is giving all users who sign up a free three month premium membership to celebrate their recent launch! If you’re at all interested in meeting other Christian singles, you really have nothing to lose. And, as you might expect, Higher Bond does take the top spot on our list of the best Christian dating apps.
Biggest Pro: Designed for more serious Christian singles
One of the newest dating apps out there is The League (founded in 2014, so not that new). It’s a unique spin on online dating where prospective singles have to join a waiting list and get voted onto the app. The idea is a higher caliber of singles, specifically those who have excelled in life and their field of choice. The League has caught some flack for being too “elitist” and not being open to everyone, but it’s hard to deny that the quality of singles (at least by these metrics) is quite high. If you’re curious, hop on the waiting list!
7. Bumble
Bumble is a unique swipe-style dating app where users are shown profiles of users in their area. If you and another user both indicate interest in each other, a conversation is opened up. However, unlike the original swipe dating app Tinder, only the woman may send the first message. If she chooses not to after 24 hours, the match expires.
For many, they love this as it works to break the stereotypical gender norms of dating. However, for others, they aren’t fans because it puts pressure on the women to make the first move and leaves no opportunity for men to take the lead. Ultimately, whether you like it or not is going to come down to personal choice. But with over 43 million monthly average users, the app is incredible popular and certainly worth holding a spot on our best dating apps list.
8. Hinge
Hinge, one of the latest acquisitions by Match Group (the company that owns Tinder, Match.com, Chispa, etc.), has grown in popularity, especially among younger and more creative users. The app allows you to create a much more interactive and creative profile than any other dating app on this list. You can choose which prompts you answer, where your pictures go, and add video, voice, and questions/polls for other matches.
For some, this is a welcomed opportunity to show off their creativity and create a profile that truly shows who they are. However for some, it’s a little too outside of the box and makes it hard to find the important information you want to know about your matches.
9. Catholic Match
Niche dating apps are either really great or ghost towns that should be avoided. For Catholic Singles, there is good news. Catholic Match is the largest Catholic dating app on the planet and is 100% focused on faith-based relationships. What’s really neat about this app is that it has the endorsement of several Catholic leaders and exclusive partnerships with Catholic schools and organizations, so you don’t have to worry about stepping outside of the lines of your faith to find other Catholic singles.
10. Coffee Meets Bagel
Making the list of the best dating apps doesn’t always mean you have to overcomplicate things and reinvent the wheel. Coffee Meets Bagel (no, the site has nothing to do with coffee or bagels) takes a casual and modern approach to online dating. According to the CMB staff, over 91% of the people on the site are looking for something a little more serious.
Regarding how Coffee Meets Bagel works, the app gives you a few matches a day and lets you choose who you are interested in. Oh, and if you’re a fan of the show Shark Tank, you may have seen Coffee Meets Bagel turning down an offer to sell the entire company for $30 million dollars in their early days! It seems like they’ve made the right decision and have seen great success through continuing to offer a unique flash sale style online dating app.
Biggest Pro: Matches are suggested based on CMB’s compatibility algorithm.
Biggest Con: List of potential matches is limited to 5 per day.
It’s true that Jewish singles can have a lot of luck on more traditional dating apps, but many seem to prefer this faith-based option that’s been helping Jews find love online since 1997. JDate is hands-down the undisputed leader for Jewish dating apps. Don’t believe us? What if we told you that JDate is responsible for over 50% of all Jewish marriages that started online.
With robust profiles, an active userbase, and unique features to search, match, and connect, Jdate is another brand from the Spark network of sites offering a niche experience that’s actually worth your time.
Biggest Pro: Millions of Jewish singles registered worldwide.
Biggest Con: Though fully functional, app design is a bit underwhelming.
Another name you always hear in the discussion of the best dating apps is Match.com. While the features have remained fairly consistent over the years, the platform still is relevant and does a good job of connecting singles. According to Match.com, hundreds of thousands of singles find love on the app every single year. Available on desktop, iOS, or Android, you’ve got a lot of flexibility if you’re looking for a place to find a committed relationship.
So why isn’t this higher up on our list of the top dating apps? Well, despite all it’s accomplishments Match.com hasn’t always played fair and they were sued by the FTC in 2019. The largest claim was that the Match and other dating apps owned by the company were creating fake profiles internally to trick users into purchasing subscriptions.
This traditional dating app has certainly worked for a lot of people since it’s start in 1995, but it’s got a lot of work to do in earning user trust before we’ll feel comfortable moving it up on our listt.
13. BLK
Owned by the massive Match Group (owners of apps like Match.com and Tinder), BLK is a free dating app designed for black singles. Available via iOS and Android, BLK has gained a fairly large user base and from what we can see users are loving BLK.
The dating app has an average app store rating of over 4.5, so it’s pretty easy for us to say that this is one of the best dating apps for black singles. That being said, it definitely swings more toward the casual side of things so it may be worth checking some other options if you want marriage or serious relationships.
The app follows a freemium model giving you the basic functionality at no cost but you have the option to buy add-ons to enhance the experience. User reviews do mention a high prevalence of spam/fake profiles, but that’s probably to be expected from a platform that is 100% free to join. At the low low price of free we think black singles should certainly give this highly rated dating app a try.
Biggest Pro: Safe, unified dating app for black singles.
Biggest Con: BLK membership pricing and structure can be confusing.
Despite their being some stories of couples finding love on Tinder, this is probably not one of the best dating apps for you if you’re looking for serious dating. However, if you’re looking for casual fun that maybe could turn into something more and you want it now—Tinder is the winner. The app leverages your location to show you potential matches geographically close to you that fit your matching parameters. See someone you like? Swipe right. Not interested? Swipe left. If two people swipe right to indicate interest, a match is created and a conversation opened up.
The reason this app is so low on our dating app is that in addition to it’s reputation for being a hookup app it’s notorious for causing dating app burnout. In a recent study our team found that nearly 80% of adults say they have experienced burnout or fatigue from using dating apps and over 53% of those polled had been using Tinder.
This dating app is incredibly popular and if you’re looking for something casual, easy, and affordable then you really can’t go wrong. Just make sure you’re looking our for your own mental wellbeing and staying safe online.
Are Dating Apps Worth It?
The bottom line upfront is that YES online dating apps do work and therefore are completely worth it if you’re looking for a better way to meet singles in your area. However, there are a lot of caveats to this that can increase or decrease your success rates. These include things like joining the right app, putting the right amount of directed and intentional effort into the process, and approaching the entire process with the right expectations.
While most people you talk to will have anecdotal stories about whether or not they think online dating works, the reality is that these are just their opinions and personal experiences. Their success or lack of success does not properly indicate whether or not you’re going to have success dating online. Instead, we’d invite you to look at the bigger picture that the data shows.
Here are a few stats that help to drive home the point that, yes, dating apps do work.
57% of people who have used online dating apps say it was a positive experience (Pew Research Center)
Over 2 million people on popular dating app eharmony have found love (eharmony)
Most of the best dating apps have extensive lists of success stories you can see. Here are a few examples:
As we mentioned, there are a few factors that can help your success rate with online dating apps and can ultimately be the make or break on whether it is worth it for you or not. Let’s look at a few of those now.
It Matters What App You Join
Don’t worry; this is not going to be a shameless plug for any dating app in particular. What we want to say, though, is that online dating apps only work if you join the right app. Which app is the right app? The reality is—there is not one app that is right for everyone. You need to find the option that fits your needs the best and is most accommodating to what it is that you’re looking for. That’s the reason this list has several options and not just one single app that is the best dating app for everyone. It just doesn’t exist.
The point is that if you join the wrong type of dating site, you’re not going to have much luck. For example, if you’re looking for a fling and you join eharmony, you’re not going to have much luck. That site is really only for people looking for something serious, and you’ll be lost.
Additionally, joining a free dating site that doesn’t have the resources to invest in proper security is a losing recipe. Stick to higher quality dating apps, even if that requires you to pay for a premium membership. A small investment can go a long way to making sure online dating works for you.
It Matters If You Put in Effort
Just joining the right online dating app is not the only key to getting dating apps to work. You have to be willing to put in some effort. We aren’t saying that you need to commit 12 hours a day to the process, but you do need to be willing to give it the effort it needs to work.
This means that you need to fill out your profile, take the time to upload some photos, and actually look around and find some people to message. When you find people that you are interested in and want to message, YOU NEED TO MESSAGE THEM. We can’t tell you how many people we’ve talked to that say online dating isn’t working and then proceed to tell us they’ve sent out and responded to zero messages.
If you aren’t willing to engage in the process and give things a chance, it will never work for you. You don’t just join a dating app, and Mr. or Ms. Right shows up on your doorstep in 30 seconds. While online dating certainly makes the process easier and more efficient, it still requires some effort from you.
It Matters Your Expectations
Remember when we mentioned that the quality of your matches was a good indicator of the quality of an app? You’ve got to do your part, too. If you’ll only accept someone who’s 6’1”, jacked, has black hair and green eyes, owns a successful chain of high-end cheese shops, and wants to get married in the next six months, you will definitely be disappointed by every app you try. Preferences are one thing, but if you’re so set in your ways that your search yields zero results, it’s probably not a problem with the app.
Don’t settle, but if you’re not finding the kinds of people you’d like to meet, take a little time to reflect on what your relationship goals are, and understand the difference between a priority and a preference. You may be missing out on meeting the love of your life just because you have a fantasy person already imagined.
How Do Dating Apps Work?
Often, people have a mental block to accepting that dating apps do in fact work. When we talk to these people, we find that the block is often rooted in the fact that they just don’t understand how dating apps and dating sites actually work. In light of today’s discussion, we thought we’d give you a quick overview. This should help you to see the merits of the process and better understand that it can be a viable way to meet someone special.
Here is how online dating apps work. Keep in mind that things will be different on each app, but here is the general way. Members (like you) join an app and share some information about yourself, what you’re looking for, and a picture of yourself. While you are doing this, other members are doing the same thing.
The dating app then takes all of this information and puts it into a profile for you. Based on your preferences of what you are looking for and what other members are looking for, they show your profile to them and their profile to you. If either of you is interested (or if both are interested in some instances), you can send a message to each other! From there, it is up to you if you want to talk on the phone, meet in person, go on a date, etc.
Other dating apps follow a similar process but use what is called mutual match to control conversations. As you look at other user’s profiles and they look at yours, you can swipe to indicate that you are interested or not. As soon as two people indicate interest in each other, a conversation is opened up and both users are notified. This does reflect the way the bulk of dating apps work nowadays, though, there are a lot of concerns about how swipe-style dating apps affect your mental health. It’s the reason you see very few of these options on our list of the best dating apps above and more options that follow a traditional profile approach to the process.
The bottom line is that online dating is real people looking to connect with other real people using technology to make that process easier and more efficient.
Common Arguments Why Dating Apps Don’t Work
Most people who are asking if dating apps are worth it or if they really work have probably been told by someone else that they don’t or they have their own thoughts as to why not. What we wanted to do is talk about the most common arguments as to why dating apps don’t work and share our opinions on each.
“Dating sites are full of scammers.”
This 100% depends on which dating app or site you use. Are some of them full of scammers? Absolutely. Romance scams do exist. But the higher quality dating apps with great processes in place do wonders to remove these people. Yes, there will be some that slip through the cracks, but how is that different than when you go to meet people in person? In person, you have no systems trying to verify if the person is real or not.
Online, you at least have technology trying to help. And as long as you trust your guy, this is not a reason that online dating doesn’t work. And if you’re really concerned (which is ok), you might want to check out our list of the safest dating apps for more options and information.
“I had a bad experience dating online.”
Often, this is from someone who met someone online who things didn’t work out with. Does this mean that all of online dating is terrible? Does it mean that everyone online is awful? You’re considering joining and you’re not terrible! So that debunks that right away. The same could be said about bars being bad for dating because a lot of people have met people at bars and it didn’t work out. One case does not speak for every opportunity in online dating.
“No one sent me any messages.”
Effort. Period. If you haven’t sent a single message to anyone else and just expect them to reach out to you, you’re probably going to start to think that online dating sites don’t work. We’ll get more into details shortly but you have to be an active participant in the process if you want any chances of having success.
Unrealistic Expectations
There are zero places on planet Earth that can produce the perfect guy or girl for you in just a few minutes. Sure, it happens rarely, but the norm is that it takes a while to find the right person for you. This doesn’t change with online dating apps, nor do they pretend that is going to be the case. If you go into online dating expecting miraculous things to happen that just aren’t realistic, you’re setting yourself up for failure. And when that failure happens, the easy thing to do is blame the dating apps.
This also leads into your expectations of what you’re looking for. If you’re someone who doesn’t really have life altogether and things are a bit of a mess (that’s okay if that’s the case) but you’re looking for Prince Charming who is rich, handsome, and is looking for someone to pamper—you probably aren’t going to have a lot of luck. Not only do your expectations for the sites need to be inline but your expectations for an ideal match should be as well.
Matt Seymour is a dating industry expert with over a decade of experience coaching singles, reviewing dating apps, and analyzing trends within the industry. With a Masters of Science in Finance (MSF) degree from the University of Florida and extensive knowledge of the innerworkings of the online dating industry, Matt frequently serves in an advisory role to some of the largest dating apps on the market. In Matt’s current role with Healthy Framework, he leads the interview team that regularly interviews key dating industry leaders, and leverages his financial knowledge and dating app experience to review and share what singles need to know to get the most out of dating online.
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Revolution Dating will donate $50 to Susan G. Komen Florida for every new client who joins the matchmaking service during the month of October.
Press Release –
updated: Oct 5, 2020
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., October 5, 2020 (Newswire.com)
– Revolution Dating at PGA Commons shares love during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Revolution Dating will donate $50 to Susan G. Komen Florida for every new client who joins the matchmaking service during the month of October. Singles ages 20 to 80 can make a connection with someone special, and help to connect breast cancer patients with needed care. New members of Revolution Dating will also receive a pink face mask displaying the breast cancer ribbon icon to show their support. Each new member at Revolution Dating gets a bio to highlight their personal attributes, a photo shoot, and introductions to fellow singles for a one-year period.
… we feel this is putting your money where it counts most in charitable hands. Komen is a solid organization that knows how to stretch every dollar for the most impact. We salute Kelly Leary for big heart!
Tim Byrd, The Byrdman Publisher at PalmBeachlwp.com
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Revolution Dating wants to help Susan G. Komen Florida to invest in breast cancer research and is giving to this charity when PGA Commons attendees sign up with Revolution Dating Matchmaking Service. Revolution Dating wants to defeat breast cancer once and for all and also wants to help people find the love of their lives.
With 29 years of experience in the matchmaking business, Kelly Leary with Revolution Dating has seen more than ever before that online daters have become intolerably disenchanted with the risky game of Internet dating sites. At Revolution Dating, they meet everyone face to face, separating the good from the bad. The Revolution Dating team is not just setting up dates. They are changing lives.
Revolution Dating suggests saying NO to the bar scene and online dating. Hire THE Matchmaker and Finish 2020 Strong. Revolution Dating members are prescreened and confidential. Call 561-630-9696.
Kelly Leary, Founder of Revolution Dating has a Master’s degree in psychology and 29 successful years in the dating industry. A top matchmaker, now known as THE Florida Matchmaker, she has been profiled by ABC News, The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beacher Magazine, The South Florida Business Journal, and numerous other media outlets.
Please call Revolution Dating’s hotlines which are open seven days a week at 561-630-XOXO (9696) in the Palm Beaches and South Florida area or 772-932-HERE (4373) on the Treasure Coast. You may also visit Revolution Dating’s website at www.revolutiondating.com. Revolution Dating office is located at 5090 PGA Boulevard #208, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. All inquiries are confidential. All applicants must be prescreened in person at our private practice to be eligible.
Wednesday, 23rd of September saw the launch of Ireland’s first Sexual Health Hub, in Cork. This new initiative, spearheaded by the Sexual Health Centre, aims to make sexual health information more accessible to youth in communities across Cork City and County.
The Sexual Health Hubs will be the first point of contact for many young people, enabling them to access information leaflets on sexual health topics (e.g. contraception, relationships, sexually transmitted infections) and staff who are equipped to signpost to specific sexual health services. Free condoms and lube will be available at Hub locations where appropriate, with youth seeking to access condoms required to watch a condom demonstration video via a QR code.
The Hubs will create a safe, familiar, and accessible way for young people to avail of sexual health information, and provide a solution to the limited reach of current sexual health specific services.
Denis Leamy, Chief Executive of Cork Education and Training Board noted that “Cork ETB welcome the opportunity to support this innovative programme. Facilitating the collaboration of organisations that support young people is crucial in providing the required support directly to the community at a local level. By working together these organisations ensure equitable access to supports”.
The launch took place in association with Youth Work Ireland Cork (YWIC), the Sexual Health Centre’s first partner organisation. Based in ‘The Hut’ in Gurranabraher, YWIC run the Gurranabraher and Churchfield UBU youth project. The ‘UBU: Your Place, Your Space’ youth project provides out-of-school support to young people in the local Gurranabraher/Churchfield area to enable them to overcome adverse circumstances and achieve their full potential by improving their personal and social development outcomes.
As part of this new initiative, not only will sexual health information be available via the Hub stands, but the Sexual Health Centre will also provide ongoing information sessions and workshops throughout the year at Hub locations, to provide continued education on important sexual health topics.
The Sexual Health Centre delivered workshops to the youth at the UBU project in advance of the launch where the topic was well received:
“I got to ask questions about rumours and stuff you hear about but are not sure if they are true. I know now where I can go to ask more questions or get help if I need to”, said one young person who participated in a sexual health workshop.
YWIC youth worker Joe Curtin also commented: “I think it’s great for The Hut and the wider local community that we will have the first Sexual Health Hub in the city located here. Young people will be able to seek advice and information on a topic that is still sometimes not openly discussed in schools and at home. Young people will also have the opportunity to take part in sexual health workshops that are facilitated by specifically trained professionals throughout the year, and access the other services of the Sexual Health Centre more easily.”
Muire O Farrell, Health Promotion Officer at the Sexual Health Centre, said “This is the first of many Sexual Health Hubs popping up across Cork. Our goal is to work in partnership with organisations across the city and county, e.g. youth groups, resource centres, outreach workers etc., to bring sexual health to youth from Castletownbere to Charleville, Kinsale to Kanturk”.
If you are interested in setting up a Sexual Health Hub, you can contact the Sexual Health Centre on info@sexualhealthcentre.com or 021-4276676 for further information. For information on Youth Work Ireland Cork, visit www.ywicork.com
ENDS
For further information please contact Olivia Teahan (Communications Officer)
LOS ANGELES, September 10, 2020 (Newswire.com)
– Since the coronavirus was deemed a pandemic and social distancing has been mandated across the country, online dating has seen a significant increase in activity. A new survey commissioned by RealMe, a transformative technology offering a no-cost way to make people safer on dating apps, reveals the potential lasting impact of the coronavirus on online dating behaviors, including attitudes on loneliness and singledom in the “new normal.”
Survey findings revealed loneliness is an acute motivating factor for online daters, with 67% of respondents reporting they are “less okay” with being single during this time and a similar proportion increasingly worried about finding a partner. Survey results also showed 64% of respondents are less picky with their matches in quarantine due to their desire for companionship.
“There’s no denying the pandemic is driving new online behaviors, which are here to stay,” says Mark Brooks, online dating expert and CEO of the Internet Dating Excellence Association (IDEA). “Ninety-five percent of respondents plan to continue at least one online dating behavior they developed during the pandemic, which implies the way we choose to find love and build connections has forever changed. In the ‘new normal,’ online daters will place more value on quality interactions that reduce feelings of loneliness. However, it’s worth noting, this newfound desire for companionship could lead users to ignore red flags and, therefore, make them more vulnerable to dating scams, as the inclination to misrepresent is on the rise, with three in four online daters admitting to lying on their profiles. This means there’s a higher burden on dating apps to authenticate, reduce risk, and provide more assurance.”
Other notable findings from the survey include:
If social distancing stays in place for another few months, more than half of online daters report they will use dating apps more frequently. This number was especially high for millennials (64%).
Seventy-two percent of online daters feel more hesitant to have physical contact when meeting someone in person.
Over 76% of respondents invest more time in talking to the other person.
Over a third of respondents say they plan on having more meaningful conversations even after the pandemic is over.
Dating behaviors differ between personality traits, with specific profiles more inclined to display “red flag behaviors.” For example, 69% of less emotionally stable respondents are more worried about finding a new partner. Extraverts are more likely to spend more time on dating apps than introverts, with 75% claiming to use video chat features more frequently during the pandemic.
Nearly nine in 10 online daters wish they could obtain more information about the person they were talking to and would be more likely to meet up with them if their profile was “verified” via enhanced safety features, such as a reputation checker that pulls data from criminal records, lawsuits and financial documents.
“The implications of the pandemic on online dating go way beyond a spike in user activity. It’s transforming the way people meet and connect with each other in the long term, but some of these newfound behaviors come with their own risks and security concerns,” says Neil Davis, RealMe Head of Dating. “That’s where RealMe can help – it’s a sophisticated, yet simple, platform to verify users and provides access to reputation information to reduce fraud and improve safety, while increasing trust in dating apps and other online marketplaces.”
Commissioned by RealMe and conducted by FTI Consulting, the survey involved over 3,000 respondents in the U.S. weighted on age, gender, location and the 2016 Presidential vote. For media inquiries and/or to obtain the full study results, please contact emily@tylerbarnettpr.com.
About RealMe
Only RealMe adds the necessary layer of trust and transparency to the U.S. Internet for people and companies engaged in online marketplaces –– such as dating apps, shopping, and home services. With fraud and theft prevalent online, RealMe provides websites with a turnkey, no-cost way to protect their users, and individual users with the peace of mind to take advantage of opportunities they find. With instant access to over 325 million verified Reputation Profiles sourced from billions of data points compiled by public records and information sources, people can make informed decisions about anyone’s trustworthiness by seeing unique background information, criminal and arrest records, financial records, legal records, personal reviews, and Reputation Scores. RealMe shares its passion and expertise with individuals and companies that believe trust is the foundation that allows us to flourish online. For more information on RealMe, visit realmehq.com/dating.
New anonymous platform helps STD-positive people connect, share stories, access discussion forums and review up-to-date information and treatment options
Press Release –
updated: Aug 5, 2020
CHICAGO, August 5, 2020 (Newswire.com)
– According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in six people in the United States between 14 and 49 years of age have genital herpes.1 HSV1 or HSV2 (genital herpes) can leave someone feeling alone, embarrassed, and confused about how to proceed with their lives. A new website, MeetPositives.com, eliminates those concerns with its anonymous platform that allows people to connect, share their stories and concerns, and find someone special to date.
“While those who are positive with herpes have done nothing wrong, many times they feel ashamed,” states Jack Lombardi II, CEO of MeetPositives.com. “I created a dating site for herpes singles so as to offer people with herpes a way to accept their diagnosis and move on with their lives. At the end of the day, we want our members to feel normal again … they have already been through enough.”
Members can access online discussion forums and individual posts where they can read other positives’ stories and how they live with their diagnosis. The site also features the latest information regarding a possible cure for herpes, as well as vaccination and treatment options. Additionally, members can review herpes drugs, side effects and success stories — as well as read others’ reviews.
MeetPositives.com is a welcome alternative to traditional dating. Because of this platform, individuals living with herpes no longer have to engage in difficult conversations with dating partners. MeetPositives.com makes it possible for people to take control over their condition, eliminate the emotional burden imposed by the virus, meet someone special, and pursue the life they envision.
About Meet Positives
Created for STD-positive individuals, Meet Positives is an alternative to dating and a second chance for those living with a sexually transmitted disease. Our goal is to help impacted people feel normal again in a relationship.
The Sexual Health Centre is proud to announce its collaboration with GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV) and the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI), on the production of an information card for street-based sex workers who are working during the COVID-19 pandemic. This card was developed in cooperation with street-based sex workers, and contains practical advice to minimise the risk of transmission while at work.
On Friday 24th July, the Sexual Health Centre’s Outreach Worker, Susan Walsh will launch the new resource as part of a collaborative webinar. Alongside Susan Walsh, co-panelists include Trish Leahy and Becky Leacy (SWAI), Billie Stoica (GOSHH) and Marguerite Woods (SAOL Project). The panel will be chaired by Kate McGrew (Director, SWAI).
This collaboration followed the Sexual Health Centre’s #SafeRsexwork campaign, which was launched in April 2020.
If you are a sex worker and would like more information and support, you can contact Susan at susanwalsh@sexualhealthcentre.com. To avail of our free condom postal service, you can call the centre at 021-4276676 and ask for “the bag” – a suitable quantity and variety of condoms and lube will be sent to you.
Kismia was one of the first dating services in Europe to rethink online dating for serious relationships. When dating online was considered something frivolous, the team behind Kismia has positioned its product as a place to find a significant other. For eight years in service, the platform has grown to the international dating brand with a considerable user base in France, Spain, Portugal, Poland and Latin America. Now Kismia expands to Canada and shares what it has to offer.
Press Release –
updated: Jul 2, 2020
TORONTO, July 2, 2020 (Newswire.com)
– Kismia initially started its service in 2012 as a dating website for mature people in Western Europe. The platform has quickly gained traction in France and Spain. A few years later, Kismia entered the English and Portuguese-speaking dating markets worldwide and presented a more efficient matching logic. Now, the matching algorithm of Kismia considers a dozen different parameters, such as goals, values, interests, ethnicity, desire to have children, attitude to alcohol and smoking, etc. Another feature of an improved matching algorithm is that it calculates the compatibility between two users and shows a compatibility percentage. In that way, the user can see right away whether the other person is matching with them or not, even without reading their profile.
Monetization model
Kismia uses the subscription business model with basic functionality, provided to users free of charge and additional Premium features, that help to break the ice and build a connection with new people faster. Another interesting feature of Kismia is that they decided to avoid monetization through advertising. “We strive to make the experience on our platform as smooth as possible for any user, whether he or she pays for the service or not,” says Kismia’s CMO, “So we don’t interrupt the online dating experience with ads. The only difference between Basic and Premium accounts – number of available features.” Probably, the main reason that persuades users to opt for a Premium account is that the holders of Basic accounts can chat only with Premium users. So, to chat with any person on the platform, the user definitely needs a Premium account, in other cases – Basic account is enough to go.
Positioning
“As we stated in 2012, Kismia is a dating site for serious relationships. And this is our main focus: to help people cross their paths not just for a second, but for the days, months and years to come. The only difference in our positioning in comparison to the initial one is that now we are giving an option to find a person, based on your goals. So if you’re looking for a suitable person just to chat or date with –– Kismia will be your place too,” says Kismia’s CMO.
Currently, Kismia has more than 100 million users worldwide and is available in seven languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, and Ukrainian.
Struggling to Understand Your Sexuality? Here’s What You Need to Know
Despite making progress in our understanding of human sexuality in recent decades, as well as major and important strides in changing laws and attitudes towards gay, lesbian and trans people, much work remains to be done.
One area of sexuality that we seem to only now be grappling with is bisexuality. Perhaps because of some holdover from our prior puritanical ways, when we liked to see things in stark black-and-white terms, the idea that someone could be attracted to a wide range of people still seems incomprehensible to many of us. We like binaries and labels, and struggle to come to terms with both ideas and sexualities that defy those norms.
According to clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., bisexual men and women “may have a more challenging time coming out than those who identify as gay or lesbian.” Heteroseuxal people can take it for granted that the expectations of their close friends and family will align with their own sexual preferences, but gay men and women have never had that luxury. Because of that, “coming out” – revealing your sexual preferences to loved ones – has always been an important and anxiety-producing decision, even one fraught with the possibilities of emotional rejection and physical harm.
That’s part of what makes the findings of this PEW Research Center Study so surprising: fully three-quarters of gay and lesbian adults interviewed had revealed their sexual preferences to “all or most of the important people in their lives,” but fewer than 20% of self-identified bisexual adults had done the same.
One possible explanation for this difficulty is in our continuing refusal to regard sexuality as something fluid and changeable, rather than a rigid and predefined idea.
In fact, in her decades of experience, Tessina has personally witnessed these categories collapse. “I have clients who began thinking they were straight, and had subsequent gay or lesbian relationships, and I’ve had clients who’ve gone the other direction,” she continues. “Some of my clients have gone back and forth. Other clients knew they were gay as young as six years old, and have never wavered from that.”
In other words, you shouldn’t expect to know right away (or even once and for all) whether you are gay, straight or bi, and you shouldn’t feel the constant pressure to put a label on yourself.
Klapow advises that you take your time and don’t feel like you need to rush toward some final conclusion about yourself.
“Recognizing and confirming bisexuality can be complex in part because individuals may need time to assure themselves that they are attracted to both same-sex and opposite-sex individuals,” he says. “Hesitation does not mean that someone is not bisexual, but giving enough time to explore attraction to both sexes is critical.”
He adds that “the key is to give oneself time, experiences interacting with same- and opposite-sex individuals, and permission to explore feelings of attraction.”
Both Tessina and Klapow encourage anyone struggling with their sexuality to consider seeking a qualified therapist or guidance counselor, with whom they can openly and safely share their concerns.
“Having close friends or a psychotherapist can be helpful in creating a safe space to verbalize the feelings and explore them more deeply,” said Klapow. Tessina also stressed the importance of emotional resilience: “Be prepared for some negative responses, from both gay and straight friends. Try telling someone you trust to have a good reaction before telling anyone else, and ask that person to be your support system.”
Above all, know that you can proceed at your own pace. The decision to share your sexual preferences with someone is deeply personal, and you should do so only when you’re comfortable with yourself and comfortable with that person.
