Vacation Homecoming with Tinder: A Smart Strategy
With the year coming to an end and holidays around the corner, countless individuals are heading back home to celebrate. Going back to your hometown can be an interesting experience. You're returning to a familiar place, but with time, things have changed. Have your old friends remained the same? Have your favorite restaurants survived the pandemic and economic turmoil? Is your ex still in town? Are there new faces you haven't met yet?
Firstly: Use Tinder Wisely
If you're looking for a date, Tinder is your go-to option. It's quick, easy, and most people have it. Setting up your profile requires minimal effort. "It can be incredibly frustrating, hilarious, or just plain fun," said Don G., 32, from Brooklyn, planning to head back to Pennsylvania for the holidays. "Swipe left through at least a few of your high school flames just to see what they look like now. You might get lucky."
Don dismissed Hinge and Bumble as feeling a bit more engaged. "If that's your vibe, then by all means, but I think Tinder is the norm for hooking up in your hometown," he said. "It hasn't earned that reputation without reason, and it brings the least amount of chaos to any meeting place." However, Carmela, a 20-year-old New Yorker who frequently goes back to Michigan, adds that you'll likely have a blast using Hinge to meet new people, especially those less likely to end up in a marital contract, according to her experience. You might want to keep that in mind to avoid any family drama. All major apps offer the option to publicly mention what you're looking for in your profile. Make sure to clearly state that you're looking for a quick connection and not something more serious.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid professional apps, as they likely won't provide many results. Some, like Feld, are actually located in city centers. If you're not returning to a larger city, you may not have much luck.
Secondly: Be Strategic Yet friendly
As mentioned, be upfront about what you're looking for. Don suggests being "as transparent as possible about your intentions." This is a good guideline for using any dating app. Be clear and honest about your intentions. Communication is key to ensuring both parties are on the same page and satisfied with the meetup.
Also, pay attention to how you set your preferences. Whether you'll actually run into someone you already know is up to you, but you should accept it as a possibility before diving in. Plan accordingly if that's something you want to avoid. If you have no interest in spending time with people you already know, Tinder now offers the option to hide your profile from specific contacts on your phone. If you don't have their phone numbers, swipe left like usual. If you don't mind a one-night stand with your former homecoming king or that shy cashier at the supermarket, be prepared for what to say when you meet. Setting your preferences to avoid such situations generally works but may also create new problems. Carmela mentioned that when she returned home, she set her age range to 34 and older, but she encountered former professors and colleagues instead of old classmates. Regardless of what you decide, something awkward is likely to happen. Choose your awkwardness.
However, don't let this deter you. Even in the smallest towns, you can meet people you don't know, and enjoying making vacation friends is a joy. Be clear in your intentions and have fun. As Don says, "Don't take it too seriously ... unless you want to. Remember, you'll be back to your normal life in three days."
If returning to relationships is more your thing, consider apps like Hinge or Bumble to better fit into the local scene. Hinge and Bumble might be more engaging than Tinder, although Carmela mentions that Hinge will provide plenty of fun meeting new people.
Further Reading:
If you're interested in enhancing your hometown vacation, you might consider dating apps like Tinder to connect with older acquaintances or newcomers. Don G. from Brooklyn finds that Tinder is just the standard for companionship in his hometown, and for a good reason.
However, if rekindling relationships is more your preference, consider apps like Hinge or Bumble to better integrate into the local social scene. Hinge and Bumble might be a bit more engaging than Tinder, but there are several other apps available to cater to different preferences. Even though many people stick to the swipe-left method, it can be worthwhile to be selective about who you want to meet and how you want your relationships to unfold.
