Finding Love in the Modern World

My Dating App Experience

It’s been nearly three years since the death of my beloved husband. I’ve spent that time rediscovering who I am as a single person and building a new life. Now I feel ready to find love again!

Yesterday, I plucked up the courage to join the dating app Hinge. I researched all the apps, all the dos and don’ts, all the risks, problems, statistics etc. I had fabulous photos, was very clear in my statements about what I wanted, emphasised that I am a Black Belt First Dan in karate, so can’t be messed with, and I paid $139 for a three-month subscription. Phew! I’m online. I’ve put myself out there. I'm up for Finding Love in the Modern World!

Now what, I thought? Ding, ding, ding, the likes started coming. I navigated around the app trying to familiarise myself with how it all worked. An interesting variety of men appeared before me, some of whom seemed very appealing. I sent a rose to one chap and was looking forward to investigating all my options later that evening.

The notifications on my phone told me I had twenty-five likes. Wow! How exciting! When I returned home, I opened the app to see the notice, “Your account has been removed. Your account was banned for violating our Terms of Service.”

What the?! I had just set the damn thing up, had only interacted with one person, done absolutely nothing wrong or inappropriate according to their terms and conditions, and I’m banned? Plus, they have my $139!

What a joke. I was very upset. It took courage to go online, only to be treated so unfairly and ripped off in the process. In addition, I was conned by the app itself; forget about any dodgy dates!

This ban now limits me from opening accounts with all the dating apps owned by the Match Group (Tinder, Match, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, OKCupid and other dating global brands.)

I have appealed, but after reading about so many others this has happened to, I don’t hold out much hope. Even if I’m allowed back on, who would want to after such an experience! Good luck trying to recover my money too.

So that’s that! My three-hour dating app experience!

Who knows, perhaps in the long term, they did me a favour. I doubt I’d ever support what appears to be such an unethical business. Let’s see how, or if, they respond to my appeal and whether I get my money back.

If you’ve had a similar experience, I’d be interested to hear about it and whether it was resolved or not.

I’m not sure what the next step will be in my search for a new partner in life, other than keep living the great life I have, and making the most of every minute!