As an advice columnist, I get a lot of questions from singles wanting to know how they can meet people. And I almost always suggest dating appsโit’s an easy and convenient way to put yourself out there. But that might not the best idea for everyone. And for those who do swipe for love, there are definitely some signs it may be time to stop online dating.
Today, I have a guest post from Aida all about how to determine if it’s time to take a Tinder breakโand what you should do instead.

5 Signs it’s Time to Stop Online Dating
BY: Aida
Dating apps are everywhereโbut theyโre not for everyone.
For some people, these dating apps are a near-constant source of frustration and disappointment. But they still continue swiping, hoping their next match could be The One, ignoring all the signs that they should take a Tinder break.
If youโre wondering if you should stop online dating, here are 5 signs you should pay attention to:
1. Itโs impacting your emotional well-being
No matter how strong you are, going on one date after another and getting constantly disappointed is going to hurt.
Your self-esteem could suffer, and you might start wondering if thereโs something wrong with you. (Spoiler alert: There isnโt, you might just need to do some inner work.)
Damaging your well-being to find a relationship isnโt worth it. Itโs better to stop online dating (or take a break) when you notice that itโs taking a toll on your mental health.
2. You feel like youโre being used
Itโs no secret that a lot of people on dating apps look for hookups or casual relationships.
Sadly, many people say โyesโ to these casual relationships hoping they could become something more. When this doesnโt happen, they feel used, as though itโs proof they donโt deserve better.
If this is you, itโs better to take a step back from dating apps and see how you can set boundaries that will help you break out of this pattern.
Related Read: Personal Story: Sex with an Ex and Heartbreak Reignited
3. You struggle with upholding your boundaries
If youโre a chronic people-pleaser, dating will be difficult for you.
Boundaries are essential for staying safe while meeting new people, and they prevent manipulators from taking advantage of your kindness. Trust me, when you ignore your boundaries because youโre afraid of making people unhappy, the only person who will end up unhappy is you.
Struggling to uphold boundaries can look like this: You meet someone new and decide you want to get to know them first before being intimate. But when they invite you over, you say yes. Before you know it, youโve ended up in their bed. Now youโre wondering if youโre in a relationship or a situationship, and anxiously obsessing over when youโll see this person next.
But none of this wouldโve happened if you had stuck to your boundaries. Holding your boundaries allows you to sift out the people who don’t respect them and who, in turn, don’t deserve a place in your life.
4. It feels like a chore
Dating should be something you do for fun. If youโre forcing yourself to swipe through countless profiles every night because you feel like you have to, then itโs time for a break.
Ask yourself why are you pressuring yourself into using dating apps? Do you feel like youโre running out of time to find a partner? Are you insecure about being single? While these emotions are normal, they shouldnโt be the reason why you date.
5. You only seek validation
Knowingly or unknowingly, some people only use dating apps to get validation from strangers that theyโre attractive and desirable. While wanting an ego boost is human, itโs not fair to use other people to feel better about yourself.
Seeking validation from others means you lack self-confidence. Because low self-esteem can cause all sorts of relationship problems, itโs worth getting to the root of this issue before you start dating.
What to do instead of online dating
Hitting โpauseโ on online dating can be scary. For many people, dating apps are all theyโve ever known and theyโve never had a healthy relationship with someone they met the old-fashioned way. But it can still happen.
However, a lot of issues that you experience when online dating easily carry over into offline dating. Thatโs why I recommend redirecting your energy into discovering yourself.
Understanding your attachment styles, dating preferences, and boundaries (or lack thereof) can help you avoid disappointment and have more fun when dating. Because above all, dating should be fun โ you shouldnโt settle for anything less!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aida is a full-time content creator and marketer. Her blog, A Glass Box of Emotion, focuses on relationships, mindset, and emotional well-being. When sheโs not writing, sheโs scrolling through TikTok, listening to loud techno music, and taking long walks.
Thanks so much to Aida for this fantastic guest post! Make sure to check out her blog, too.
Have you ever felt like you needed to stop online dating? Let me know in the comments below!

16 Comments
What an interesting read, I shall keep it in mind if i ever decide to take the plunge and start online dating so that I know what to look out for x
Absolutely! It can be really helpful, but there are definitely some downsides to be aware of.
I have been using Bumble on and off for a year or two. I really don’t like using dating apps, but when I get overwhelmingly lonely I tend to swipe through. I think it would be best for me to delete my account, it isn’t right for me at the moment.
Rose | https://flourishwithrose.com/
If you’re thinking that, you’re probably right. Listen to your heart!
I’ve tried Tinder several time and it took me awhile to realize that online dating isn’t really my thing.
Michelle| http://www.brokebutflawless.com
It’s definitely not for everyone.
This is some great advice. I’ve never used online dating or dating apps at all and I hope I won’t ever need to. The idea of it makes me so nervous!
Oh, trust me, I felt that way before I tried it.
It is important to take breaks from many things in life, including dating apps. I so agree that, when something starts to feel draining and is affecting us poorly, it definitely means we need a break. <3
Exactly! So glad you found it helpful
This is a great post, I have many friends who have been exhausted by online dating and feeling so defeated and frustrated. I’ll be sure to pass along this article to help them with understanding more about some signs that it might be good for a break or change! Thanks for sharing this awesome guest post.
So glad you enjoyed it!
I have never tried the online dating. It’s definitely a chore, but I don’t like when being used.
I can certainly understand that, it’s not a nice feeling for sure.
Online dating sounds hard because there’s so much pressure on a first date.
That can definitely be the case.