Matching with friends on dating apps involves swiping right on someone you are already connected with on social media. The practice is gaining popularity, and while it does have advantages such as increased safety, less awkwardness, a common ground, and greater trust, it also has its drawbacks. It can affect mutual friends, and if the relationship fails it could result in the end of the friendship. There can also be too much information, causing the conversation to become boring. Moreover, there is the added pressure of making it work for fear of losing the friendship or making things awkward.
The Pros and Cons of Matching with Friends on Dating Apps
What is Matching with Friends on Dating Apps?
Matching with friends on dating apps refers to the act of swiping right or indicating interest in a person who you are already connected with on a social media platform. This feature is becoming more and more popular on dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge and Bumble.
The Pros of Matching with Friends on Dating Apps
Increase in Safety
The first major advantage of matching with friends on dating apps is the increase in safety. Since the two of you are already connected, you can easily ask mutual friends about their experiences with the person you are interested in. This can help you make more informed decisions about whether or not to pursue a romantic relationship with them.
A Common Ground
Another advantage of matching with friends on dating apps is that the two of you already have a common ground and shared interests. This can make it easier to break the ice, start a conversation and keep it flowing naturally.
Reduced Awkwardness
Matching with a friend on a dating app can also reduce the awkwardness of a first date. Since the two of you already know each other, there will be no need for the usual small talk that comes with a first date. You can simply pick up where you left off in the relationship.
More Trust and Honesty
Matching with a friend on a dating app can also increase the level of trust and honesty in the relationship from the outset. Both parties already know each other, have shared experiences and are likely to be more transparent with each other since there already is a level of trust.
The Cons of Matching with Friends on Dating Apps
It Can Be Awkward for Mutual Friends
While matching with a friend on a dating app can reduce awkwardness for the two of you, it can create discomfort for mutual friends. It may be awkward for them to see two people they know well pursuing a romantic relationship, especially if the relationship does not work out.
The End of the Friendship
If the romantic relationship does not work out, there is a high chance that the friendship will be damaged or even end. When two people who were previously just friends start dating, the dynamics of the relationship can quickly change. This can leave one or both parties feeling hurt or rejected and cause strain on the friendship.
Too Much Information
Matching with a friend on a dating app can mean that certain aspects of each other’s lives and personal history are already known. This can make it difficult to maintain a level of privacy and prevent the conversation from becoming boring or stale due to a lack of new information.
Short Lived Romance
If there is no mutual attraction, this can lead to a short-lived romance that ends quickly. When two friends date, there is the added pressure of making it work because they may not want to lose the friendship or make things awkward between them and mutual friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision of whether or not to match or date a friend on a dating app ultimately comes down to personal preference and circumstance. While it can be a great way to increase safety, reduce awkwardness, and increase trust and honesty, it can also lead to the end of a friendship, short-lived romance, and TMI. It is important to carefully consider these pros and cons before pursuing a romantic relationship with a friend on a dating app.
