Hoonneeeyyy.!!! These dating apps are straight ghetto. I’m talking “boy, who is your mama” ghetto.
It’s giving ghosting, mixed signals, and bios that say “6’2” but he’s in a wheelchair in his profile. 🙄 But let’s keep it a buck: when you’re a solo mom with a demanding schedule, limited free time, and an even smaller circle, online dating becomes less of a luxury and more of a “well, I guess I’ll give it one more try.” For the eleventh time…
So how do I make it through this hot mess express without losing my sanity (or my standards)? Let me put you on.
1. I Swipe With INTENTION, Not Boredom
I’m not swiping just because my kid is finally asleep and I have 12 minutes before I pass out too. Nope. If I’m on the app, I’m looking for energy that feels good. Don’t let loneliness convince you to entertain foolishness. Cause Eddie Monster WILL have you all infatuated before long!
2. I Don’t Debate About What I Want
If I say I want something real and he says “I’m just seeing where life takes me”—baby, let it take you elsewhere. Solo moms don’t have time to be decoding vibes and playing 21 questions with emotionally unavailable men. I say what I want and I stand on it.
3. I Watch the Follow-Through
A man can text like Shakespeare and still be for the streets. I’ve learned to watch what they DO more than what they SAY. If we make plans and he flakes more than my son’s eczema? Rocks…Kicked…Sir.
4. I Keep My Kid OUT the Conversation
Every message doesn’t need to start with “so how long have you been a single mom?” I redirect real quick. Now, obviously I make it known I’m a single mother and that I have a five year old but that’s as far as I go initially. A lot of these jokers are looking to break you apart or scrutinize or even try to play Captain Save A Mom and miss me with that.
My motherhood is sacred, and it’s not up for early access.
5. I Take Breaks…Often.
These apps will have you questioning your sanity if you stay on too long. The moment it starts feeling like a chore, I log out, delete, and return to loving on me. No man, or the prospect of one, is worth it.
6. I Lead With Wholeness, Not Hunger
It’s cool to want to be chose but please no Pick-meshas. I’m not out here starving for attention. I flirt because I want to. Swipe because I have the time. And converse simply because I’m feeling his vibe. That shift in energy changes everything. I attract better when I’m full.
Dating as a solo mom ain’t easy, and the apps definitely don’t make it easier. But you’re not crazy for still wanting love, and you’re not wrong for being selective. Keep your standards high and your self-worth higher.
And when in doubt? Just remember: meeting quality men at Target or church still happens😜.
Tell me, boo—what’s been your wildest dating app experience? Drop it in the comments so we can laugh (or cry) together. 😩👇🏽
I tried the Facebook dating but was overwhelmed and deleted my account by day 2. 🤣 These are some good tips. What's a good app to try?