If you’re tired of swiping left or right on dating apps, you might want to slip into a pair of comfy shoes and join a running club because that is where more and more people are looking for love.
People have become bored and frustrated with dating apps and having to make awkward small talk over drinks and not getting any closer to meeting their ideal partners.
With dating apps, all you have to go on is a few profile pictures and a bio, which could be written with the help of ChatGPT, to decide if you want to connect with that person.
Then, after a few messages, you might find yourself sitting across from a stranger at a bar, trying to figure out if they’re as fun in real life as they seemed over text.
Running clubs have now flipped the whole script.
Instead of awkward small talk, you now find yourself jogging alongside someone, chatting naturally as you go.
There's no pressure to impress with a perfect outfit or a witty one-liner.
Instead, you find yourself bonding over shared experiences.
You might both be struggling to get over a challenging hill or celebrate reaching your personal goals.
We all know that physical activity releases endorphins, which make you feel good.
And what better way to connect with someone than over a mutual endorphin high?
The bonus is that you get to see someone unfiltered.
The person is all sweaty, probably no makeup for women, and most likely out of breath.
With dating apps, it’s so easy to put up a front by sharing glammed-up photos leaving people disappointed when they meet up face to face.
With running clubs, you can learn more about a person in a few kilometers than you ever could from a perfectly curated profile.
Another benefit of meeting people through running clubs is that there’s no rush.
Unlike dating apps, where the goal is often to quickly set up a date, running clubs encourage friendships first.
The best relationships often start as friendships.
Even if things don’t work out romantically, you’ve gained a new running buddy.
Running clubs offer a chance to meet people outside your usual social circle, forming friendships that go beyond just dating.
So, if you're tired of the dating app rollercoaster, it might be time to trade in your profile for a pair of running shoes.
Whether you're looking for love, friendship, or just an excuse to get outside more, a running club might be exactly what you need.
What can possibly go wrong?
You’re getting fitter, making new friends, and you’re dodging those awkward first dates.
Who knows, your perfect match might just be the sweaty red-faced person running beside you.
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IOL Lifestyle