Although I have been in several committed relationships before, and I am currently in one, I have never felt compelled to delete dating apps from my phone due to a lack of interest, time, or emotional investment. Rest assured, I have valid reasons for my decision.

1. I Get Bored A Lot

I frequently spend hours swiping through fellow users on dating apps like Bumble, Hinge, Tinder, or Coffee Meets Bagel. To me, these apps are nothing more than glorified games. I am not looking for meaningful conversation or pursuing anything beyond initial introductions when I use them for entertainment purposes. This is not the type of game I am interested in playing. In an attempt to find another game to play, I even tried downloading Candy Crush, but I gave up after getting stuck on level 5.

2. The Confidence Boost Is Pretty Great

Let me get this straight, you're saying that I can boost my ego and socialize with numerous people while lounging on my couch? It dawned on me that I could potentially match with hundreds, or even thousands, of strangers who are more than willing to shower me with compliments in the hopes of scoring a date or something similar. I have never felt the need to depend on my partner to boost or sustain my self-esteem, and it wouldn't be fair to expect them to do so. Therefore, what's the harm in receiving a few flattering comments from a complete stranger?

3. Paranoia Is Real

If you happened to stumble upon your partner's phone and noticed that they forgot to delete their dating apps, it's possible that it was an honest mistake. However, have you ever been in a situation where your partner unknowingly matched with one of your friends, and you found out through a screenshot? Trust should never be this difficult to manage. In any case, when my next relationship became exclusive, I found it necessary to do a thorough sweep of my dating apps.

4. The Networking Factor Can't Be Ignored

Although I wouldn't typically label myself as a dating app expert, I believe I may have earned that title over the last few years. With the introduction of new features on apps like Tinder and Hinge, you can now position yourself in any location worldwide, providing you with the opportunity to connect with people in that area. I find it fascinating to learn about various topics, such as the film and television industry in Stockholm or the stock exchange in NYC. This is purely professional interest, but making new friends along the way is a welcome bonus.

5. Monogamy Is Tough

Monogamy can pose significant challenges, and in my experience, it's often overhyped. Once the initial thrill fades away, I've found myself struggling to adapt to the new routine. It feels as though the excitement and passion we once shared have vanished into thin air. Unfortunately, I've grown too complacent in the relationship, leading to boredom and eventually resentment towards my partner. Committing to one individual is a significant undertaking, and I couldn't help but seek comfort in the possibility of meeting someone new at any given time. It's reassuring to know that I have that option in my back pocket.

6. I Suffer From Serious Fomo

You're familiar with the saying, "the grass is always greener on the other side," right? Well, during my relationships, I often find myself struggling with the fear of missing out on the single life. Being around my single friends who are constantly meeting and experiencing new people can trigger a wave of paranoia in me. I start questioning myself, wondering if there's someone better out there for me, or if I'm meant for greater things and people. Perhaps staying quietly active on these apps will open doors for greatness to enter my life. While that's a possibility, I can't let it keep me up at night.

7. I Love The Thrill Of It All

Is it considered cheating, or is it just a harmless pastime? Either way, I must admit that I feel a small rush of excitement with every notification that pops up on my phone. It's pretty hypocritical, I know (refer to point 3). There's no clear-cut answer as to whether remaining active on dating apps is technically cheating, but it's widely accepted that it's not a healthy indicator of a relationship. As we've previously discussed, monogamy can grow dull, so perhaps the lingering risk of getting caught was the thrill that once enticed me. I can't say for sure, but the possibility of conflict and danger may have been just the kind of excitement I was seeking.

8. I Know That This Relationship Won't Last

Through my years of dating, I've learned that maintaining a monogamous relationship is challenging, and there's no point wasting time on a dead-end partnership. When I find myself swiping on dating apps while being committed to someone, it's a sign that I need to reflect on myself, my partner, and our future. I realize that my reasons for secretly staying active on these apps are rooted in the need for communication, and I'm not getting what I need from my current relationship. This leads me to consciously look for an exit strategy, and dating apps make it all too easy. However, these past experiences have taught me valuable lessons, and for now, I believe I'm better off avoiding the apps altogether and being single.