Yeah, I didn't like that no matter how you frame it, it's hard to get past feeling like you're at a livestock auction and simultaneously being put up for livestock auction.

I wasn't on them long.

I understand the concept of putting one's best foot forward and that is as it should be but the dating apps just make the whole endeavor kinda creepy, IMHO. I never liked them. Seems like most women don't. Let's face it, we're the product on them. That's clear, because we don't pay for shit. I didn't even realize men were paying money to these things until a few years ago or that the apps had been busted for making fake profiles of women to keep men on the hook.

I'm actually shocked you men haven't filed a class action lawsuit, raised ever loving hell with every local district attorney's office across the country (or equivalent), spread the word more as far as wide as you have reach, quit them en masse, raked the owners and administrators of these sites through the metaphorical coals, and really just in every way imagineable had yourselves a good old fashioned, well directed hissy fit.

Instead, it's been...."that sucks man but if I give you more money will you get me a date?" by and large.

I'm sorry. That's just sad and pathetic. You men got snookered but you'd rather fork more money over to known frauds/grifters than go outside and start building networks and venues in public space for socializing again. You'd rather (equivalently) throw your hard earned money down the toilet than invest in social skills.

It is what it is, but I'd much prefer general socializing just out and about and see what happens. People seemed to pair off easy enough before dating apps. You know? Even though dating has never been easy for anyone, per se. It's always been anxiety inducing to a degree for everyone. Nerves, mishaps, and all. That's just part of it. Something to laugh about later on. It wasn't anywhere near paralyzing back then as it seems to be today.