I never dreamed I would meet a boy online.  I didn't expect to download a dating app at all, let alone use it.

‘When you find love on Bumble,’ I had said to a friend, ‘let me know.’

As time went on, it seemed as though everyone was using the app, so I gave into temptation and downloaded Bumble.  Although odd and unfamiliar, I was willing to give it a try.  Swiping left and swiping right, I was amazed at the options at my fingertips.  I could adjust the age and distance to filter through my choices.  The possibilities were limitless, and swiping became somewhat of a game. 

One afternoon during a mindless Bumble swipe-session, I came across a boy in a plaid button-down living just a few miles away from me.  From his bio, I gathered that he was tall and funny—what more could a girl really ask for?  I was immediately interested, and for the first time genuinely hoped it would be a match.

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Days went by and we talked nonstop until finally meeting in person.  I couldn't seem to get enough of his witty jokes that I countered effortlessly.  Conversation never lulled, and Snapchats always left me smiling.  Our differences complemented each other while our shared interests brought us even closer.  Eventually weeks turned into months, and I became thankful to Bumble for introducing me to someone so great.

While we may not be together anymore, I learned a tremendous amount from the summer fling.

Online dating is real and magical and equally as wonderful as traditional relationships.  As more people join dating sites worldwide, it’s becoming increasingly more accepted and the likelihood of meeting a great person is ever increasing.

While the trend continues to gain momentum, and thousands of single men and women sign up on a variety of dating sites including OkCupid, Hinge, and Tinder to name a few, online dating does present a few problems.

Perhaps the biggest flaw in online dating is the limitless options.  Numerous relationship opportunities are at our fingertips, and we’re able to filter through thousands of single people, leaving us always wanting more.  With unlimited options, we often feel hesitant to be tied down to just one person. We're plagued with the inevitable desire for something more, something better.  We don't want to commit because, well, what does Tinder have in store for me today?  Everyone is looking for the next best thing, making settling down scary and intimidating.

It’s never my place to doubt the intentions of online daters.  It can bring people together who might not have met otherwise and kick-starts their relationship.

So, don't be afraid to swipe right my friends, but always remember that behind every profile is a real living, breathing, feeling person.  Be wary of swiping too quickly because you might pass up the love of your life. 

Be wary of swiping too quickly because you might pass up the love of your life.

As a rising junior at Wake Forest University, I am a declared Communication major with a double minor in Journalism and Film Studies. I enjoy intense hot yoga classes and large amounts of chocolate covered coffee beans.  I’m offering you 20 years of wisdom. Follow me at www.caitlinherlihy.wordpress.com.