Online dating, like any other internet activity, can become addictive. For this reason, it is very important that you learn to set limits for yourself and when to take a step back from the dating game.
For internet romance to work out for you, you need to be in the right headspace. Headspace is vital because it is the only way you can make sober decisions that will work for you.
Sometimes this means acknowledging that online dating burnout is real. It is entirely normal, so there is no need for you and your type-A personality to be so hard on yourself.
In this guide, we will discuss the key signs that you are ready for a break from swiping, liking, and online dating in general.
That way, you don’t have to keep running like a zombie on autopilot in one of the most important journeys of your life. Learn how to press pause.
Signs that you need a dating detox
Not getting any sleep
That is what happens with people who spend way too much time on these online dating sites!
If you get to a point where you are losing sleep, then something is not ok. It means you are working hard and not smart to find love, and this usually doesn’t end well.
It feels like a chore or job
Do you groan and die a little inside every time you log onto your online dating account? Have you lost that glee and wonder you once had for getting to see who liked you and who you matched with?
If it is yes for both, then you should consider a break.
Zero focus on your offline life
You have become a total slave to your online profile. All you do, think, talk about, and feel is in one way or another directly liked to your account.
It could be anything from neglecting work obligations to turning down romantic setups from your friends. Online dating platforms should work for you, not the other way round.
You’ve turned into online Nancy Drew
A little sleuthing now and then when online dating is completely harmless and acceptable. After all, if you don’t double-check facts to protect yourself who will, right?
However, there is a fine line between confirming information and being a full-on stalker. If you cross this line because of constant dating, you might want to take a step back and rethink your choices.
Loss of faith in the process
After months or even years of having an online dating profile but no real success, cynicism is inevitable. You start to think that there is something wrong either with you or with the system.
In such cases, the best thing to do is to take a proper break and try again later.
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You don’t seem to be interested in anyone
The novelty of meeting new people online wears out fast when you have been on there for too long.
You find yourself no longer excited to receive or reply to those messages. You feel more and more detached from every conversation. And let’s not even get started on just how exhausting the very thought of going out with online dates seems.
If you get here, then you might be ready for a break from the scene.
You’re taking things a little too personally
All of a sudden, it seems like everything that happens to you online is personal. If a text message isn’t replied to right away, you get mad. If you don’t get a match with someone, you liked it stings a little too much.
While it is important to wear your heart on your sleeve, there has to be some degree of detachment for online dating to work. That ensures that you do not go catching feelings for anything with a pulse that says hi to you.
So, when you start getting too caught up, you should consider stepping back.
Your questioning your self-worth
Dating is mostly an activity to build your self-worth. There is literally someone for everyone, including you, no matter how undesirable the voices in your head make you feel!
However, with excessive dating, the opposite effect may occur.
The process is generally very emotionally and mentally taxing. And all that time invested and failed flings will take their toll with your self-esteem being the easiest target. It is best to leave before things get this complicated.
You’re not actually over your ex
Online dating has become a go-to in this day and age for getting over breakups. You get to talk and meet new people and renew hope in your chances of finding true love after your failed past relationships.
However, it does not always get the job done right. In fact, playing the rebound game online more often than not causes more harm than good.
So, if you are not over your ex fully, you might want to take a break and figure things out before putting yourself out there again.
Doing it for anyone other than yourself
Why exactly are you signed up and active online?
Is it to get your friends who keep hooking you up off your back?
Is it because you started a correspondence with someone online, and you feel you owe it to them to keep talking?
If the answer is anything other than “for me,” then you have no business being online. Take you self care and self love back into your hands.
Overwhelmed by options
Being overwhelmed in online dating usually means that you haven’t taken the time to figure out what it is that you are looking for. Are you looking for the right person? Or maybe you just want a casual hookup?
With so many options and dating prospects online, you will have a tough time settling.
So take some time off and get your ducks in a row. Then once you have your priorities and preferences all figured out, you can give it another shot.
Reasons why taking a break from online dating can be good for you
We have seen when taking a little dating hiatus.
But as you’re wondering, “should I take a break from dating?,” you may be also wondering why you should actually quit when it is so much fun?
What’s in it for you?
To put things into perspective, here are four reasons why starting a dating detox might be a good idea.
A chance to get rid of baggage
Online dating comes with its own baggage. This plus what you already have may make the entire process less enjoyable than you had hoped. Taking a step back allows you to heal, so you go back into the dating scene stronger.
You get to figure out what you want
Getting exposure on online dating platforms is fantastic as it allows you to see what options are out there for you to explore. However, the variety can be a little overwhelming. Taking time off allows you to evaluate your preferences so you know exactly what you are looking for.
Refill your energy tanks
Dating is exhausting physically, mentally, and emotionally. Once you stop dating, you will be giving yourself the time and space needed to relax and recover. That way, when you get back into the scene, you are energetic and ready to face the adventure.
Renew your perspective
Love and lust really are blinding, and being surrounded by that kind of energy for a long time can cloud your perspective. By taking time off online dating, you get to open your eyes and get a fresh new point of view from the outside.
Don’t quit – take a breather
If you experience even one of the signs mentioned above, including boredom and exhaustion, then you should definitely take a break from online dating.
Fortunately, most dating sites allow you to suspend your account until you are ready to come back. You may even choose to delete it and start fresh when you are ready.
Whatever you decide, remember to make yourself the number one priority.
