Its 2016, so I am just going to assume you or someone you know has dabbled with online dating. Tinder, Bumble, Match, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, Grindr (whatever you’re into.) I first downloaded Tinder less than two years ago, and Bumble shortly after. It’s been an activate-deactivate relationship ever since. Although I could count on just one hand how many dates I went on from the sites, I have my fair share of experience and stories to be familiar with the systems. I would say around 7-8 of my close friends are in serious relationships, and 5 of them met through one of these said sites. I’ve witnessed dating app success, and I’m a believer. Such a strong believer that I made a list of 7 reasons why I am Team Online Dating.

1. It’s sometimes difficult to meet people when you go out. There is usually a lot going on in the night scene. You are typically with a group of friends. In my case, those friends usually need attention, or better yet, leashes to keep track of their whereabouts. Conversations can also get really difficult. Whether it’s from the loud music, dancing, or pushing around from the crowd, it’s hard to accomplish any sort of getting-to-know-you business. In my case, my group of friends usually take too many shots at the pregame to hold a legit conversation. Now I know it’s pretty likely to get some numbers on the weekend. But when you’re going through your phone and have guys named “John, Wheelhouse,” it’s hard to remember who he really was and what he was all about. With online dating, you have a name, visual, age, and fun facts as a friendly reminder.

2. Easy elimination. I’m not just talking about appearance here. I’m talking instant deal breakers and turn offs. Say you are not into smoking, and three photos in he is pictured with a big ol’ Marlboro hanging out the side of his mouth. Next. You didn’t have to wait until date three when he asks if it’s okay to light one up. He uses “to” instead of “too” just too many times. Next. You didn’t have to meet him in person to witness and bare through the grammatical errors. Say you are height advanced (does that make being abnormally tall sound more attractive? asking for a friend) and are seeking someone in or over the same height level. If they don’t flat out list their heights (which let’s be honest, if they are over 6’3 they usually always do), you can use context clues in the photos to measure them up (I am a PRO at this.)

3. It’s not a “hook up” app if you don’t want it to be. Yes, there are plenty of creeps and perverts. TRUST me, they are out there waiting anxiously for a bite to their bait. Say you accidentally swipe right on one of these horn dogs. They hit you up with one of their ever-so-charming pickup lines, such as, “need a place to sit, my face is open.” Next. It takes 3 seconds to unmatch and/or block. It also makes for a great screenshot to send to your group chat. You can grasp pretty quickly through their bio and/or conversation with them if they are there to find a potential relationship or a potential notch on the ol’ bed post. Example: If they take you to a nice dinner or concert… fun. If they ask you to come over and watch a movie… run.

4. Some fish are just hiding. Some fish are just too busy. Some fish are emotionally unavailable and have daddy issues. Wait. You catch my drift. There’s plenty of people you may never have had the chance to cross paths with unless you had this lovely thing called the internet. There’s a whole other life out there and it’s about 3,000 available prospects in a 30 mile radius.

5. Stalking. That’s right. I said it. Especially for those who are scared of meeting this “stranger.” We now have your name, age, job, and school information. When you live in a city like St. Louis, you most likely have mutual friends. A simple little, “Hey, is this person normal to go on a date with and won’t murder me?” can go a long way. Oh, Facebook says you are in a relationship? See ya! This person could be an entirely different human being than they portray on the dating app, but you can make sure they are who they say they are by one little name drop into the search bar on Facebook. If I had met them out briefly and did not have this information beforehand, I could end up on a date with someone who is unemployed and has a child on the way (I don’t want to talk about it.)

6. Conversation. Often times when you meet someone out or get set up by a friend, you don’t get to talk much before a date is planned. I am ALL about saving an awkward first date if I can. You can use the dating app to take as much time as you need to converse and get to know the person before agreeing to the (hopefully) less awkward first date.

7. Ease. Comfort. Accessibility. Why get dressed up and go out late into the night when you can chill in sweats and meet people on your couch? Why get rejected at a bar when you can get rejected in the privacy and peace of your own home? Kidding. Kind of.

What’s that I hear? Oh you’re downloading a dating app before you even finished reading my blog? Great! I support you. You are going out of your comfort zone and exploring new options to meet new people. Kudos. The best part is you don’t even have to tell people you met online. We met at a networking event, ok??

Remember, it’s not weird to online date unless you make it weird. Be optimistic that something beautiful may come out of it. So good luck. All is fair in love and online dating.