Tinder, one of the most popular dating apps in the world, has become very popular in Ukraine over the last year or so.
The idea is simple: you see a person’s profile with photos, name (no surname though), age and Instagram profile (optional) and if you like him or her, you swipe right. If this person has also swiped right on your profile, you get a match and are able to text each other. The app is discreet: people will never see you “liking” them if it’s not mutual. It also encourages people to start chatting, because they know that the attraction is mutual.
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At first, Tinder was used mostly by European-minded Ukrainians who found out about the app abroad, but now its user base had become wider and more diverse. Here are the most common types of user you’ll bump into.
Proper ladies and gentlemen
Ladies are elegant and softhearted, they love nature and pose with trees and kittens. They don’t answer your message right away and don’t agree to meet over the weekend if the offer is made later than Wednesday – just as a proper lady wouldn’t. Offered lunch instead of dinner? Inappropriate. Dinner not fancy enough to suit a lady? Scrooge. Offered to split the bill? Forget it. A proper gentleman expects a lady to follow all of the same patterns.
Partygoers
Their slogan is “let’s have fun.”
Partygoers hang out in clubs and pubs all night long. If you don’t drink with them, you’re boring. Don’t go partying every week? Boring. Have to go home because you need to wake up early in the morning and go to work? Don’t bother with me.
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Some are hippies who don’t like to plan in advance. Some are college students. Some graduated a long time ago, but still act like college students.
It’s easy to spot a partygoer: the main photo on their profile is cut out of a group photo in the club.
The traveler
Likes traveling a lot and meeting a new people. Can’t imagine life without travel. Has lots of photos showing them in different corners of the planet. If native English speakers – offers tutoring via Skype. Overuses the phrases “looking for something new” and “exploring the world.” Doesn’t usually have a regular job because it prevents them from traveling. If you meet up, they’re likely to eat all the food in your fridge.
Talking business people
“I’ll be honest with you,” they say, “I’m not looking for anything serious right now because I don’t have time for relationships /don’t feel like I’m at that point of my life, etc. Meet at my place in 30 minutes.”
Talking business people know exactly what they want and don’t like wasting precious time. Small talk? No way. Compliment? Oh, please, who needs such banality? Let’s get straight to the point.
They often add that they don’t want to create wrong expectations or hurt your feelings afterwards. That’s how caring they are.
Looking for a tutor
“Actually, I’m just looking for a native speaker who will teach me some of the basics of your language,” they say. The only thing you don’t really get is why they’re looking for a teacher on Tinder. But they promise fair payment and to cover all the expenses. They might sent you a full job description (I’m not kidding!). Better to always have your resume updated just in case.
Selfie people
Sometimes you see their selfies in the gym, a mirror, elevator, toilet or wherever, and Kanye West’s hit “I am God” starts playing in your head. They are sexy and they know it all too well. Their bio usually contains a few requirements about age, height, appearance and habits for those who want to swipe right. Make sure you meet them all.
Mature
They will either invite you to move to their city or expect you to invite them after the second message. They want a family and kids, because it’s time for them to have a family and kids. And if you’re not so certain or don’t want it all immediately, then gosh – “You’re so immature.”
Delicate flowers
They are all ones of a kind, and nobody can really understand their deep personalities. They probably consider themselves artists or have an unusual hobby. They will never reply to the ordinary “Hey. How are you?” as that’s simply not creative enough. It’s easy to offend them with an incautious remark or too direct a flirt. Be ready for their mood swings, and prepared to discuss the work of their favorite philosopher.
Rich and persistent
They like expensive things and taking pictures with them. Look, here’s me on a yacht, me in a chic restaurant, or in the limo. They might offer to buy you a ticket to a Mediterranean country because for them, it’s not a problem. At least that’s what they say. If you’re a girl, don’t be surprised if they ask for your office address right away: You might find a bunch of flowers with a cheesy note on your desk the next morning. They are also very persistent when it comes to sending you presents or coming to meet you in your city. Very, very persistent.
Mysterious
People who don’t show their face on a profile picture and have no bio. Don’t ask which criteria people are supposed to use to decide if they’re the kind of person they want to meet. It would spoil the enigma.
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