These days, lots of dating apps pull your information from Facebook, allow you to add some additional stats, and get started on swiping and messaging from there, which means that the social media juggernaut is practically a requirement for online dating. But whether you're ready to delete your account or you never had one in the first place, there are plenty of dating apps that work without Facebook. Some prefer not to have a Facebook at all (myself included), while others have a profile, but would rather not drag mutual friends into the dating equation. Whatever the case may be, there are enough dating apps in the sea to satisfy pretty much every possible need.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the dating app possibilities, or by the prospect of dating in general, but if the blizzard that the East Coast just got hit with is any indication, people are out en masse in search of connection, and that is only more true as the temperatures drop. In fact, winter storms and cold weather in general are the best time for dating, so now may be the time to jump into the fray. If you want to do it without Facebook, here are eight options.
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1. OkCupid
This old standby is practically the gold standard of dating apps, partly because it has been around forever and partly because it has a lot of members. For those addicted to swiping, never fear: OkCupid's app has a swiping feature similar to Tinder's swipe-right, swipe-left routine — or "playing Tinder," as it is often called.
2. How About We
This app has a pretty straightforward approach to dating. Users post fun date ideas alongside standard profile fare (photos, basic personal information). If you click with someone's profile and date concepts, you reach out. ("How about we take a walk in Central Park," "How about we drink macchiatos at my favorite coffee shop," that kind of thing.) Although you can use Facebook to sign in, you don't have to.
3. Plenty of Fish
With some 70 million members, this site really does remind you that there are a lot of potential matches out there. To access them, there is no need for Facebook. This app operates a lot like OkCupid, with basic services (peeping other people's profiles and messaging) free, and the option to upgrade available as well.
4. Wingme
This app has an intriguing premise: Instead of endlessly browsing potential matches solo, Wingme allows you to invite your pals to provide feedback on the guys and gals you'll encounter on the site. No Facebook necessary — just friends who are willing and able to help you stay out of an online dating k-hole by weighing in on your romantic prospects.
5. Siren
Siren is all about girl power. Women rule here — men answer one question daily, to which women see the answers. Then they can choose to reach out, or save a dude's profile and keep tabs on future questions. Plus, when you sign up, you take an in-app photo, which ensures that everyone's pics are really them — and recent.
6. Willow
Perhaps this app could be billed as the anti-Tinder. "Talk first — reveal photos later," says Willow. Instead of flipping through photos ad infinitum, this spin on dating is a meeting of the minds. Once you reply to some of someone's questions, then you get to see their pics, and vice versa.
7. Bristlr
If you're into beards and not into Facebook, have I ever got an app for you. Bristlr connects those with beards with those who love beards. Pretty simple.
8. Badoo
This is similar to Tinder — swiping, etc. — but allows you to add more personal information. If you're near someone else, they'll pop up as potential love interests. And though you don't need Facebook, you do need to sign in with a third party — options include Google+, MSN, and an assortment of foreign options, including VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Yandex and Mail.Ru.
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