Realizing that dating can lead to stress and awkwardness, the dating app Double, basically Tinder for double dates, was created. Double is a location-based app that allows you to make dates with friends so as to limit any possible awkwardness. While the app was originally launched in London, it will make its debut here in the States very soon, like Valentine’s Day soon.
Dating is daunting. Even a seasoned dater will tell you that, although fun, dating can have some awkward moments. But if you could erase the awkwardness, maybe limit the amount of uncomfortable silences on dates, would you? You probably would. Nothing can make someone feel on edge and not on top of their game like being at a loss for words. I mean, there are only so many times one can comment on the weather or ask, “Well, how about those Red Sox?”
The idea came to co-founder Ben Greenock when his friend Amy, an active Tinder user, was hesitant to go on dates with the strangers she was meeting on the app. When Amy suggested to another friend that if she came and went on the date, too, things could would be so much better, Greenock realized what he had to do: Create a dating app geared toward those who prefer a double-date setting.
Still a little unsure? Here are seven reasons to try Double.
1. It Will Make You Feel Safer
Whether you meet someone on an app or at a bar, safety is often a concern when dating. While the majority of people you meet aren’t very likely to be serial killers, you never know when you’re going to come across someone who just rubs you the wrong way. In being on a double date, you get to feel the safety of knowing that if things start to get weird, and not a good weird, you and your friend can have an agreed upon sign for when it’s time to bail.
2. It Can Make You Feel More Confident
As Greenock notes, when you’re with your friends you’re “more confident and relaxed.” You get to show a stronger side of yourself than you would if it was just a one-on-one date. Also, in having a friend there, you reveal bits about your personality that might take longer to appear if your friend wasn’t there to pull it out of you.
3. It’s Likely To Be More Fun
The reason the phrase “the more the merrier exists,” is because it’s true. While two people is great, adding another two people to the date makes for better conversation, more personality, and can just end up being a better night after all. When people are in groups they’re a bit more fearless, and what could start as a simple drink date could end up in a karaoke night in Korea Town.
4. You Both Get To Meet New People
Although Double is still a couple weeks away from it’s Valentine’s Day launch, it’s already been such a hit in London that Double gets 250,000 swipes and 40,000 exchanged messages daily. At that rate, you’re opening up yourself to lots of people who are like-minded when it comes to the idea of double dating.
5. It Gives You Double The Chance For Love
If both you and your friend go out on a double date together, it means you both have the opportunity to meet someone new other than just your date. Which means you might find that your friend’s date is a better match for you and your date is a better match for her. In that sense, everyone wins.
6. You’ll Be More Yourself
Not only will your confidence soar with your friend at your side, but having them there allows you to be more yourself. When we’re at ease with our friends, we’re less likely to put on airs, because our friends keep us in check. That being said, you’re not just putting your best self forward, but your honest self, too.
7. It’s Less Awkward
One of the major selling points about Double is it nips the possibility for awkwardness in the bud. “Each person has the support of a friend so you don’t stress about awkward moments...” says Greenock; and he’s right. While there is some sort of charm in the occasional awkward moment (or two), having a friend can really limit just how many awkward silences you could possibly have.
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