Whether it's for finding a soulmate or a casual hookup, online dating has become one of the most popular avenues for singles. In the United States, for example, the number of people who use these services is expected to reach 53.3 million in 2024, up from 44.2 million in 2020.

When we're looking at such a huge crowd, naturally, it's going to be, let's say, colorful. And the subreddit r/Tinder is a great example of that. The community with 5.7 million members is constantly sharing and discussing memorable conversations and profiles they've had and seen on the app.

To show you just how chaotic all of it can be, we at Bored Panda compiled a list of their popular posts. Also, don't miss the conversation we had with London, United Kingdom-based dating and relationships coach Rachel New. You will find it in between the images.

#1 Her Bio Said Demisexual

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#2 I Thought It Was Pretty Funny

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According to the Pew Research Center, men who have online dated in the past five years are far more likely than women to feel as if they did not get enough messages (57% vs. 24%). On the other hand, women who have online dated in this time period are five times as likely as men to think they were sent too many messages (30% vs. 6%).

And there's a lot of bothersome and harassing behavior involved too, especially for women under the age of 35. For example, 60% of female users ages 18 to 34 say people who use these services continued to contact them after they said they were not interested, while a similar share (57%) report being sent a sexually explicit message or image they didn’t ask for.

#3 My Name Is Van And This Left Me Speechless. Bravo

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#4 Why Are People Like This Lol. What Did They Expect?

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"Creating connection and making the woman feel good about herself are some of the key skills I work with heterosexual men on," Rachel New, who strives to change the norms of dating and relating, told Bored Panda. She strongly believes that treating each other well and having an open mind make the world a better place and we should remember that in our romantic endeavors as well.

"There are lots of subtle elements to a conversation that creates connection. They should aim to create warmth and empathy ... talk about personal rather than superficial topics but at the same time make it fun and light-hearted – not easy, I know!"

#5 Am I Too Old For Tinder?

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#6 Either Way Would Work, I'm Not Picky

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#7 Seems Kind Of Shallow?

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A majority of the overall public (65%) also thinks the increased focus on sexual harassment and assault in the last few years has made it harder for men to know how to interact with someone they’re on a date with. 

To get past this, Rachel New believes that people need to be clear about when they are interested, when they need to take more time to get to know someone, and when they are not."

"Often people (both men and women) show their ambivalence and that is confusing," she noted. "In that situation, why not say 'I'm not sure how I feel about you yet – I need to take some time to think about it' or if you are asked if you want to meet again, why not say 'I never decide on the date – I like to take time to reflect, so I'll message you tomorrow.'"

#8 Smooth

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#9 What Do You Married People Think Abt This One

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#10 Let's Get To Know Each Other's

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#11 Ironic

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The dating and relationships coach said this happens due to various reasons, but "often ambivalence comes from unresolved fears or behavior patterns that come from childhood or past relationships, and that’s something I work on with people a lot."

"They may have an avoidant attachment style or feel uneasy about getting close to someone at the same time as craving intimacy. We all need to learn to recognize our triggers and patterns and deal with them," she added.

#12 His Profile Says He’s “Very Sarcastic And Hope You Are Too” He Unmatched Immediately After This Exchange

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#13 Bruh LMAO

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#14 Where Do I Sign Up

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#15 Was This Too Harsh?

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When those who say dating has become harder for most people in the last 10 years are asked to describe in their own words why they think this is the case, women are twice as likely as men to cite increased risk.

Because of this, according to Rachel New, men should make sure they arrange to have the date in a safe, public place so that women know they understand those concerns. Additionally, women should give their location to a friend and check in with them at an agreed time.

"The man can ask before the date 'Do you have any concerns or worries about our date?' and then on the date 'Is there anything I can do to put you at your ease or make you feel safe?'" Rachel explained. "On a date, he can watch her body language — such as whether she moves towards or away from him and whether she makes sustained eye contact — to see how she might feel about moving things on."

#16 I Saw That Somebody Had Succes With This Pick Up Line, Thought I'd Try It Myself

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#17 She Had Basketball As One Of Her Interests

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#18 This Has To Be A New Low

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#19 Note: Fighting Fire With Fire Will Get You Unmatched

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"[Men] can [also] ask questions like 'How many dates do you usually have before you feel comfortable having a first kiss?' and 'How well do you like to know someone to have any physical contact?'"

"At the end of a date, the man can ask 'Shall we have a hug?' or 'Would it be ok to kiss you?' or 'Are you ok for me to put my arm around you?' All of these can also be said by the woman," the dating and relationships coach said.

#20 I Let The Intrusive Thoughts In Again

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#21 Her Bio Said She Was A Childcare Chef... I Got Unmatched Pretty Fast

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#22 I Hate Dating Apps So Much

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#23 Just When I Was Beginning To Think That I Follow Rules 1 And 2

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Everyone should also remember that if they feel uncomfortable, they can simply say 'I don't feel comfortable with this' or 'I don’t feel I know you well enough for that yet' or ask 'Are you comfortable with this?' and say 'Please tell me if you want to take a break.'

If someone wants something to stop, they can calmly request exactly how they would like the other person to behave, such as 'Please can you stop doing …. and give me some space' or 'I need to take a break and work out how I’m feeling' or 'I would like end this date now.'

"Clear, honest communication is so important," Rachel New highlighted.

#24 Bio Said Tell Me A Bad Joke. Sigh

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#25 Guess Being A 26 Year Old Sophomore Should Be Embarrassing Lol

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#26 First Time Being Single In 7 Years... Wow I Didn't Miss It

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#27 Rizz.. He Stopped Responding

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"All of this advice also applies to gender fluid, non-binary and trans people, especially with regard to safety and trust," Rachel New said. "If we start to notice the ways in which we categorize people by gender, we will see that we often make assumptions and jump to conclusions that aren’t justified."

"Rather than thinking of men and women as 'them' and 'us' – with 'them' a mystery to us - let's remember that we all have a range of personality traits, values, communication styles, and hang-ups. The latest research from neuroscience shows that the differences within a gender are greater than the differences between genders. If you’re feeling uncertain or insecure, they probably are too!"

#28 I'm Unsure What Just Happened

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#29 Guess I'm A Murderer, Calling The Police Now

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#30 Gentlemen Do Exist!

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#31 Like Getting Blood From A Stone

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#32 Well All Right Then

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#33 Her Profile Said She Had A PhD

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#34 Were*?‍♂️

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#35 She Actually Blocked/Unmatched

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#36 Alright Boys, What Do I Do Here?

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#37 Too Harsh?

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#38 This Is Kinda D**kish Right?

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#39 Flirt 100

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#40 Tinder Providing Me With Quality Men Yet Again

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