Image : Thursday Events
THE DATING APP FOR THURSDAYS : WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Thursday dating app is designed to help you find your special someone in ( almost ) real life — without getting lost in messaging for weeks .
What is the Thursday dating app ? If you ’ ve heard whispers about it , it ’ s time to listen closely , because this app is different and might be the right fit for you if you are single and ready to get out there . Because unlike traditional ‘ swiperight-anytime ’ apps like Tinder , Hinge or Bumble , Thursday operates just one day a week — on Thursdays — to cut down endless swiping and dry messenger small talk . They consider themselves as “ Not just a dating app , but the day for dating ”.
“ There is nothing awkward about saying you met on Thursday .”
Modern-day dating is already an exhausting experience , with so much time and energy being put into it , for results that don ’ t always match all that effort . Thursday considers that thought and wants to work against it : every Thursday at 12 am the platform comes alive , showing members potential daters nearby . It ’ s worth noting though that the UK born app is only available to New Yorkers and Londoners right now , however , the app is expanding and European cities such as Berlin , Paris , and Amsterdam will follow soon .
For 24 hours users can match , chat , and set up an IRL meeting on the same day or in the future , as matches and chats will disappear when the clock strikes midnight on Friday . Fellow users pop up on a map , where they can look at each other ’ s profiles with pictures , and some conversation starters such as profile questions and interest tags ( gallery hopping , music festivals , and the like ). It is also required to upload a photo of their passport or driver ’ s license when they join , to verify their identity and avoid catfishing . Safety first !
For those who really want to dedicate their Thursday to dating , there are also exclusive in-person events every week in locations all over the city , and for £ 5 entry fee you can try and find your potential other in person . Thursday as a day is the ideal choice since you don ’ t have to sacrifice a valuable Friday or Saturday night to meet a stranger . It is something I just had to experience and luckily a friend joined me .
Imagine a room full of singles in their 20s and 30s socialising for the same reason : finding a certain someone . When I first walked in , all I could feel was excitement ; so many people keen to talk to each other that it was almost intimidating for someone like me who is not introverted , but also not ‘ out there ’ like others . It took me a bit to adjust , but when I lost my friend twenty minutes after entering the bar to a guy , there was no other way than to dive into the pool of singles myself .
The energy in the room reminded me of The Hunger Games where all the contestants are trying to check each other out before they rush to the Cornucopia and start chopping each other up . While it can be overwhelming , it is comforting to know everyone in the room is somewhat open to talk and I didn ’ t have one awkward conversation – if it doesn ’ t feel right with someone you just move on to the next .
I didn ’ t meet my soulmate that night , but I am definitely made me feel more excited for being single again and to meet new people in real life . All in all , it is a very safe atmosphere , thanks to staff of the Thursday team being present , as well as the bar staff making sure everyone is safe .
“ People want to meet the way their parents did .”
Spontaneity — and speed — are traits of the Thursday game . And it works in 2023 where Millennials and Gen Z are tempted to get out and meet face-to-face rather than talk to a stranger online . They want to meet their soulmate just how their parents did : in person . Thursday ’ s goal is to build a bridge for the gap between online dating and offline experiences the creators say , without making it seem like old-school speed dating or Bingo night . They also take away the pressure of too much choice from people . Thursday allows you to focus one day a week on doing something about your love life then you can get on with the rest of your life .
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