TINDER IS YESTERDAY. JIGTALK IS NOW.

How many of you singletons are actively using dating apps? Well, it's more than likely you are if you've found yourself clicking onto this post, so this one is for you and I.

Tinder for me is a natural concept, but it can be daunting and weird to other people. Working from home means it's hard for me to meet people, so dating apps are really my only option right now. However, Tinder has changed a lot and it makes me sad that it's no longer the fun and exhilarating app that it once was.

Tinder was launched back in 2012 and I think I created my first ever profile in 2013. I have met a fair few men on it (I've honestly lost count and not ashamed to admit this), but here I am 4 years later back on it, but only opening it once a week for 5 minutes.

I try not to obsess over dating apps, because it can make you feel really crap as a single human. I would sometimes use it, have no matches or no conversations and end up wondering why no one wants me and why all my relationships seem to fail. I've had a handful of relationships from the app, a lot of "nearly-but-not-quite-official-relationships" and a few one night things. Again, something I am not ashamed to admit. You're only 21 once! However, I'm 24 now and don't feel the same way about dating apps as I once did.

The idea of Tinder is to swipe through people and base your yes or no on their limited selection of photos and carefully chosen cringy bio. In March 2017, it was said that an estimated 10 million people use Tinder day - with 1.4 billion swipes per day! That's a lot of people waking up to check if the girl from last night has replied to their cheesy chat up line. That's also way too many people checking their inbox during their lunch break at work and how many of us are guilty at losing sleep because we fancy a swipe way past 11pm? I know I am, whoops.

stock image via pixabay

When I was introduced to a brand new dating app recently, it really got me thinking. You only have to type in 'dating app' on your smart phone's app store, and you'll be confronted with hundreds of different apps. These are ready for download at the touch of a button, but they are mostly all the same. Create a profile, upload some photos and get chatting. Quite boring if you ask me.

JigTalk is a one of a kind dating app and not something that I have ever seen done before, which is why I am super excited to be sharing it with all you singletons out there. If the arrogance and shallowness of apps like Tinder scare you, then by all means I don't blame you. However, JigTalk is an app that is about to take the dating world by storm.

Imagine being able to talk to someone, get to know their likes and dislikes and find there's an instant mutual attraction with both personalities. The catch? You can't see their face, but the more you talk, the more you'll get rewarded.

JigTalk works by covering your profile photo with a 16 pieces of a jigsaw. The longer you talk to someone, then a piece of the jigsaw is revealed.  The questions are provided to you and are common ice-breaker questions. However, you can begin to ask your own before you know it. The idea of the app is to get to know someone without judging them by looks and swiping to the next person.  Something that we are all guilty of doing.

I downloaded the app to test it out and got talking to someone within an hour of matching. We sent each other some icebreaker questions and it was fun getting to know him over the course of the day. By the time his photo was revealed, I was surprised that he seemed to be my type and I really enjoyed our conversation.

The app works seamlessly with no glitches and I've recommended it to my friends and family who are single and looking to date. I absolutely love the concept of JigTalk and think a lot more dating app users will start using it once they learn it's more about personality than looks.

JigTalk is the now. Available for free download on Apple and Android.

I honestly think I have outgrown the swiping lark and feel like I am ready to settle down soon, but I am in no rush. Most importantly though, I am enjoying having time to myself; as well as learning to love myself. I'm ready to get dolled up and get back out there on the dating scene. However, maybe I have met someone? My love life as you all know is usually unpredictable, so who knows.

Disclaimer: In collaboration with JigTalk. All opinions and words are my own.