In the ‘good old days’, dating was meeting someone through mutual friends, family or even the work place. I think quite a few of us would have had the odd ‘fix them up’ for a blind date scenario. And of course meeting people in social situations for example: going to a club, bar or pub.

I still remember that feeling that you got when you first saw someone that you liked across a crowed bar and your eyes meet. You would both have that little nervous energy flowing through your body when you started talking to each other. But is this all over?

Now in the 21^st century a lot has changed, we seem to be living different lives which seem to be a lot busier. We are working more hours and we may have less time to socialise and as such have less of a chance of meeting that special someone.

So is it because of the relatively new social trends and technology that in the last few years we have changed the way that we look for a mate?

Is it because we do not want to waste time hoping to find that special someone and we have become more proactive in searching for a partner. Or is it that if we just want a little fun we simply swipe to the right?

We have online dating and dating websites for people that are looking for that special someone. You include all your interests and what or who you are looking for and they match you to other users and send you notifications of potential dating partners.

You both then contact each other via email, phone or text until you ascertain if you would like to meet for a date. You may be ‘dating’ a few people at a time working out who you would like to spend more time with and see a future relationship with.

But if you are looking for a fling there are mobile phone apps like Tinder. The app works out common interests and also who is in the same geographical location and your ‘matches’ come up.

You then process who you ‘like’ by simply sliding left or right. If you slide to the left it’s a no, if you slide to the right it’s a yes. Then if two people have both made the slide to the right then voila, you have someone who is close by and is looking for some fun just like you.

This is the most common use for Tinder but I know from a friend’s experience that is not always the case. My girlfriend set up a Tinder profile only looking for some fun on the side. She recently ended a long term relationship and with her busy lifestyle she didn’t want anything serious.

But that is exactly what has happened. The first guy she meets through Tinder and they have fallen in love. He was exactly the same, recently divorced and not interested in any kind of relationship let alone fall in love with someone so quickly.

I also know that even the social media aspects like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram people are meeting up for dates or simple hook ups.

So it seems more and more people are inclined to embrace this new technology to find exactly who and what they want in a partner, and why not. And it’s for everyone, young and old and all sexual orientations.

Of course there is no fool-proof way you are going to find the one and you may meet some dudes along the journey but if you are interested in either a relationship or some fun there’s no harm.

The only advice I would like to give is to be safe. Always meet the person in a place where there are other people. Don’t meet them alone, especially for the first meet.

Be safe and have fun.