Relationships

Why It's Completely Acceptable To Be Picky When Looking For Love

by Gabrielle Sorto
Warner Bros. Pictures

In the age of Tinder and the multitude of other dating sites and apps we use, it is easier than ever to find a date. But some members of this generation are looking for much more than that.

We're looking for someone to wake up to who won't leave in the morning with a lame excuse about having to feed a dog that doesn't even exist.

When you're in your 20s and looking for love, the first thing people will tell you is you need to “get out there,” “start dating” and “say yes more."

I can understand how that logic makes sense to people: The more people you date, the more likely you are to find someone you like.

The quantity of dates does not equate to finding a quality person, however; it just means you've been on a lot of dates, which typically leads to saying yes to things you definitely want to say no to.

If you know you're going to have a bad time and you know you're not going to like the person, going on the date only to confirm what you already know is wasting both your time and your date's time.

Bad dates make for good stories, but going on too many bad dates is just depressing. It makes dating and the quest for love a lot more daunting than it needs to be.

I urge you to say no.

Say no to the sh*tty dudes who don't really care that much. Say no to the bros who are only looking for a hookup.

Say no to the guys who are not your type. Say no to the men who are flaky and non-committal. Stop texting the guys back who only text you when they feel like it.

Just say no.

If you're looking for something real in this Tinder-saturated world, you need to be picky. There are too many options offered now for you to accept every proposition.

Seek out quality people. If someone sparks your interest, get to know that person, but not every person who throws a cute line your way is worth your precious time.

I've been the pickiest person on earth, and the truth is, I don't like many people to begin with.

I'm picky about my food, so you can imagine how picky I am about the people I choose to spend my time with. I don't like to waste my time in situations I don't want to be in.

I spent too much time waiting around for a dude who was never going to date me seriously. I started being really picky, and I didn't say yes to anyone I didn't feel a vibe with immediately.

I stopped spending so much time thinking about dating and looking for someone, and somehow, I've found myself in a relationship.

I'm not one for mushy romantic lines, but let me have just this one: If I were asked to picture what my ideal relationship would look like, mine is even better.

It's exactly what I want right now, and I found it by saying no. I said no to anything less than what I wanted. I said no to anything less than what I think I deserve.

I made the first move. My now-boyfriend sparked my interest, so I messaged him. I got bold, and it worked out in my favor.

You have to go after what you want, especially when it comes to dating.

Life is too short to spend time with people who don't excite you and make you feel like your best self. Say no to anything that doesn't make you feel glad to be alive, and say yes to anything that does.

It's simple, really.