Niche dating: 9 ridiculously specific sites, apps
There are always new challenges to dating, especially in the digital age. An ever-expanding buffet of websites and dating apps promises to help you find Mr. or Ms. Right, while others simply encourage users to find Mr. or Mrs. Right Now (we’re talking about Tinder).
Looking for someone who enjoys the “simpler” things in life, maybe like small town living? Farmers Only promises to weed out the “city folk” who “just don’t get it.” Is religious affiliation one of your top “non-negotiables” when it comes to finding a partner? Turn to websites like Christian Mingle and Jdate (for Jewish singles) to emphasize just how important a role religion plays when it comes to building that connection.
Regardless of your urgency toward coupling (or lack thereof ), there seems to be a dating app tailormade for even the most specific singles. When the questionnaires and filtering features on mega-sites such as Match, E-Harmony or even OKCupid just aren’t doing the trick, narrowing your search (sometimes down to the most ridiculous specifics) might be the way to go.
From those looking to find a partner who hates the same things they do to those who wish to meet their soul mate through a shared affection for conspiracy theories and marijuana, here are some of the most niche dating websites and apps available for the most precise daters.
— For guys with beards and those who love them, this app aims to connect “those with beards to those who want to stroke beards.” The app, which started as a joke but quickly gained users and media attention, is now marketed as the “world’s favourite beard-centric app.” Simply create your account using your Facebook login, and start your romantic, though somewhat hairy, journey.
— The person you date also affects the pup who’s been your partner through it all. Twindog, formerly known as Tindog, uses the Tinder-like swiping mechanics to facilitate meetings between likeminded dog owners and their four-legged companions. Users can sign up through Facebook or through their email address and begin finding matches for themselves and their pooches.
— While openness about cannabis consumption seems to be the new norm, singles may be hesitant about sharing their smoking habits with someone who isn’t openly green-friendly. Start things off by taking My 420 Mate’s personality test to get matched with other users whose habits and interests best fit with yours. As the site’s slogan says, “Plant your seed and watch your love grow.”
— Tired of the small talk about things you enjoy? Have you ever just wanted to talk about things you hate but fear coming off as some type of jerk? Fear no longer! Hater matches its users based on just that! The app shows users a variety of people, places and things (from Donald Trump to pickles) and provides the option to love, hate, like or dislike. An algorithm creates a compatibility score prioritizing the “hates” to match users. No need to mince words or feelings here as when you’re ready to send someone a message, there’s even a Cards Against Humanity feature with plenty of sarcasm to help break the ice. Currently, the app does require login through Facebook, but developers are working on a non-Facebook option.
— Are you a jet-set single? Wingman may be the app for you! The app, which will have its official launch this summer, aims to connect frequent fliers with potential partners before and during your flight as well as once you reach your destination. Promising a more limited pool of options, and spaces to carry on such relations if you choose to use the app while in-flight, the app may be your best bet if you spend the majority of your time at 30,000 feet.
— Do your views on who shot JFK, the existence of WMDs, even the moon landing make dating more difficult? For those searching for “the real story,” according to the website, Conspiracy Date may be for you. It’s free to join and free to browse, but to really share your theories and fall in love, there’s an upgrade fee, and packages from a month ($29.95) to a year ($11.67/month) can be purchased. Conspiracy Date also features an online dating protector to ensure the legitimacy of users and safe connections.
— “Geekiness” has gone from a pejorative term to one that implies an endearing quirkiness. But for those who still feel out of bounds when it comes to dating, fearing that their love for “Star Trek,” anime, comics or cosplay may bring rejection, there’s Soul Geek. Along with member profiles, the website features a slew of testimonials — many about marriages or engagements — and information about upcoming Soul Geek conventions, where users can meet faceto-face.
— If structured religion isn’t your thing but spirituality and a more holistic approach to life are, Spiritual Singles may be for you. The website caters to cis-gender as well as LGBTQI singles whose lifestyles include meditation, yoga, advocating for world peace, being environmentally aware and all-around growth in their collective consciousness. You can join for free for basic access, which includes sending free hellos and receiving emails/instant messages from interested singles, or you can upgrade to a monthly plan for $10-$19 to share unlimited emails/instant messages as well as to be matched through your astrological compatibility.
— Facing certain stigmas while dating can add an extra challenge to an already nerve-wracking situation. Speaking openly and honestly about life experiences and current states of being may be tough for some singles, particularly those living with STIs. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million STIs are contracted each day worldwide. Deciding when to have “the talk” can be anxiety-inducing, even relationship-ending before it even has had the chance to start. Hift’s inclusive community of like-minded singles living with STIs helps to remove the stigma and instead encourages test-positive singles to find supportive relationships.