The Social Network
This Valentine’s Day, we ask members of our society some questions pertaining to love in the digital age, worst dates, and what their idea of love is, among other ‘juicy’ questions
We speak to some singles who tell of their disaster dates and other fun tidbits about love
Are you for or against dating apps like Tinder?
I’m not against it, and it has become a matter of convenience and choice. From an app, you have access to so many options— so if A doesn’t work, you have B, C, D, all with the swipe of a finger. I feel that there’s not much effort needed these days.
What has been your worst date ever?
I think I’m that worst date. I was overseas and went out with someone, we were talking about it for weeks, so on that day, I was down with a sore throat and fever but insisted to carry on. I ended up shivering, dizzy, couldn’t focus and almost passed out. The poor guy not only didn’t enjoy the night, he had to send me back because I was so sick I could hardly walk.
What’s that one frequent question you absolutely hate people asking or saying about singlehood?
“Don’t you feel lonely?”
What’s your ultimate idea of the ideal date?
Complete spontaneity! I once asked a girl out to Riuh, we walked around, took part in festivities, sneaked off away from our friends and had dim sum for dinner, then out of nowhere we decided to drive to Genting while listening to Bazzi and just spent our entire night at Genting, running around and exploring. It was an adventure—my best date so far.
Has your idea of love changed?
I think I’ve come to a point in my life where my perception of love boils down to trust, honesty, chemistry, supporting one another’s goals and working on bettering each other, together.
What do you hate hearing the most about being single?
“Oh, you’re here, alone?” or its cousin, “Oh, you’re coming, alone?”
How do you think love has changed in the digital age?
I think nowadays, people are constantly on social media and tech gadgets that it has become a way of life. For example, social platforms have become a way of showing one’s love through posts and comments, whereas previously, everything was more face to face. Apps are so common these days, and while I like the old-fashioned way of meeting someone, I am for apps—it does give a chance for people to connect with others whom they may not normally meet. I also have heard and have friends who’ve had success stories, so, good for them!
What has been your worst date ever?
Let’s just say that uninvited physical contact and the passing of the bill is not elegant.
What do people normally say or ask when commenting on your single status?
“Why no boyfriend yet; so picky ah?”
Thoughts on love in the digital age?
I don’t think love has necessarily changed much in the digital age; for most of us, it is just redefining what romance looks like. Where we used to give flowers, we may give them a cute emoji or GIF to attract one another. On a more negative note, it has made those of us looking for love a little more impatient and perhaps made our expectations a little higher than before with all the options available. Ultimately, I believe dating apps have made dating and finding real lasting relationships more difficult and time-consuming.
What has been your worst date ever?
My friend had a date with this girl who had a twin sister. He invited me on the pretext that it was a double date with both the sisters. However, when we got there, there was no sister and my friend’s date was actually on another date, with her ex-boyfriend! We just went to eat at the mamak with each other instead.
What would your ideal partner be like?
Someone who can laugh at almost everything, even my really bad jokes. Someone who gets along well with my friends and family, accepts all my flaws and imperfections—which are many!