Dating apps are officially bringing your friends along for the ride. Tinder’s new Group Hangouts lets you invite two friends to swipe on group outings together, building on its earlier Double Date feature. Hinge took a different route with Friends Take, where your people can add testimonials directly to your profile. The message is clear: the apps think your love life works better with backup.
The data backs up why. Nearly half of women and a third of men say their friends’opinions shape how they see the people they’re dating. But about 43% of women and 30% of men admit those same opinions have hurt their dating decisions. Experts like Dr. John De Oca and therapist Keisha Saunders-Waldron say friends can offer perspective and safety, but too much involvement can erode your autonomy and get in the way of genuine connection.
So where’s the line? Think of your friends as a sounding board, not a decision-making body. They can spot red flags, tell you the truth, and have your back. But the moment you need a group vote before replying to a text, you might be handing over something that should be yours. Would you bring a friend on a first date, or is that where you draw the line?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.