In the first week, I made two unexpected discoveries. The first is that app-based dating is extremely fun. The second is that I was effectively spreading the vegan message. Based on the knowledge I’ve gathered and my experience, here’s a quick guide to app dating that will jumpstart a relationship and help animals, all from the convenience of your phone (which you’ll check every five minutes).
Are there vegan dating apps?
Before we get started, it’s important to note that while a vegan dating app has not been used on this occasion, there are options available to those who are strictly interested in dating another vegan, Veggly and Grazer are free dating apps designed to bring the you one step closer to your veg soul mate. Find out more about this, as well as app-free dating, in our vegan celebrity couples guide!
Online dating tips for vegans
Hi, I’m Nik/Unsplash
1 Find the right app
It only takes five minutes to download an app and create a profile, but where do you start? If you are skeptical of electronic dating, the best way to go is the free one. Fortunately, there are dozens of free apps to choose from. After asking friends with experience in this field, as well as researching a plethora of lists highlighting top dating apps (like Tinder, Bumble, and so on), I decided on Hinge and Coffee Meets Bagel because they both draw from their network of friends. on Facebook and are quite simple to navigate. While there are exceptions on any free dating app, most of these users tend to be looking for relationships rather than a quick fling.
two make a connection
Once you match someone, let the flirting begin. Focus on common interests, but avoid the standard “What’s your favorite…” questions. These generic questions tend to lead to a dead end or a downward spiral of quizzing each other about their trivial likes and dislikes. Try some witty banter to draw your potential partner into conversation, and from there, do your best. It’s okay if the “vegan thing” comes up. I tell the person that I believe in the “you do you” philosophy. It makes me come across as a cold and receptive person. I have found that people respect this attitude and it makes them more receptive to trying vegan food.
3 Take over control
Congratulations! You have a date! First dates often involve food, so if you’re going out with a meat eater, my advice is to make reservations at your favorite vegan establishment to avoid endless modifications that might make your date raise an eyebrow or two.
Alternatively, you can enhance your romantic evening and opt for a home-cooked meal. Guide your date as you prepare your favorite vegan dish. You’ll relieve your date of the pressure of coming up with an idea while making a grand romantic gesture. Let’s face it: very few people like to plan the first date for fear of being judged by the other. Suggest an easy, casual dish you’ve already made. Their pasta dinners, taco Tuesday entrees, and fried favorites are great choices because they’re usually cheap, fast, vegan, and fun.
No matter what you end up eating, discuss more than just your diet. Focus on the quality of the restaurant meal or home cooking and make suggestions on how they can adjust the dish to your liking. Personally, I also like to keep the date to about an hour or two and leave them wanting more.
4 skip to the next
It’s great if your date goes well, because a second date means a new opportunity for another vegan meal or a fun, non-food activity. However, if your date constantly cracks vegan jokes, seems completely contrary to the idea of veganism, or just doesn’t click, it might be time to move on.
Unfortunately, there are very few love at first sight situations in the world of online dating. The truth is, it can be a bit like a numbers game. But you can use this to your advantage. Have fun, enjoy your conversations with different people, share lots of vegan meals and keep the faith. If that’s what you really want, one day you’ll find “the one” to live plant-based forever.
To learn more about vegan love, read:
Tanya Flink is a digital editor for VegNews, as well as a writer and runner, based in Orange County, CA.