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Online dating is far from easy. Even though the apps connect us with many attractive people with whom we may have a few things in common, a successful relationship requires much more than a pretty face and a shared love for running. Not to mention that the chance of getting a date out of it nowadays has plummeted to never-seen lows. 

These and many more similar online dating struggles can be found below in the form of memes, courtesy of the “That’s Online Dating” Instagram account. Scroll down to find some of the most perfectly chaotic posts about modern dating, and don’t forget to upvote experiences you had to go through yourself.

While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with relationship and dating coach Mila Smith, relationship expert, love coach, and dating empowerment mentor Michaela Lambert, and online dating coach Erika Ettin, who kindly agreed to give a few tips on how to overcome online dating struggles. 

#1

Man with text, capturing the humor in dating memes.

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Trillian
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3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah lol you can't sweet talk me into being in charge of everything.

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    If you ever felt like online dating became significantly more challenging compared to when you first signed on to the apps, you might not be imagining it, as experts say that it has become more difficult to find potential suitors online. 

    “Online dating has become more challenging since it first started, but it may not be why you think,” said leading online dating coach in the US and founder of A Little Nudge, Erika Ettin. 

    “The tools—the dating sites/apps themselves—keep improving and adapting to the times. But with more widespread use comes more people. And with more people and more anonymity comes worse behavior—ghosting, etc. So, it's not that the apps are inherently harder. It's that when something gets saturated, it's both hard to stand out and harder to w**d through everyone,” she explained.

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    #4

    Funny dating meme with text conversation about getting one's life together.

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    ocean todd
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Would it be wrong to make this my email signature block?

    #5

    Dating meme text: "The fact that I still like men is proof sexuality is not a choice."

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    CP
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When straight people say this I ask them to recall when they made the choice.

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    #6

    Text message exchange meme humorously capturing modern dating challenges.

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    Bookworm
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    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This sounds like the foundation of a great relationship /s

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    “When I first started online dating in the early 2010s, it seemed a lot easier to connect with matches—mainly because it was simple to search and filter people instead of having to swipe away endlessly (which I think can lead to overwhelm and decision fatigue),” added relationship expert, love coach, dating empowerment mentor, and founder of Your Second Soulmate, Michaela Lambert.

    She also points out several other factors that get in the way of successful online dating experiences, including paid subscriptions, algorithms that prioritize engagement over genuine compatibility, shifting relationship norms, and post-pandemic dating anxieties.

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    Meanwhile, relationship and dating coach and founder of Single To Couple, Mila Smith, believes that today’s challenge in online dating is too much choice. “Gradually, online dating has become the most popular way to meet potential partners, so the database of members is enormous, as is the number of various platforms. This creates an illusion of abundance. However, on closer inspection, most matches turn out to be unsuitable.”

    This is where another big struggle with online dating comes in. With so many options, it can be hard to commit. “The downside is that some people find it difficult to make a decision because they assume there is always someone better around the corner,” said Smith to Bored Panda.

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    “'Swiping' left and right on dating apps has practically become a lifestyle for many. In addition, as the overall number of online daters has increased, the number of frauds and scammers has increased as well.”

    #12

    A meme humorously depicting comments on a marriage announcement, highlighting modern dating humor.

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    Ettin says that for her clients, the biggest challenge is the lack of communication, whether that would be their intentions, their desires, their interest, or their lack of interest. “With so much technology available to us, it's easy to hide behind a screen when an in-person conversation would be much more appropriate. And, of course, people struggle with writing their profile and knowing how to effectively use the apps. That's what I'm here for—to teach those skills,” she said.

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    The online dating struggle list goes on, as Lambert also mentions that the fear of rejection, burnout, and cynicism can develop for those who have been on dating apps for years. “Repeated disappointments can lead to a feeling of hopelessness or feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns,” she explained.

    #13

    Dating meme showing humorous message exchange about availability.

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    Laura Gillette
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    America is gearing up to be only one step above North Korea at this point. What should be the country that represents free now? New Zealand? Switzerland? Finland?

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    #14

    Dating meme with funny text exchange about exes looking more attractive after breaking up.

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    ToGo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they revert back to how they looked before we had feelings for them.

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    #15

    Dating meme with text about exes not being in happy relationships, implying self-validation.

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    Andrew Galinauskas
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Man she sure knows how to pick em, so I mean it kind of is on her.

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    But all hope is not lost. There are still ways to make the online dating experience successful. For instance, Smith advises keeping a positive attitude and growing a thicker skin. “Positive attitude doubles your chances of success, whilst negativity only attracts more negativity. If you “hit the wall” with someone, simply move on—it’s not wise to invest too much time and emotions at such an early stage.”

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    #18

    Text exchange meme humorously depicting a person replying to their own message, capturing the essence of dating.

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    Bookworm
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww, Drunk You just wanted to check you were okay 😊

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    Meanwhile, Lambert suggests clarifying your vision and values. “Know what you're looking for in a partner and relationship. When you’re aligned with your deeper needs and values, it’s easier to identify meaningful connections.” 

    Learning from your past dating experiences and investing in personal growth can also help make online dating more successful, she notes. “Reflect on your past dating experiences and identify where your habits may be holding you back. For instance, are you drawn to unavailable partners or dismissing people too quickly? The more self-aware and healed you are, the more likely you are to attract growth—someone who complements and supports your journey.”

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    #19

    Humorous dating meme with text exchange: "How was your date?" "A total waste of makeup."

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    #21

    Dating meme text: "Next time I date somebody I'm interviewing the ex, why you leave?"

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    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well my ex left because I got a restraining order on her after she started stalking me. Originally I left because she used to get drunk on whiskey and beat the c**p out of me. So that one cuts both ways I guess.

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    Lastly, Ettin recommends taking a regimented approach. “Log in twice a day for 15 minutes. Write to/swipe on a certain number of people every day. People don't realize (or want to realize) the amount of work that goes into online dating. But my most successful clients say to me, "The work pays off!" And also, remember that online dating is simply a tool to facilitate meeting someone. There's no substitute for meeting someone in person, so don't linger on the app for too long.”

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    #22

    Text conversation meme humorously depicting modern dating misunderstandings.

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    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean he could be both. I think the Army needs veterinarians too. Like for guard dogs and maybe carrier pigeons. So Veteran Veterinarian, well, it's probably a thing.

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    #24

    Text conversation meme humorously depicting modern dating dynamics.

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    “Online dating can be a powerful tool, but it shouldn’t be the sole method for finding love,” agrees Lambert. “Blending online dating with organic ways of meeting people—such as through shared hobbies, mutual connections, or community events can create a more balanced, enjoyable approach.”

    “Online dating doesn’t have to be as bleak and hopeless as it sometimes appears,” Smith added. “Rethink your approach and date smarter, and I am confident you too will meet a great partner and build a happy relationship.”

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    #25

    Text meme humorously commenting on dating, stating the best part of a relationship is before meeting and while still single.

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    #29

    Text message meme about dating in 2025, highlighting the humorous, cynical views on modern dating experiences.

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    #30

    Cartoon character meditating to resist sending long messages, humorously capturing modern dating challenges.

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    Karina
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could you write it down and send me the pdf? ETA how to do it, but i dont mind reading the paragraph eighter. Thats why im here :p

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    #31

    Two profile pictures with a meme about dating: "What do single people do?" "Give relationship advice."

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    #32

    Text meme humorously sums up dating: "People: You look so unapproachable. Me: And yet, here you are."

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    Karina
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dating profile has "meeting you is meeting my self, meeting me is meetig ourself". It takes the preassure of for being nice to dickheads. Because i warned them in the first two lines.

    #33

    Funny meme text saying, “Dating tips: Don’t,” humorously advising against dating.

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    #34

    Psychology quote meme about love and interest, highlighting dating truths.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think this is true at all. This is an extremely black-and-white view of human emotions that treats love like an on/off switch, and completely ignores the experiences of anyone who isn't in an exclusive monogamous relationship, or for that matter, anyone who's ever had a private crush on someone who isn't their partner.

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    #36

    Pie chart meme humorously depicting dating struggles with a small red section labeled "No, but in red."

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    cj be like
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have but he's already married to blake lively so it's kind of a hard spot

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    #37

    Text meme humorously questioning if women are psychic due to accurate suspicions in dating.

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    #38

    Text meme humorously comparing adult dating to finding the least broken item at a dump.

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    #39

    Text meme about dating humorously recalling an ex many thought they'd never get over.

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    #40

    Dating meme comparing dating apps to real estate markets.

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    ToGo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure some folk are desperate but some take a good length of time to recover from a previous bad relationship and then are finally ready to start dating. How long someone has been single doesn't necessarily correlate with their level of desire for a relationship.

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    #41

    Dating meme about mixed signals, humorously highlighting confusion in relationships today.

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    #43

    Funny dating meme about staying single and keeping life exciting by arguing with oneself.

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get a cat, they will quarrel with you for half an hour, a dog on the other hand thinks it's time to party.

    #44

    Text meme humorously depicts modern dating with a question about wanting closure or an excuse to reconnect.

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    #45

    Dating meme: Lists five common lies in relationships, like "I'm fine" and "I'm not jealous," humorously capturing dating challenges.

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    #46

    Dating meme about feeling awkward around attractive people.

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    #47

    Dating meme text: "after experiencing 'feelings' I have decided this isn't for me but thank you for the opportunity."

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    #48

    Dating meme humorously about chasing uninterested people.

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    #49

    Text conversation meme humorously depicting modern dating dynamics.

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    #54

    A dating meme highlighting awkward online interactions and mixed signals.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
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    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does this kind of grossness actually work for anybody? Like, are there people out there getting a message like that who are like, 'Yes, this is definitely a person I want to be emotionally involved with!'

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    #57

    Text meme humorously highlighting dating challenges, featuring emojis, and offering self-love advice.

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    #58

    Funny dating meme about mixed emotions after receiving a text back.

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    Marianne
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's hard to judge from a text, but maybe he was wrong to text her back.

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    #60

    Meme with humorous breakup lines comparing dating to homework and college experiences.

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    Ghostsauce
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dang, dude, are you dessert? Because I'm feeling full up, tired, and you're the last thing I need.

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    #61

    Dating meme with text: "disappointed but not surprised" in bold yellow letters.

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    #63

    Hilariously accurate meme about dating today with text about unreciprocated efforts in relationships.

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    #65

    Text on a beige background humorously sums up dating with, "If she hasn't shown you her crazy, she's not that into you."

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    #66

    Text meme humorously comparing getting over relationships with dating challenges today.

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    #68

    Cozy dog lying in bed with a funny caption, humorously reflecting modern dating experiences in memes.

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    #69

    Firefighter meme humorously capturing modern dating challenges.

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    Bookworm
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like this would be a fireable offense, no pun intended.

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    #70

    Dating meme with a text bubble showing negative one message notification.

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    #71

    Dating meme showing a humorous comment about social media and personal choices.

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    #72

    Funny dating meme about an early goodnight text highlighting modern relationship humor.

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    #73

    Traffic light meme humorously depicting dating confusion.

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    #74

    Dating meme about exchanging numbers, using Snapchat, then one person ghosting the other.

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    #75

    Text message meme about dating with mixed signals.

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    #77

    Dating memes illustrating a playful beach scene, with humorous progression of a couple near the water.

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    #78

    Cartoon character using telepathy to make someone text back, humorously depicting modern dating.

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    #79

    A man wearing a brown hat and sunglasses, with a smirking expression, captures the humor of dating memes.

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    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    Which aspect of online dating do you find most challenging?

    Finding a genuine connection

    Dealing with ghosting

    Balancing multiple conversations

    Overcoming superficiality