Whether it’s at work, in our personal lives or even something as specific as cooking dinner every night, we all experience burnout at one time or another. So, it’s no surprise that online dating is no exception to the rule.

Finding a romantic relationship may feel like the top priority at times, but that is going to be a lot harder if you’re not in the right headspace. There are times when it’s best to delete dating apps from your phone temporarily so you have a chance to reset, reflect and recharge. Sometimes all you need is a few hours without constantly swiping to feel less overwhelmed, or sometimes you may need a month or two away.

Not sure if you’re experiencing dating fatigue? Keep reading to figure out if you need to step back from dating for a stint.

You’re Not Motivated to Date

This is the most common. If swiping has become monotonous, messaging has become boring and going on first dates feels more like an obligation than something you’re excited to do, you’re not doing yourself any favors by forcing yourself to continue. People can sense your jadedness from the moment you enter the room.

There are a ton of reasons for just feeling disappointed by the dating process, or maybe there’s no exact reason at all… you’re just not into it right now.

That’s OK.

Do the things that make you happy. Read a book, go for a walk, or meet a friend for coffee. You’ll be surprised how rejuvenated about dating you will feel by just not thinking about it for a few days.

And it’s also important to remember that your dating life is not represented by your last date (or last several dates), even if it feels like it sometimes.

Your Schedule Is Too Packed

We all have certain times when our calendar is overpacked. Maybe you have a huge project at work that’s keeping you at the office late into the evening. Or maybe your child is studying for the SATs, and somehow that’s taken over your life. At these times, online dating can become a chore… one that is often swept (no, not swiped) to the side since it’s one of a million things on your plate.

When your schedule is getting too packed, it might be a good time for a break from dating. After all, if you can’t devote some time to it every day, you might miss out on messages or make a person think you’re not interested since you didn’t respond. When are you even going to be able to meet someone in person? And if you like them, how are you going to keep the momentum going without feeling overwhelmed?

Instead of causing confusion, just take a pause and focus on your other priorities. Bumble will be there when you get back.

Dating Has Become a Game

While getting a lot of matches, likes or messages can be a good ego boost, it’s not the goal of online dating. For most, the ultimate outcome of online dating is to delete your profile because you’ve found someone special. If you feel like you’re playing the dopamine-hit game, it’s time to pause and truly look at your priorities.

Breaks from online dating aren’t just a good idea for your mental well-being, but they might even be a necessary step in making your search for a partner successful. It’s likely that you’ll feel tempted to check your accounts and be flooded with thoughts like, “What if the match of my dreams just joined, and they’ll be gone by the time I’m ready?” Just resist those urges and put yourself first. Although it’s certainly a juggling act, making sure that dating is a balanced part of your life will help you feel ready and excited when the right person comes along… and that’s the ultimate goal.

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