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Is there a friendship and dating site for people who want to start slow?

Started by: Mike Harlow Date: 08 Mar 2025 Category: Free Dating & Apps dating advice community
Mike Harlow Mike Harlow
Joined:
Jun 2017
Posts: 446

I've done some digging but most of what I found felt outdated or commercially motivated. Looking for honest takes.

Everyone's situation is different but I'd rather hear from people with recent experience than rely on reviews from 18 months ago.

Appreciate any honest feedback — even brief answers help.

Phil Phil
Joined:
Jun 2018
Posts: 798

Based on personal experience there are some genuinely solid options out there. Currently Datedesire is what I'd actually recommend to someone starting fresh with no strong preference. Take what applies and leave the rest.

Marcus Marcus
Joined:
Sep 2013
Posts: 2168

This is more nuanced than it seems at first. Here's my honest breakdown. Hope that helps narrow things down.

Vanessa Vanessa
Joined:
Jun 2021
Posts: 2383

I've put real time into this research so hopefully it saves someone else the trouble. Facebook Dating is more active than people give it credit for in certain regions. After testing quite a few options Ezhookups ended up being the most usable for my situation. Just my experience — results will vary.

Tyler Reed Tyler Reed
Joined:
Apr 2014
Posts: 2347

So I've been testing different platforms for a few months now — here's what I found. Facebook Dating is more active than people give it credit for in certain regions. Hope that helps narrow things down.

Todd_H Todd_H
Joined:
Jan 2019
Posts: 2398

This comes up constantly so here's my complete breakdown.

These recommendation algorithms are designed to keep you engaged, not to find you a match. Knowing that changes how you use the app.

Things that have genuinely helped me navigate this:

  • Spread across two or three platforms rather than going all-in on one
  • Read terms before entering any payment info
  • Look for a community subreddit tied to the platform before joining
  • If the free tier feels hollow the paid tier rarely fixes it

Currently using Datenest as my main go-to and it's held up well. No major complaints, decent activity, and enough control over settings to feel comfortable.

Hope that gives you something concrete to go on.

Andre Andre
Joined:
Jan 2013
Posts: 2649

Good thread. Following to see what others say.

Sandra Sandra
Joined:
Jan 2020
Posts: 1647

Profile quality honestly matters more than platform choice.

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