6 Best Kept Secret Places to Find Love Online
Dating December is just over the hump mark and we’re still looking! Where on earth do you find love these days without accidentally swiping right on your cousin? No shade to dating apps (ok, maybe a little shade), but if you’re tired of algorithms and profiles that sound like broken estate agent pitches, I’ve got you. Here are 6 best kept secret places to find love online!
Here’s the tea: Love can happen in unexpected digital nooks and crannies if you know where to look. Think beyond Tinder and Bumble, and let me guide you to the secret online spaces where connections can spark. And also because it’s slower you typically feel safer. You have access to more about them and who they are friends with which helps you build a profile. Beware the perpetual love bombers though.
1. Facebook Groups: Where Love Lurks Between Memes and Debates
The platform we said we’d abandon years ago, yet here we are, scrolling through rants and baby pics. But beneath the surface lies a goldmine for meeting like-minded souls: Facebook Groups. I met Crackhead in a Facebook group so I know this method does work!
From niche hobbies to expat communities, Facebook Groups are teeming with potential matches. The beauty? You’re bonding over shared interests, not just thirst traps. Join groups where you can genuinely contribute and vibe with people – think travel communities, book clubs, or even groups dedicated to rants about London tube delays.
Pro Tip: Look for local groups with active discussions and real people (not just bots or MLM hustlers). Chime in on threads, share your wit, and don’t be shy about sliding into a DM when someone catches your eye.
2. Discord: Not Just for Gamers, Trust Me
You’ve heard of Discord as the go-to for gamers yelling about Call of Duty, but it’s so much more. Discord servers are like niche chatrooms on steroids, full of people geeking out about everything under the sun – from anime and indie music to productivity hacks and mental health support.
What makes Discord special is the community vibe. Conversations happen in real-time, which means you can actually get to know people without waiting six hours for a dry “hello.” Start with servers based on your passions: Are you into true crime podcasts? There’s a Discord for that. Love Afrofuturism? Go find your Wakanda tribe.
Pro Tip: Don’t lurk. Join voice chats (yes, they’re scary at first!) and participate. The more you show up, the more connections you’ll make. My friend swears she found her situationship discussing whether pineapple belongs on pizza in a late-night chat. It’s romantic chaos, and I’m here for it. Also watch parties if you’re into a certain TV show can springboard romances.
3. Reddit: The Wild West of Potential Soulmates
A place of deep dives, questionable threads, and surprisingly wholesome moments. While it’s not designed for dating, Reddit’s subreddit communities are perfect for meeting people who get your quirks.
Start with hobby-based subreddits or city-focused ones. Love running? Hit up r/running. Obsessed with cooking? r/AskCulinary has got your people. Local subreddits (like r/London or r/Birmingham) can help you find events and communities near you IRL. Reddit is conversational, casual, and surprisingly low-pressure.
Pro Tip: Avoid sliding straight into Reddit DMs (it’s not Twitter, babes). Instead, engage in discussions, crack a few jokes, and let things progress naturally. If you find yourself bantering with someone regularly, who knows? They might just be the salt to your pepper.
4. LinkedIn: Networking, But Make It Flirty
Yes, you read that right – LinkedIn. Before you raise an eyebrow, let’s be real: LinkedIn is crawling with smart, ambitious people who are out there doing the most. So why not consider it a low-key dating pool?
The trick is to keep it classy. Think less “Hey, wanna grab a drink?” and more “I loved your post on sustainable startups – would you be up for a chat over coffee sometime?” Bonding over work-related topics can turn into surprisingly romantic connections. After all, isn’t mutual ambition the ultimate green flag?
Pro Tip: Join professional groups and engage in meaningful conversations. Respond thoughtfully to posts, showcase your wit, and if you’re feeling brave, slide into their inbox with a message that highlights shared goals. I’m telling you – LinkedIn romances are rare but chef’s kiss when they happen. A friend of mine did this. The date didn’t turn into romance but she got a sale through it so, nothing to lose!
5. Niche Online Forums: Hidden Gems You’ve Forgotten About
Remember forums? Those magical places from the early 2000s where people shared advice, argued passionately about their faves, and generally formed friendships that lasted decades? Well, they’re not dead – you’re just not looking.
From photography forums to fanfiction communities, these spaces are rich for meeting people who speak your language. The best part? The slower pace compared to Discord or Reddit gives you time to actually engage with posts, swap stories, and create meaningful bonds.
Pro Tip: Check out forum directories or even do an old-school Google search for forums based on your interests.
6. Virtual Events: Networking… with Benefits?
Not technically a platform, but hear me out: Virtual events are a low-key genius place to meet people. Think online workshops, book readings, webinars, or live-streamed concerts. You’re already sharing an interest, so breaking the ice is easier than finding a good first-date outfit.
Most virtual events have comment sections or breakout rooms where you can chat with attendees. I once ended up deep in conversation with a guy in a Black Book Club who was more hotep than ho’. The point is: You never know who you’ll click with when you show up.
Pro Tip: Pick events you’re genuinely excited about. Be yourself, ask questions, and throw in a cheeky compliment when someone catches your attention. The internet might be big, but sparks can still fly.
Final Thoughts: Love is a Click Away
So there you have it: 6 best kept secret places to find love online. Dating apps might dominate the “where we met” stories, but they’re not the only game in town. Sometimes the best connections happen when you’re just being yourself in spaces you love. Facebook Groups, Discord servers, Reddit threads, LinkedIn posts, and even niche forums are full of hidden opportunities to meet someone special.
The key? Stop looking for love and start finding your people. Trust me, love has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you’re busy debating pineapple pizza or ranting about TfL delays.
Go on then – get out there and start mingling. And when you find that special someone in a Cat Memes Appreciation group (I beg this isn’t my Future Husband), I expect a wedding invite.
© Chelsea Black ® 2024
