Dating in London should be a walk in the park, right? This is, after all, a city with a population of over 8.8 million people… a population including some of the world’s most attractive, ambitious, and well-dressed people. And let’s not forget the countless bars, restaurants, and secret hideaways perfect for romance.
And yet, here we are, wondering if Londoners are getting worse at dating. Unfortunately, in this modern age, it seems they are.
But why? What’s making the modern dating scene such a minefield? Well, the first and most obvious reason is…
1. The Tinder Effect
Once upon a time, you had to actually approach someone in a bar, muster up the courage to start a conversation, and hope they didn’t walk away mid-sentence. Now? Just swipe right, send a half-hearted “hey” and ghost them by lunchtime. Easy.
The problem is, dating apps have tricked Londoners into believing there’s always someone better a swipe away. Why settle for the lovely girl you just had a great date with when a model with 50k followers might match with you next?
To better grasp just how many fall victim to Tinder ghosting, we reached out to Dior Escorts, a provider of London escorts, and spoke to Kelly. Kelly is one of their top companions, who plenty of men turn to when they’ve had zero luck matching with anyone on dating apps. This is what she had to say:
“A lot of my clients tell me they’ve given up on Tinder because they either get ghosted or matched with women who just want attention, not actual dates. The number of guys who tell me they spent weeks messaging a girl, planned a whole evening out, and she just never showed. No explanation, no reply, nothing. At that point, he figured it was easier to book someone who actually wanted to be there, which I completely understand.”
2. Everyone’s a Workaholic
Londoners are busy folk. Everyone’s either hustling to climb the career ladder, juggling side projects, or working 12-hour shifts in some high-rise office. That dreaded “let’s see where this goes” quote? It’s being crushed by deadlines, work drinks, and a commute that eats up half your life.
If you do manage to lock someone down for a date, chances are they’ll show up late, glued to their phone, and leave early because they’ve got an “early start.” Romance is on a tight schedule in London, and spontaneity is dead.
3. Commitment Issues
Settling down in London feels like admitting defeat. There’s a constant fear that as soon as you commit, you’ll miss out on someone better. That the grass is always greener on the other side… or at least hotter, taller, and more financially stable.
“I’ve been on dates with men who literally tell me, ‘I like you, but I just don’t want to settle right now,’” says Sienna, one of our readers. “Like, settle for what? A good time? A connection? God forbid they actually enjoy something for what it is.”
It’s as if everyone’s waiting for their next upgrade. And until they get it, they’re playing the field—just badly.
4. Dead Conversation
Londoners can talk for hours about house prices, gym routines, or why oat milk is superior to dairy. But meaningful conversations with the odd flirtatious remarks? Those are pretty rare.
Maybe it’s because we’re all glued to our screens, preferring memes over meaningful moments. Maybe it’s because vulnerability is out and ironic detachment is in. Either way, the ability to actually connect is fading fast.
If you’re wondering why your dates feel like job interviews, it’s because Londoners have forgotten how to flirt. It’s all transactional now—what do you do? Where do you live? What’s your five-year plan? Just once, can someone say, “What are you looking to tick off next on your bucket list”instead?
5. People Are Much Pickier
Ever notice how some of the best chemistry you’ve ever had wasn’t with the most conventionally ‘perfect’ person? That’s because chemistry isn’t just about looks or status—it’s about personality and, of course, forging a real connection.
But in London, the dating market is a numbers game. Instead of following that magnetic, intoxicating pull toward someone, people are busy checking boxes:
And then they wonder why the sex is mediocre and the conversation dry.
So, Are Londoners Getting Worse at Dating?
Yes. There’s no doubt about it.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. If you’re tired of the endless swiping, the ghosting, the commitment-phobia—there’s still hope. The key? Just do the opposite of everything we’ve listed above.
Be present. Put the phone down, make eye contact, and actually engage with the person in front of you. If you have a great time with someone, stop wondering if there’s a “better” option waiting in the wings. And for the love of God, flirt a little – don’t just talk about your work.
