Candice Gallagher, a British expat living in Singapore, is on a quest to explore the local dating culture through a unique challenge: using ten different dating apps in ten weeks. Her journey, shared on TikTok, sheds light on the complexities and cultural nuances of dating in Singapore, particularly from an expat's perspective.
Key Takeaways
- Candice Gallagher is using ten dating apps in ten weeks to find her ideal partner.
- She has encountered cultural differences in dating expectations between locals and expats.
- Gallagher's TikTok channel has gained significant traction, with a focus on her dating experiences.
The Challenge of Finding Love
Gallagher, who moved to Singapore four years ago for work, has embraced the digital dating scene. She likens her experience to that of Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex and the City," as she documents her adventures on TikTok. Currently in her fifth week, she is exploring the Coffee Meets Bagel app after previously trying Hinge, Bumble, and Tinder.
"Dating apps have long been a very draining experience for me. But since I wasn't dating anyone offline, I needed to get back online, and I wanted to find a way to make it enjoyable for me," Gallagher explains.
Cultural Insights
Through her experiences, Gallagher has observed some cultural differences in dating expectations. She notes that many Singaporean men have a reputation for seeking partners who will take care of them, a sentiment echoed by local women. Gallagher, however, prefers relationships based on equality and shared responsibilities.
"I'm attracted to international people — people who love traveling and living overseas. Singaporeans are very proud, nationalistic people, which is great. A lot of them are born here, raised here, and never want to leave, which is just not very compatible with my interests," she shares.
The Local Dating Scene
Gallagher's dating journey has led her to meet both locals and fellow expats. Despite her preference for international partners, she has had a significant number of local followers on her TikTok channel, where she shares her dating escapades. Her candid approach has resonated with many, especially local women who admire her confidence in approaching men.
"Recently, I made a video about me picking up a guy in a bar. I went up to him and asked, 'Are you single? Do you live in Singapore? Do you want my number?' And I got several comments from local women, who were like, 'How do you have the confidence? Teach me how to do that,'" she recounts.
Living Arrangements and Dating
Gallagher also highlights the impact of living arrangements on dating in Singapore. Many locals live at home until marriage, which can complicate dating dynamics. She expresses a desire to live with a partner before marriage, a concept that may not align with traditional local values.
"I want to live with someone before getting married, and that might not be culturally appropriate for some people," she states.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, Gallagher remains optimistic about her dating journey in Singapore. She hopes to find love and build a family in the city she adores. Her love for Singapore is evident, as she appreciates the safety, vibrant culture, and ease of travel the city offers.
"If I could paint the perfect picture, I would meet someone here, get married, and have children here," she concludes.
As Gallagher continues her quest for love, her experiences provide a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of expat life and local dating culture in Singapore.