7 apps to help you find true love – or someone who likes the same kind of salad

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By Andrea Kszystyniak / World-Herald Staff Writer



In case you missed the memo, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. If you don't already have a date and you want one, you're going to need a little help finding that special someone. Don't head to the bar or the library to meet the love of your life; whip out your smart phone instead and download some of these apps.

LULU

For: The site is designed for women who are into men.

How it Works: Use Lulu to rule out any potential creeps before you take them out on the town.

The app helps you date smarter. Men are ranked in areas such as appearance, humor, ambition and sexual prowess when people take quizzes about them. They can also be labeled with predetermined tags such as #MakesMeLaugh, #ManChild or #CantTakeaHint. This application links up to your Facebook to help you find eligible bachelors in your social network. But don't worry. It will never post material on your behalf. You can also search by location to see the guys closest to you or view the ones with the highest ranking. If you're a guy, you can log into the app and post pictures of your self and add hashtags to describe yourself; you just won't be able to rate anyone. Don't have a smart phone? You can access the site online at onlulu.com.

TINDER

For: People of all ages and orientations are on Tinder.

How it works: Tinder helps you match up with people around you.

The app links up to your Facebook so you don't have to start from scratch. When you set up your Tinder page, you decide whether you want to meet people a mile or up to 100 miles away. You can also set an age range and decide whether you want to see profiles of men, women or both. After that's set up and you've put up some pictures, you're ready to start meeting people. On the home page of the app, you'll be greeted with pictures of potential suitors. You can click through to see more information about them, including mutual interests and more photos. A left swipe of the phone screen indicates you're not into them; right means you like what you're seeing. If you and a potential match both swipe right, you're matched. You can then chat on the app.

GRINDR

For: Men who are into men.

How it works: Grindr is designed to help you meet men who are close to you.

Make a profile, upload a picture and start scanning through images of other men nearby. The pictures are arranged based on who is closest to you. You can search based on the type of guy you're looking for, too. Click through to profiles to see what others guys are looking for. Profiles include information such as height, age, weight and relationship status. Once you find an interesting guy, you are able to chat and send pictures to each other. You can also share your exact location. The app boasts more than 7 million users in 192 countries.

COFFEE MEETS BAGEL

For: Anyone aged 18 and older

How it works: This app and website combo does all of the work of dating for you.

You're introduced to a new match (or bagel) everyday at noon. You are matched with people who have mutual friends with you on Facebook. You then have 24 hours to pick or pass on the person. If you “like” them, you can send text messages on the app, protecting your actual phone number. When you sign up, you share information such as ethnicity and religion. You also can specify if you prefer to date someone of a particular ethnicity or religion.

Looking for something a little bit different in a dating app? These might be more your speed.

SALADMATCH

For: People who really, really love their salad. Will have best luck if you live in New York or Hong Kong.


How it works: This app, made by NYC salad chain Just Salad, helps you find your beau-to-be by finding out what kind of salad you like.

Answer questions about your dream salad. Is it vegan, gluten-free or seasonal? You'll be paired with other members who like similar salads. Click yes if you like what you see and you can begin talking, set a date and enjoying leafy greens together.

MOONIT

For: Astrology enthusiasts,

How it works: Moonit analyzes your birth date to give you your astrological compatibility with other users.

That way you can decide whom you should date and whom to stay far away from based on astrology. You can browse users to see who looks good and interact with them by sending a “flirt” or a friend request.

TWINE CANVAS

For: Those interested in brains over beauty, people who really hate being in pictures.

How it works: Twine is the dating app without personal photos.

When you sign up, instead of posting a picture of yourself, you make a personality canvas, filled with all the things that make you, you. You can browse other people's canvases and like them. If you like each other's canvases, your name and photos will be revealed to one another. You can then begin to chat on the app. It will suggest icebreaker topics based on your match's mutual interests.