Technically speaking, February 15 is 'Singles Awareness Day,' but for those of us who don't have a significant other, February 14 certainly feels like it should be.

It can be tough not having a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife at all times of the year, but Valentine's Day doesn't make it any easier. And whether we like it or not, in the year 2022, a large portion of people are meeting their S/Os on dating apps. According to Kelleher International, that's how 54% of couples meet.

So, for you singles in Iowa (which is 47% of adults in the Hawkeye State) -- here are some of the top sites/apps you can use to find the love you've been looking for, according to Healthy FrameworkLovenet-JP, and PCMag:

1. eHarmony

We've all seen this commercial:

I vividly remember seeing it on daytime television when I was, *checks calendar,* ten. Was this company trying to reach single parents who were watching Nickelodeon with their children? One can only assume so.

Lovenet-JP says this is a great choice because on eHarmony, you "won’t find yourself searching for or scrolling through potential matches for hours on end. Instead, eHarmony curates your matches for you, taking a lot of the stress and hard work out of the process."

No swiping sounds nice.

eHarmony is also the most-used dating site in the Hawkeye State, and for those looking for something serious, the site is responsible for 4% of all current U.S marriages.

2. Elite Singles

Another app that self-advertises as a 'matchmaking' service, Elite Singles focuses on "elite, single professionals who understand the ins and outs of your successful career."

The site "has over 2 million monthly users, features both a match curating system and multiple search features to help you find the love of your life."

If you don't find the one for you, you may have an opportunity to network for your career! According to Dating News, "Over 80% of its members hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree, and over 90% are over the age of 30."

3. Christian Mingle

Per the Pew Research Center, 77% of Iowans self-identify as Christian. With over 15 million users, Christian Mingle is the largest and most well-known dating app for those of the faith.

This is another site that focuses on matching people who are looking for more long-term relationships. According to a 2015 study, Christian Mingle is now responsible for 30% of Christian marriages.

4. Tinder

The one you've ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.

Much more for the younger crowd, Tinder can get a bad wrap from time to time. Said wrap can be fair though, too.

A large part of the population would consider it to be strictly for hookups. Though that is a function some use Tinder for, there are 66 million users on the app. Someone has to be out there looking for love, right?

Per PCMag, Tinder is the top-used dating app in 27 states, including Iowa. It's used by 17% of people who are on dating apps, which is the most of any of its variety. The site adds this: "32 percent of Tinder users aged 18 to 24, and 38 percent of that age group prefers Tinder above the rest."

5. Match.com

Another classic, Match.com is considered a place where "If you’re looking for somewhere in between casual dating and a serious relationship, it’s probably going to be worth at least checking it out." At least that's what Healthy Framework says.

Founded in 1993, the site has been doing it for a while, and it's older than I am. PCMag adds this: "Match has had many years to bake, and there's a lot to like about it. The service has a finely tuned interface, the signup process is a breeze, and you're not allowed to create a half-baked profile."

The app is number one in 17 states across the country.

6. Hinge

As my friends and (some) co-workers will tell you, this is my personal favorite. To quote me: "I do really well on Hinge."

I've been on a few Bumble dates, but Hinge repeatedly turns out well for me. If I had to guess, it'd be because both of these sites tend to lean towards the way of long-term relationships as opposed to what Tinder offers.

I am able to post the best of who I am and what I do as opposed to showing some pictures and hoping potential matches think my bio is funny. For example, I am comfortable posting pictures of my nephew, because I know Hinge users will take the time to recognize he's not my child and our relationship is adorable. Also, they can see what I do for a living and that I'm passionate about it, and I can do the same for them.

Another app for the younger crowd, it's not eHarmony. It doesn't do any sort of real matchmaking, but it offers the chance to truly see who people are as opposed to swiping strictly because of looks.

Also this:

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