Dating apps are missing the point—but Bumble’s CEO might be fixing it

We've all felt it - that nagging sense that modern dating is missing something. Swipe fatigue. Endless first dates that go nowhere. Connections that spark but never catch fire. When Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd recently admitted dating apps "got it all wrong," she wasn't just critiquing algorithms - she was pointing to a profound spiritual truth about love that cardology has understood for ages.

In this deep dive inspired by Talk Tapes Episode 7: Love Beyond Words, we'll explore:

• The 3 relationship energies your cards reveal (and why most dating apps only focus on one)

• How to spot your core values (even if you're like Laura wondering "Is coffee a value?!")

• Why Taylor Swift's lyrics prove she's a Club (and what your favorite phrases say about you)

• The real reason challenging relationships keep showing up in your life

(Listen to our full podcast breakdown 👇 or read on for the cosmic tea.)

The Missing Piece in Modern Dating

Whitney Wolfe Herd's revelation was simple yet radical: dating apps have been solving the wrong problem. "We need to teach people how to love themselves first," she explained - to know themselves before seeking to be known.

This is exactly what the cards have always shown. When you pull a compatibility (aka Cosmic Vibe) report, you'll notice three key energies at play between any two people:

1. Magnetism (that irresistible pull)

2. Challenge (the friction that helps you grow)

3. Friendship (the shared values foundation)

   
   

Most dating apps focus entirely on magnetism - the spark, the chemistry, the "will they/won't they" tension. But as anyone in a long-term relationship knows, magnetism alone burns out fast.

Real talk: That ex you couldn't keep your hands off but constantly fought with? Probably high magnetism, high challenge, low friendship. The friend you occasionally wonder "what if" about? Strong friendship energy waiting to be acknowledged.

Your Personal Love Blueprint

Here's where it gets fascinating. Your card suit reveals your innate approach to love:

• Clubs (like Laura) lead with knowledge ("Let me understand this")

• Diamonds (like Candy) lead with values ("What really matters here?")

• Hearts lead with emotion ("How does this feel?")

• Spades lead with action ("What's the plan?")

  
  

When Whitney (AS/3D) talked about identifying your core values as the key to lasting love, she was speaking perfect Diamond language. Meanwhile, researchers analyzing Taylor Swift's (5C/7D) lyrics found her most used phrases were "I know" and "Don't know" - classic Club energy putting knowledge at the center of her love stories.

Try this: For one day, notice how often you use:

• "I know/think/understand" (Club)

• "What's important..." (Diamond)

• "I feel..." (Heart)

• "Let's do/plan..." (Spade)

Your most frequent phrases reveal your soul's native language of love.

When Challenges Are Actually Guidance

Those difficult relationships that leave you drained? Your cards likely show heavy Saturn or Pluto energy - not punishments, but soul assignments.

• Saturn connections teach stability through structure (think teacher/student dynamic)

• Pluto connections transform you through intensity (power struggles that reveal your purpose)

  
  

Like Candy's surprisingly peaceful breakup with her Pluto-connection ex: "We had a celebration dinner, thanked each other for the growth, and moved on." When you understand the spiritual contract, even challenging bonds become gifts.

The Invitation

Modern dating keeps trying to invent new solutions while ignoring ancient wisdom: All love begins with self-knowledge. Whether through cardology, astrology, or simply asking better questions, the path to fulfilling connection always leads inward first.

As Whitney Wolfe Herd is discovering - and as the cards have always shown - when you truly know and value yourself, you stop attracting lessons and start attracting mirrors.

Over to you: Which relationship energy (magnetism, challenge, or friendship) dominates your connections lately? Share in the comments!

P.S. Want to discover the energies at play in your relationships? Discover your Cosmic Vibes here.