Rossi Lewis: "When you're totally independent, you're at your peak..." Ditching dating apps for six years, toxic relationships and redownloading Grindr

Rossi Lewis spent six years refusing to date on apps, went viral on TikTok for it, moved to Clapham to become "gay central"'s biggest cheerleader - and then quietly redownloaded Grindr.Rossi tells me about coming out at 20 after finding a stranger in an anonymous chat room, flying to Indiana on a whim to meet him in person (with his nan warning him not to tell his dad before dinner "or he won't eat it"), and the string of relationships that followed: a four year relationship he jumped into without ever being single, a toxic Marrakech holiday that ended with him finding out via a shower full of pinging Snapchats, and a COVID-era relationship in Belfast so bad he calls it his lowest point.We get into why he ditched dating apps entirely in favour of organic meets, the police officer he fell for on a Greek island, buying a pair of Speedos on Vinted that turned into a Paris date, and being scouted for Discovery Plus' astrology dating show Written in the Stars. Plus the TikTok video about Clapham going cold-shoulder culture that blew up and genuinely changed how his neighbourhood treats strangers, and the honest reasons he's back on Grindr after six years away.GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK IN OUR LISTENER SURVEY ⚡️Rossi Lewis is a storyteller, content creator, social media manager, and newly appointed Clapham gay as of 2024. For six years, Rossi has ditched dating apps in favour of organic meets and shares the hilarious outcome of his dates on his popular TikTok channel @its.me.rossi On top of all that, he's a Jessie Ware superfan, a previous contestant on Discovery Plus' reality dating show, 'Written in the Stars,' and a bonified actor. Follow Eden on Instagram 💕Follow Rossi on Instagram ⚡️SUPPORT THE PODCASTEden funds this podcast to bring the highest quality content, the most interesting guests and inspiring conversations whilst working full-time. Please support the podcast by checking out the links below:Sign up to MisterBnB as a guest or host to support the podcast and find your next adventure.Use my code BBQUEERLOVE at checkout to get 85% off your entire purchase at Skin + Me!Show your support for the free content we create by buying us a coffee - mine's a brown sugar oat shaken espresso 😉CREDITSQueer Love Stories is Hosted and produced by Eden Heath, and mixed by Benji Antonio. Follow Queer Love Stories on Instagram 💕If you or someone you know has a story to share we'd love to hear from you, send us a message on Instagram or email [email protected] your love story started with Kindling Dating Coaching now 💗 Get your first and fifth Daily Doser for just £3.50 from Skin+Me to finally feel confident in your skin!Support the show