The app Tinder promotes interfaith relationships

Tinder led to controversy between parents and a young Hindu and Christian couple. Patel and Watts had met on social dating app, Tinder in January 2015.

Patel’s mother had rejected their relationship formed from Tinder, as he is Christian.

Tinder is an app that can be downloaded through smartphones, allowing individuals to communicate with each other for those who are mutually interested. To reject a certain individual the user would swipe left, and to accept swipe right.

Watts and Patel had swiped right, and accepted to date each other, unaware that Patel’s mother would swipe left to reject.

"I had downloaded the app for fun; I just wanted to test it out and see if I could actually find anyone. I came across my boyfriend and immediately swiped yes for him", Patel said.

Patel had shared how she had not come across Tinder becoming a problem for whom she would be dating.

"I never thought I’d have to think twice about who I’m dating, since I am half Christian and half Hindu myself.

"Tinder in a way promotes interfaith relationships as it doesn’t give you the option of choosing a specific person of a particular religion", she said.

She had found it difficult to understand the rejection her Hindu mother had with Watts.

"My mum told me I am allowed to date Watts for now, but when it comes to marriage I have to marry a Hindu".

Patel’s mother is a strict practicing Hindu who is does not mutually agree with her Christian husband.

"My mother and father do not get on anymore, they argue too much. They’re not divorced, but still live together. The two of them seem to have too many differences and beliefs and cannot combine them together any longer.

"I know my mother doesn’t want me to go through the mistake she made with my father", Patel added.

The two religions in the family have been battling against each other for the past 3 years.

"My mum is rejecting Watts because she is worried my marriage will too face hurdles and obstacles.

"My mum doesn’t understand how compatible me and Watts are for each other, instead she keeps focusing on the religion differences. She just doesn’t want me to regret this".

Patel and Watts are still currently dating each other; however with no secure scope for the future.