Dating after the coronavirus outbreak
Most people will agree that dating can be painful even in the most stable of times. It takes years to get down the fundamentals of efficient and enjoyable dating, and then we still often find ourselves feeling clumsy and vulnerable. Things become more complicated when we take into account all the different dating apps and services on the market. Add an international pandemic, mask-wearing protocols, social distancing, fear, and paranoia to the mix, and you get a very problematic dating scenario, which is exactly where we find ourselves now.
Before the pandemic – what feels like years ago now – dating used to mean going to a nice restaurant for an intimate dinner, watching a movie together, whispering into each other’s ears, holding hands, sharing drinks, perhaps a good night kiss and, if you got lucky, a goodnight lay! These days, not so much. Since most social activities are no longer considered safe, more men and women are willing to take part in what’s known as video dating, in other words, going on dates via video chats and phone calls.
Dating on Video Chats
In 2020, finding new ways to connect and spend time with others has led to a brand new form of dating – video chats. In the days of coronavirus, comfort, safety and communication are at the forefront of modern dating. Indeed, times have changed dramatically. All over the world people who’d always been ardently against online dating must now reconsider their priorities.
Essentially, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, singles have but two options before them: online dating, or no dating at all.
Though initially you might find “video dating” awkward, it’s actually a very practical way for two people to get to know each other on a deeper level. Where before video chats were used sparingly on dating sites (perhaps for a quick conversation before setting up the first date), today they have become the norm.
The world has changed, but relationships still matter
These days, as strange as it may sound, we go on dates without ever leaving our homes, without ever physically greeting our partners. Intimacy has been replaced with programs like Skype, Zoom and FaceTime. But if you’re looking for something to feel cheerful about, think of all the money you’ll save by not going out to fancy restaurants, expensive bars and frequent Uber trips! There’s a whole new world to explore, and it’s right at your fingertips. Just make sure you have a good Wi-Fi signal!
Due to social distancing and isolation measures brought on by COVID-19, many of us haven’t been on a real date in a long, long time. If like many, you’ve been struggling with the concepts of virtual dating, DateAdvisor wants to lend a hand and offer some dating tips during COVID-19.
Remember, however, we’re delving into unexplored territory. Regardless of what some folks might claim, you won’t find any “experts in COVID-19 dating” for the simple reason that the crisis is relatively new, and we’re still struggling to adapt to an unprecedented situation.
With that said, here are 5 tips that will help you get dates – and hopefully also get laid – during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Be punctual and considerate
Despite coronavirus and its setbacks, we continue to live extremely busy lives, perhaps even more so than before the outbreak. Finding time to sit down in front of a computer, phone or tablet for another video conference may require some effort. Nonetheless, if we want our video dates to be pleasant and live up to their full potential, we should always try to be on time for encounters. Wasting people’s time isn’t nice. Nobody likes to be kept waiting, especially for an awkward Zoom date, an area where most people have little or no experience. Be respectful and punctual. Get your date off on the right foot.
Be direct and honest about your intentions
Like we said above, it’s not nice to waste people’s time. But wasting your own time also sucks! Therefore, if you’ve been on a couple of Zoom dates and you feel things are going smoothly, consider telling your partner where you think the relationship is headed. That doesn’t mean you should rush the matter, quite the opposite. But, when you’re ready, talk about meeting in person and the risks involved with physical contact, that way everything is out in the open. Do you or your partner have symptoms? Have you been tested? Who are you in contact with on a daily basis? All these topics should be covered before setting up your first real date.
Get creative and enjoy yourself
Most people would be surprised by how creative they can be during a time of crisis. There’s a global pandemic, yes, but that doesn’t mean your video dates should be boring or repetitive. Technology has made it possible for us to enjoy ourselves in ways we couldn’t dream of twenty years ago. You have plenty of options: set up a Zoom dinner date, watch a flick on a shared screen, play online video games, listen to a music playlist, or simply text chat and get to know each other better. After all, that’s what dating is all about – spending time with the other person and enjoying yourself.
Don’t rush things
We mentioned this earlier: there’s no need to rush into a relationship, especially not during a pandemic. Take it slow and use the extra time you have to better understand the person you’re dating. You deserve someone who respects your boundaries and makes you feel comfortable, but more importantly, someone who you feel you can trust. Yes, trust is the keyword here, and learning to trust someone usually takes time. Think of it this way: time spent developing trust with your partner, whether online or offline, is always a great investment, because sooner or later you’ll be trusting that person with your health, and perhaps even the health of your loved ones.
When the time is right, consider quarantining with your partner
So you’ve weighed the risks and decided it’s finally time to take the next step. Moving in together is a big decision and even more so during a global pandemic. More than likely you haven’t spent long periods of time in each other’s company, so the experience may take some getting used to for both parties. Nonetheless, if you feel the timing is right and you’re ready to assume the risks, try discussing the situation with your partner and see what he or she thinks about quarantining together. Though COVID-19 may have put certain restrictions on your social life, your love life should not be put on hold forever.