When the familiar world collapses, even something simple and easy, such as a date, is difficult to organize. It has already happened to us when the pandemic started and affected the lives of everybody. Because of that, people have changed their approach to dating. They expect stability and security from the relationships, even though these expectations are not easy to fulfill. This article will highlight one of the most emotional topics and give you tips on how to feel more comfortable when starting to go out again.
What is happening with dating now?
Taking care of safety is becoming a priority for the public. Even if people go out, they prefer to have a date in open places instead of cramped bars, cafes, or movie theaters. It could be parks, beaches, or public spaces. Others switch to virtual dates instead of regular ones. People need to see and hear the other person if meeting in real life is impossible.
The dating applications have made some changes to correspond to the latest tendencies. Since there is the possibility of contracting COVID-19 during a date, several dating applications have added a feature that allows you to specify your vaccination status and meeting preferences - online or offline, for even easier swiping.
What if there is no chemistry when you meet someone? Nothing is more awkward. There are options for voice and video calls for a relaxed vibe. Now, you may have a chat and a drink from your own home, and if you don't get along, you don't feel like you've wasted an evening by going out.
Why are people still scared to date?
Usually, people are getting nervous to date from an absence of live communication. Isolation has intensified the feeling of loneliness and gloom, and many have begun to seek a partner to cope with it actively. While some of us quickly changed partners during pre-pandemic times, dating during pandemics has become more precious, and social restrictions made us mindful of the dates.
If you already have someone, you may still be separated by distance, even in the same city. It may require at least a few more months to move in together, as this is quite a serious step to take. Some couples start to live together at the very beginning of the relationship because one of them does not have the opportunity to return home due to closed borders. Whether your relationship is permanent or not, the self-isolation regime mostly pushes for action, and decisions, such as moving in, are not easy to make.
In countries where covid restrictions were stringent, people spent months in isolation. We do not even mention those who secluded themselves to save lives while having suspicion of being infected. They got used to communicating and working online during this time, ordering everything they needed to be delivered straight to their home. And, of course, not getting out anywhere without an urgent need.
So, when the restrictions get eased, many of us are not ready to get back to our everyday lives and dating. Even though we feel pressure to go out before any new virus outbreak, the new COVID variants are still scary. So, on the one hand, we have been dreaming about real meetings for months, and on the other hand, we still experience anxiety.
How to get back to dating and enjoy it
- Ask yourself if you are ready for a date. Are you enthusiastic enough to look through multiple profiles in the applications, chat, and meet new people? Do you have enough mental strength to go on dates? If your answer is yes, then decide on the limits. For example, consider whether it is crucial for you if the partner is vaccinated or not, whether you meet in private or in public, and discuss the meeting conditions with a potential partner.
- Give yourself a little more time to prepare. If you are experiencing anxiety that gets worse just before a meeting, feel free to postpone your date or go online. Also, do not judge yourself for being anxious. The pandemic has taken its toll on a lot of us. Allow yourself to stop thinking about the future and focus on where you are and how you feel right now.
- Be honest and open about preferences. It is better to see the red flags early and break up with a person who does not respect your boundaries immediately than to feel uncomfortable during a date. Nobody wants to hear crazy stories about exes or plan the future together when they barely know someone.
- Do small steps. You don't have to go on five dates a week or go to crazy parties if you're not ready for it. Also, if you do not like meeting indoors due to the fear of infection, choose relatively safe meetings outdoors, like a botanic garden, beach, or al fresco restaurant.
- Take precautions. While we have every right to be afraid of dating, we can't let that fear keep us from meeting new people. However, it is better not to meet a few new people the same day and always remember to take the self-administered COVID test after every meeting.
Hoping for the new perspectives
It is clearly premature to draw far-reaching conclusions that the pandemic will change how we date and build relationships. We may return to our usual practices and the rhythm of life in a few months. Nevertheless, it is easy to imagine that many will find a way to apply the online communication experience gained during the pandemic.
If you still prefer to meet offline, remember to wash hands regularly and wear masks indoors to stop the spread of the virus, as recommended by the centers for disease control and prevention. Whatever the choice we make, for now, let's follow health protocols and stay safe.
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