With 2021 is officially underway. Although you should continue to practice social distancing, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun. Satisfying your mental health is just as important as maintaining your physical well-being. However, during these unprecedented times, we have to approach dating differently, with an increased awareness for our personal safety, as well as the safety of those around us. Dive into our guide of dating during COVID, with some advice on how to make your relationship grow in the healthiest way possible:
The key to dating during COVID is knowing ideal date ideas that are outdoors and allow for adequate social distancing. Try going on a healthy picnic date, to a drive-in movie, on a run, or golfing just to name a few. There are plenty of ways to stay safe, active, and in the saddle all at once.
Of course, dating during COVID requires you to know your boundaries, as well as your partners’. You can be aware of these boundaries by becoming more familiar with both your lifestyles and habits. If you find your partner on a dating app, chat with them and get some insight on how seriously they are respecting social distancing before deciding to spend time with them in person. Communication is the key to making the best decisions possible for yourself. Some apps like Spur allow you to add your vaccination status directly into your profile allowing you to make a more informed dating decision.
However, at the same time, dating during COVID demands that you consider the safety of those other than yourself. Think of the people you live with, whether it be your family, roommates, or friends, and keep their health at the forefront of your mind. For example, if one of your roommates has a condition that puts them especially at risk if they contract COVID, then it’s probably not the best idea to see any new partners in person, despite how safe it may be.
Alright, now onto the actual dating during COVID. What many people fail to realize is that a COVID date is much different than a normal date, especially if you met your partner on a dating site. The reason for that is because people are more conscious about personal safety. As a general dating tip being open and honest is sexy. Make sure to have a conversation about your vaccination status, exposure and risk levels. The CDC guidelines state that fully vaccinated couples can gather without masks. Which is a huge breath of fresh air for singles!
Your goal should be to make the date good enough to keep the other person thinking about you. Do this by being yourself, being a natural listener, and keeping the conversation smooth by using the push/pull techniques to flirt. Basically don’t keep the conversation one-sided. If it’s too much about you, your partner will feel neglected and you may come across as self-centered. If the conversation is too much about the other person, your partner won’t get to know you on a personal level. Be sure to talk about both of you: hobbies, interests, family, etc. Be positive, and direct with what you want out of the connection.
But in all seriousness, virtual dating during these times is the safest bet. Until the pandemic fades, dating during COVID is best done over facetime or video chat in the comfort of your own home. However, use your best judgment to determine what direction you want to take dating during COVID. If you’re craving a genuine relationship, Spur isn’t a bad place to start!
