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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hampton U chapter.

As a young woman of age nineteen, I have already gained some experience on dating apps. Many can agree with me that for the most part these apps are used for those small blimps of extra confidence boosts that you may obtain. Most likely you open this app when there is not much else to do. Today, dating apps have gained spotlight due to more time at home. In fact, Bumble reported that during Covid from March 12–22, they saw a 21% increase in sent messages in Seattle, a 23% increase in New York City, and a 26% increase in San Francisco. 

Something that is looked at as more entertainment changes when you swipe right and match with that one person. That person that gives you that little smirk when you get a notification from them. Instead of spending the night staring at the ceiling listening to Jhene Aiko on repeat, you’re up texting him! Exchanging snap-videos of your pets and goofy pictures of yourselves. Maybe even leaving cute voice memos of your sleepy voice from talking all night. Yet, when the sun rises and you come back to reality, you have to face the fact that although you see genuine potential with this person there has been no real commitment. No official date has happened, only playful flirting. Now you ask yourself, what now?.  Considering each other’s health and safety, you decide to go on a zoom date. So the question is, how do you prepare yourself to take things to the next level virtually?

All About the Mindset

Just like any other date you may get those anxious butterflies beforehand. You just have to remember that your partner is just as nervous as you are. Trying to present the best possible version of themselves and making sure they don’t say anything stupid. So, when getting ready picking out your favorite top and jewelry combo, remember everyone gets nervous. Try a pep talk, every little cosmic boost and positive confirmation helps during a time of struggle to be yourself. Just relax because you’re a boss! 

Look and Feel Your Best Self

The perk of virtual dates is that instead of spending two hours getting ready, you can spend half that time only worrying about the waist up! So, throw on your most comfortable sweats and slippers, because that step is already completed. However, when it comes to the top half, put on your favorite top and accessories that make you feel your best. Have fun with your choice of hairstyle, but keep in mind the quality of computer cameras may waiver how you may have styled it. To stay on the safe side, consider a simple look. Lastly, when it comes to makeup, keep it light! Virtual dates are so simple in the fact that you don’t have to put too much on to look good!

What is There to Even do over Zoom?

There is an obvious boundary that comes with staying indoors. Yet, use this situation as a positive aspect to get to know each other better. Get creative and learn more about yourself and your possible partner! Who knows, you might even get a better experience out of it than expected. My first suggestion would be to watch a movie together over a Netflix Party (or any streaming service). This way you can actually watch the entirety of that movie you’ve been dying to see without getting “distracted”. Want to do something a little bit more creative? Show your inner Picasso and create portraits of one another. Lastly, if you want to make a unique first impression do something really out of the box and make small presentations of the most random content you can think of. Whether your topic is based on each other or your most recent dream, you can surely get a good laugh out of it and understand each other’s humor just a little bit more.

Nia Tate

Hampton U '23

Hi, girlies! My name is Nia Tate and I am a Graduating Senior Health Sciences Major and Sociology from Seattle, Washington. I aspire to work at a non-profit organization that works towards equity in the health care system. A lot of my hobbies include yoga/meditation, kickboxing, trips to the lake, and upcycling old clothes into creating something new. I also aspire to travel the world and experience all different types of cultures and fashion. Some of my dream destinations I hope to visit include Japan, Brazil, and Greece!