Dating during a global pandemic can be challenging. We all want to be safe and limit our exposure. However, our lives aren’t paused just because we’re facing a new normal. Being safe doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun while meeting new people! Dating during a pandemic can still be just as enriching and rewarding just as it would be if we weren’t living through a pandemic. Here are three basic tips to successfully date during these trying times.
- Set boundaries and intentions
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Communication is an important part of relationships no matter what. However, during a global pandemic, it’s extra important to be communicating boundaries with your partner. Ask if they’ve been tested recently and discuss your boundaries when it comes to hanging out and going on dates. Do you feel comfortable going out on dates in the general public, in a more private setting or virtually? Have they been social distancing? It may feel uncomfortable asking these types of questions, but it’s important that both parties have discussed boundaries with each other and make it very clear what they are and are not comfortable with. If you’re talking to a potential partner and they’re doing something that doesn’t align with your values and crosses a boundary, stand up for yourself. Your safety is your top priority and someone who doesn’t prioritize it does not deserve your time.
Keep your intentions clear from the very beginning. Whether you’re looking to hook up, casually date or find a serious relationship, communicate that from the beginning. Casual dating during a pandemic is already challenging enough, so keep the mind games out. Ask whoever you’re talking to what they’re looking for so neither of you are wasting your time.
- Be open to meeting people
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Many people have reservations about online dating, specifically dating apps. During a pandemic, however, the internet is your friends! If Tinder doesn’t sound appealing to you, there are plenty of other dating apps available to check out such as Hinge, Bumble or HER (for my LGBT+ friends). If dating apps aren’t your style, try getting involved in virtual events on campus! Check out any organizations on campus that align with your interests and try to attend any events they may have to meet people with similar interests. Many college students are always looking to meet new people so if you don’t find a partner, you at least can make new friends!
- Get creative with dates
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Going on dates during a pandemic can be tricky, but it’s still an important part of dating! The type of date you and your partner choose to do all depends on how comfortable you both are meeting in person. If you’re both more comfortable with virtual dates, you can do virtual game nights, Netflix watch parties or go to a virtual event on campus or your community together. If you want to meet in person, but want to stay at home, try a backyard picnic, cooking a meal together at home or have an at-home paint and sip. Anything you can do in public can be done at home so get creative! If you’re comfortable going out in public, you can have safe dates out like dinner or lunch on a restaurant patio, a drive-in movie or comedy show or going on a hike or bike ride!
Trying to find a significant other is already hard as it is, let alone during a pandemic. Using these tips, though, might make it less challenging than it already is. Don’t give up hope! Be open-minded and stay safe.