With the threat of COVID-19, dating doesn’t seem like the best or safest option. However, I promised myself this would be the year I was going to put myself out there. So, when my spring semester was put online, I decided to make my dating life digital too! Socializing is critical for an extrovert like me, and so I’m opening myself up to new experiences while I’m in quarantine. Dating while flattening the curve is possible, fun, and a unique way to socialize while self-isolating.
Give your page a makeover
I set my profile up while I was at UConn, and when I’m on campus, my profile is pretty standard. However, as my life transitioned online, I gave my profile a makeover. Life is uncertain right now, and it’s essential to find things we have control over. So, set up a Bumble page that you love and makes you feel like a million dollars. Go through your photo albums and find photos you’ve always wanted to use and take new ones while you’re isolating. Fill your page with quotes and jokes that you love. Giving yourself a fresh start and dating profile will help boost some confidence and set you up for success!
Start the conversation and check for red flags
Bumble is a fantastic app as it allows female users to start the conversation. My new favorite opening line involves staying at home. A simple, “How’s self-isolation going for you?” opens the conversation and checks to see if the person is taking this pandemic seriously. You’re on a dating app to find someone and that someone should have their health and the safety of others on their minds. So, if you match with someone who isn’t in quarantine and wants to see you in person, don’t engage! You are worth so much more and deserve someone who respects your choices and boundaries.
Put yourself out there and remember that there’s no pressure to meet them right away
The best part about using Bumble at the moment is there’s no pressure to see that person in public. We’re in a position where we have to talk to people for longer periods of time, and I think that’s amazing. I’m learning more about the people I’m matching with and building deeper connections with them. Dating is messy and exciting; it should never be something you dread.
Found a match? Dates are still possible!
When I said that dating is possible right now, I meant it! Apps like Bumble and Tinder are asking members to stay home and use in-app video chat for the time being. Bumble, Snapchat, and facetime can be used to communicate and set up dates online. I recently went on a facetime date with someone, and it was terrific. It was my first date in over a year, and I was thrilled to have someone take the pandemic seriously while showing me a good time.
Have fun, stay safe and flatten the curve
Talking to people is way more fun in sweatpants! Put on your favorite Netflix show (Parks and Rec is a favorite of mine) and start swiping. The COVID-19 pandemic is terrifying and should be taken incredibly seriously. However, it’s also important to keep routines and stay hopeful for the future. We don’t have to put our romantic lives on hold for the time being; we just have to be careful. So, stay inside and wash your hands but keep looking for that special someone from quarantine.