Our Advice on How to Date During a Pandemic

If you’re wondering when will be a safe time to date again, you’re not alone. Figuring out how to date during a pandemic is new territory for all of us. 

Dating can be complicated and stressful in the best of times, but factor in a global pandemic and it becomes a whole other ball game.

We all want to stay safe, but does that mean we have to let our love life fall to the wayside for the unforeseeable future? We don’t think so. There are tons of great ways to continue dating during a pandemic, they might just take some getting to! 

Here’s our advice on dating during COVID-19.

How to Date During a Pandemic: 5 Pointers

Have the COVID Talk 

Before the pandemic, our opening lines for online dating may have had to do with work or a joke, but now, talking about COVID trumps everything. 

This means questions like “Who’s in your bubble?” “Does your job require you to be around a lot of people?” “Do you go to many public spaces?” have priority. 

Basically, you need to ask suitors what they’re doing to ensure their health and safety before anything else. 

Sure, it might not sound romantic, but it’s important. There’s no need to overthink it, simply ask your crush something like “What does socially distancing mean to you?” and go from there.

Knowing where your matches stand means you’re being safe from the get-go. Who knows, maybe one of these questions will work as a great online dating icebreaker.

Remember everyone has a different comfort level

The global pandemic is uncharted ground for all of us and that can feel pretty overwhelming. Everyone copes with uncertainty differently and that’s ok! 

Moving at your own pace is key to coming to terms with the global situation. So figure out what you’re comfortable with yourself before accepting any date invitations.

Some people may feel comfortable meeting for a walk in the park while others may just opt for a virtual first date. Studies show that video dating is more popular now than ever before these days!

Be upfront with your date about what you’re ok and what’s not going to work with you, that way, you can see your attitudes align. 

If someone asks you on a date in a setting that doesn’t feel safe to you, then just say that! Chances are they’ll be understanding.

Mask up while meeting up in-person 

If you’d like to draw the line at virtual dates, there’s nothing wrong with that. 

However, if you both want to move things forward with someone in-person, it’s important to keep your safety first and foremost. You know what that means, it’s time to embrace the mask!

Just because you’re attracted to your date and want to move things further along, doesn’t mean it’s the best game plan. It’s still a good idea to keep your masks on during the first few dates, if not longer. 

So let your date know that you’ll be wearing a mask before you meet up and ensure they will have one too. If someone makes a fuss about wearing one, then it could be a sign that they’re not right for you.

Getting physical 

After video chatting for a while and meeting on a socially-distanced date, now what? 

If you’re interested in someone, then chances are you’ll want to get physical with them. Typically, we might invite an impromptu kiss from someone we’re attracted to, but things are different now. 

It’s best to ask your date their level of comfort when it comes to becoming physically intimate. After all, communication is key to a successful relationship. 

If you two would like to become sexually intimate, it might be a good idea to ask your crush if they’d like to be exclusive. 

It doesn’t have to mean you’re in a relationship with them, it just means you’re taking safety precautions, so try not to overthink it.

It’s ok not to date

If you’re not interested in dating during the pandemic, that’s okay too. 

These are uncertain times and it’s understandable if you’re feeling unsure about meeting someone new. 

Coping with the global situation can feel draining, you may feel like all your daily energy is taken up by simply caring for you! Again, this is ok.

Don’t feel guilty for not putting yourself out there. Instead, use this time to focus on you and practice your passions!

Dating in a pandemic is tricky territory but it’s not impossible!

Look at it this way, it’s an excellent time to speak with potential partners about boundaries. After all, healthy boundaries are fundamental to a successful relationship. 

About the author: Brianne Hogan

Brianne is a Canadian freelance writer who's been writing about dating and relationships longer than any of her relationships. She applies a "do what I say, not do what I do" approach to her articles, and believes you can find Your Person mostly when you aren't looking. So enjoy your life, and eat lots of cheese (at least that's her motto). Her byline's been featured on Thrillist, The Huffington Post, HelloGiggles, Elle Canada, Flare, Awesomeness TV, among others.

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