Society is currently struggling to adjust to this new way of life. People are figuring out how to work from home (IF they are working). They are dealing with financial issues and overcoming this new way of life with limited access to everything. But there is one huge elephant in the room that most single people did not consider. If you do not have a love/friend/mate to self-isolate with, how you are going to meet new people while you self-quarantine.
Before COVID-19, singles would have first dates at bars and restaurants to introduce themselves to potential dating partners. Whether they met online or as a passerby, they all ended up at the same place: in public conversation to see if there was a fit.
Today, the opportunity to meet in a public place is on hold. Any chance of even trying to schedule a date is impossible with the Coronavirus attacking life as we know it. Think you are going to meet a nice person at the grocery store? You can forget it! With everyone wearing a mask and offering the evil eye if you dare speak to them, finding love on aisle 6 isn’t going to happen.
OK, let’s turn to online dating. Millions of Americans subscribe to one or more dating platforms in order to find love. With everyone in isolation, online dating sites have literally become the only way to find and meet new people. Even with online dating sites, most people are reluctant to schedule a meeting in person.
“People are very concerned about catching the Coronavirus, so when you ask them if they would like to meet, they quickly refuse to even consider it,” a single, Craig, said. “I have no idea how I am going to successfully date until we all feel a whole lot better about being out in public.”
Here are a few suggestions on how to create a first date during a pandemic.
VIDEO CHAT
If texting while on an online dating platform goes well, you can always move the conversation to a video chat service. Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, and Facetime are all great ways to continue to see if the connection with the person you are texting with grows into more. Video conferencing allows you to see them and continue to build the relationship before you meet.
WALK IN THE PARK
If you two are local and your new potential love finds it safe, you can always schedule a time to take a walk in the park. With America re-opening, a walk in the park is safe, you can practice good social distancing, and still meet with your date in person to explore if there is a match or not.
COFFEE IN YOUR CARS
If you want to get creative, you can invite your date to meet for coffee but stay in your individual cars. You have a chance to continue to converse and keep a safe distance from one another until you both feel more comfortable while in each other’s presence.
Getting adjusted to this new normal in life also means changing the way you might find love. Use some of the techniques mentioned and you just might find a good mate to self-isolate with. Happy Hunting!
