It’s no secret that the effects of COVID-19 have been felt around the world. From the death of loved ones, to the loss of jobs and lockdowns, it has been a testing period as everyone navigates their way in this new normal. The desire for human affection has naturally grown during this period. In Australia, we have found ourselves in lockdown – and living under the constant threat of lockdown) – for the past year. Instead of steering people away from the dating market, it has had the opposite effect. Finding themselves in lockdown alone has led to many people desperately seeking love and that deep connection with another. So, how do we find love during a pandemic?
Jump Online
In the past decade, the stigma that once surrounded online dating has slowly lifted. Once upon a time, there were one or two sites to choose from. These days, there are sites for everyone, no matter your age or situation (for example, if you are a single parent with kids). Here are some of the top sites you should check out – depending on your own circumstances:
- Eharmony: if you are looking for love, rather than a fleeting romance, then this is the place to be. Eharmony is a trusted online dating site for singles of all ages, but there are costs involved.
- Bumble: if you are just looking for a bit of casual dating, then Bumble is the way to go. It’s a social network that allows you to find friends, find love, or find professional connections.
- OKCupid: looking for a free site? Check out OKCupid. Their algorithm is aimed at finding deep connections based on who you are, not what you look like.
- Elite Singles: this is aimed at older people looking for love, and those who are after an educated connection between two like-minded people.
There are so many more different dating apps out there. What’s important is for you to work out where you are in your life and to search for an app that caters for this, so you can find someone in a similar situation.
Take It Slowly
In the midst of a pandemic, our social interactions have been limited and at times, put on hold altogether. Where once upon a time you could organise to meet up with an online match and suss them out face to face, depending on where the restrictions stand (and any standing health concerns you may already have), it may be some time before you are presented with this opportunity.
This means you need to get to know them online. The good news is, when you are in lockdown, you also find you have much more time on your hands. You can use it wisely to communicate with any love interests and get to know them on a more personal level. You aren’t distracted by lust, and instead build those essential connections before you even meet up. Taking it slowly allows you to get to know each other and understand whether the relationship is worth pursuing.
Go Video
While a pandemic has stopped us from going out as much, that doesn’t mean you can’t still meet. If you have chatted back and forth during text and are ready to meet, you have the option to do it online. Virtual dating has taken off around the world – and for good reason. It’s a way to build those love connections, without putting your life (or theirs) at risk and meeting in person.
Turning on the video allows you to see the other person and understand them even more. You can still see their mannerisms, the way they express themselves and so much more, without needing to be there in person.
Be Safe
When the time comes that you are both ready to meet up in person, it’s important to talk about it first. Make sure you are both on the same page when it comes to what you feel comfortable with. For example, perhaps you both agree that for the first meeting you will wear masks and still social distance.
It is also worth discussing where you both work, and what you are exposed to each day to help make these decisions about the best options.
You have to choose what is right for both of you, factoring in any health discussions you might have that need to be considered.
Forget what it’s like to date? Here are some great tips on preparing for your next date night.
While love may have been the last thing on your mind at the beginning of the pandemic, it’s safe to say COVID-19 is here to stay. Instead of putting love on hold indefinitely, it’s time to get back out there and find the one for you. Things are a little different and the dating scene has certainly changed, but it’s still very possible. But most importantly, love is worth it.