COVID-19 seems to be literally the only thing anyone can talk about. Everyone from medical experts to your next-door neighbor is weighing in on the significant impact this virus has had on our health, economy, education, and even recreation- but what about the impact it’s having on love and our romantic relationships?
If you’re single and already feeling a bit jaded about dating, adding a pandemic to the mix may make you want to throw in the towel on looking for love altogether. I get it – nothing kills the mood more than widespread panic and a global disease outbreak. Yes, this is a serious situation – and no, I’m not downplaying the importance of taking appropriate precautions to stay safe- but completely abstaining from romance doesn’t have to be your only option.
If COVID-19 is giving you anxiety about going on a date – let your date know! With so much uncertainty surrounding this virus – being open and checking in with the other person about the situation is definitely a good idea. Try to keep the conversation casual and light, you certainly don’t need to be asking them for their vital signs. You might find out that you’re both freaking out, or that you’re both completely unphased, either way the conversation will shed some light on how best to move forward with seeing each other.
The Center for Disease Control has advised keeping a distance between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. Dating and distance, unfortunately, don’t really go hand in hand. If you feel comfortable enough meeting a date face to face, but not comfortable enough sitting in a restaurant or bar full of people, maybe suggest going for a hike or a walk in the park. You might even find that the change in scenery sparks more topics of conversation than a typical date venue would.
Although nothing can beat meeting face to face, if you’re uncomfortable with or unable to meet someone in person, video calls are a fantastic alternative. Communicating via video will allow you to keep your distance while simultaneously experiencing an exchange of eye contact, facial expressions, and body language – all of which are important factors in developing a connection. While matchmaking during a pandemic is new territory for us, we’re no strangers to arranging video call first dates. For our clients that are separated geographically, we’ve seen first-hand that this method of communication can still be highly successful in promoting a lasting connection.
Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well – reschedule! There’s no question that COVID-19 has been spreading like wildfire – so if you’re feeling sick or have been in direct contact with someone with the virus, stay home and seek medical attention. Regardless of the recent outbreak, going on a date while under the weather is never ideal. How can you expect the date to go well if you’re not operating at 100%? If you want to enjoy yourself and make a positive impression on your date, it’s best to hold off on meeting until you’re feeling better.
Dating in these circumstances may seem dangerous and futile – but it doesn’t have to be. Despite much of the population staying indoors and avoiding social contact, we’re fortunate to live in a time where developing a relationship is possible without ever leaving the house. If you stay properly informed and take rational precautions to keep yourself and others safe, there’s no reason to completely avoid dating. Be smart. Stay safe. But don’t let fear, pandemic related or any other kind for that matter, prevent you from falling in love.
If you would like to find out how Maclynn International can help with your journey to love, get in touch today! Our trusted matchmakers are here and ready to help you on the road to finding joy and long-lasting love.
