Starting a new relationship can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. During normal times, the dates and the getting-to-know-you stage can either be delightful or downright stressful. Under the pandemic, dating can even be more of a chore since you can’t really go out.
It does appear that the pandemic came at the perfect time. With today’s technology, seeing each other is not that hard. If you can’t keep a regular cam date, you can call each other through messenger apps or on the phone. While dating may be forced to adapt to what you’d call a ‘new norm,’ it hasn’t even been canceled — or rather, far from it.
If you’re thinking of meeting new people during the pandemic, here’s how you can do it without exposing yourself to the virus.
Go Through the ‘Proper’ Channels
When you’re off to meet someone, you’d usually start with places where people hang out, like the gym, parties, or bars. Right now, places like these are out of the question because of the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options. These days, people spend more time looking for potential partners on social media and dating apps.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shift to other traditional channels. While dating can be virtual, you can take relatives’ and friends’ advice. Your personal network is there for a reason — use it, and you’ll get more potential partners who may turn out to be a great catch!
Let’s Get Things Out of the Way…
When searching for a potential partner, one of the bigger things you must look out for is compatibility. Here, it would be best if you had been dating or meeting online for more than a month, and by now, there might’ve been some serious questions you’ve asked each other. These range from whether they like cashmere baby hats — a hint at having children — to their choices of cities for living together.
During the pandemic, this also includes emergency responses to when people they live with have COVID-19; what will they do? You ask them these questions when you’re more comfortable with each other, of course, and not at the very beginning of your dating. You want to know them more intimately, not drive them away.
Narrowing Down your Choices
You shouldn’t limit yourself to one person when you’re looking for a potential partner. But when it’s finally time to find THE ONE, then you should go serious with choosing that one. Think of shows like The Bachelor or Bachelorette; weigh all the best things between you and the person you’re seeing, then go for it.
Once you’ve finally singled out your choice among the others, that’s the time you should ask more intimate and important questions. After all, he or she could be the one you end up with, so you must be sure both of you are on the same page regarding important issues, like the pandemic and how to handle it, for instance.
Get Straight to the Point
When you’re dating, it can be easy to lose track of the goal because of all the interesting people you meet. You might even have to forgive yourself when you get a little too ‘carried away’ and meet person after person. Once you’ve settled down on one, however, you should be very clear with what you want from them.
Saying what you’re looking for is more of a courtesy than anything else. For one, it’s like saying that you’re not going to waste any more of their time if they’re not on the same page as you are. You’re also putting yourself out there and seeing if you are that person they’re looking for, as well.
The Face-to-Face Meetup
The pandemic does kind of force you to go for non-face-to-face meetings, but let’s face it — sooner or later, you’re going to have to meet. Just remember all the protocols that you’ve been given, and you’re all set for your first date — just like the old times, in an outdoor setting!
Remember to bring your face masks and check if the place is well ventilated. You can also check in advance for pictures and see if the place allows for social distancing. Be creative with the venue, remember to be unique (not like meeting on a ship or at the top of a mountain unique — but hiking’s not a bad first date), and you’re all set!
At the end of the day, remember to be yourself. You don’t have to sugar coat your words or even try to be someone else. Your partner will love you, faults and all, and you have to be confident in that. Now go out there and fly!
