How does social distancing impact our dating lives and what can we do to keep meeting new people in these unprecedented times?
There's many new challenges we face in light of the recent advice from the government. Social distancing has been rolled out to help combat the incredible speed in which Covid-19 has spread around the country and the globe. These measures of avoiding unnecessary social contact, work from home where possible and avoid travel, are impacting our lives in hundreds of ways, which can be overwhelming at best but in the words of Bear Grylls 'Improvise. Adapt. Overcome'.
Improvise.
You might be asking yourself 'How am I gonna meet someone in lockdown?' Or saying 'let's just put dating on hold till this has all blown over' but why do we need to stop dating – sure, you can't get along to Friday Night Speed Dating but if you've been to one of our events before why not reach out to a previous match that fizzled out. Get on to the Original Dating messenger and re-ignite those previous connections, you matched for a reason. Maybe work was crazy or you had a lot of social things getting in the way and it didn't quite work out at that time – but let's be honest, the one thing we've got at the moment – is TIME. Let's use this to our advantage and make the most of our self-isolation by continuing conversations.
Adapt.
Okay, so how do we adapt to dating in a time of social distancing and self-isolation? We've jumped on the Original Dating messenger and we've struck up a convo with an old flame, it's going well, you're thinking 'why didn't I do this first time round?' and here's your second chance. But treating them to a Nando's is out of the question. You've got to the natural point where you need to switch gears and get off the texts to meeting in person.
Sorry to break it to you but that can't happen. Or can it? We're already living in the future, so take advantage of the incredible technology we already have at our disposal. Ask them for a facetime date, you heard me, arrange a time and meet face to face. There's also tons of nifty apps like Zoom, House Party, Skype as well as most smart phones having some sort of facetime feature.
This is where the fun starts, get creative. Have a drink, send them money to buy their favourite bottle of wine, order each other a deliveroo, play a drinking game like 'I have never'. In essence treat it like you're out on a first date. The only difference is - you're in the comfort of your own home. Still get dressed up, light some candles and pop on your favourite playlist.
Overcome.
Just because we can't get out and about the same as normal doesn't mean we have to stop living our lives and enjoying yourselves. When this all over, you will have built up a strong connection and despite the current situation you will have managed to overcome the challenges that have arisen from social distancing and self-isolation. You'll be free to take them to their favourite restaurant and you'll already know what bottle of wine to order.
So there you have it, some ideas to keep you proactive in these unusual times we find ourselves in. The possibilities are endless and fun. Hopefully this has given you some encouragement, after all, as one door closes another opens and if you find yourself at a loose end tonight give someone a wee text. Who knows what could happen, imagine telling this 'How we met story' to your grandchildren.