How to Date During - and After - The Pandemic
Lockdowns are lifting and life is beginning to look a little more like it did pre- March 2020. But it can be tricky to know how to move forward in this time of transition, particularly in terms of your love life. So we have some advice on how to date during - and after - the pandemic.
How to date during - and after - the pandemic
Depending on where you’re based in the UK, you may be living with restrictions for weeks or months to come. Even for those who’ve enjoyed ‘freedom day’ and post-lockdown liberties, the process of returning to normal (however that may look for us as individuals and as a society) will take time. So what does this mean if you want to date?
How has COVID affected dating?
During lockdowns, the only way to meet somebody new was online - either via apps, websites, social media, e-events, or virtual speed dating. This has made many more single people receptive to modern dating methods (as opposed to finding a partner on a night out, or at a work event for example).
Additionally, many long term relationships ended during this world-changing event, as couples took stock and re-evaluated their direction in life. This led to an influx of eligible new singles arriving on the dating scene. And as casual hook-ups were actually illegal for a period, individuals had longer to get to know each other, via messages and video calls.
How to date during COVID without dating apps
Dating apps and websites aren’t right for everyone. Particularly if you find you connect and evaluate potential matches better in-person, than on a small screen. Virtual speed dating provides the best of both worlds, allowing you to mingle and chat from home. But now face to face speed dating events are back too. They’re a super way to segue into meeting singles, especially if you’re out of practice in approaching someone you like. And let’s face it, after the past year and a half, we’re all pretty rusty when it comes to flirting and making small talk in shared physical space.
How to get back into dating after the pandemic
There are some really practical things to think about when arranging your dating diary. Because things have changed. Do book a table if you plan on eating or drinkng during peak times and check the bar or restaurant is still open before you head out. Demand for popular venues is high and many are operating at limited capacity or closed completely - either due to social distancing limitations or by the pingdemic effect causing staffing problems. It’s not ideal to turn up to a first date, then have to wander around a busy city centre trying to find a seat somewhere.
Plan ahead and be aware that in the current climate things can change, fast. This also to applies to your actual date. If they have to isolate, which so many people are at the moment, you may end up with a last-minute cancellation. Being aware of this possibility in the first place will mean you’re less likely to be disappointed if it does happen - either to them or to you.
Finding love after lockdown
Do give yourself space (and we’re not talking about social distancing here). Getting back into dating after multiple lockdowns with limited social interactions may feel overwhelming. Take it at your own pace and don’t worry if that pace is slower than it would have been pre-pandemic, or is more measured than your peers. This approach may even serve you better, especially if you’ve had a tendency to jump into new relationships with both feet!
Starting a relationship after COVID
Bear in mind that the beginnings of your relationship will, to some extent be on shifting sands. Most of us aren’t yet back to our usual ways of working or socialising. We may be reticent to do too much out of the home. Or we might be catching up on lost time at a hectic pace. Don’t assume that the current day to day lifestyle of your new boyfriend or girlfriend is going to be the status quo.
This is especially important if their uber-busy diary, or reluctance to spend a lot of time in public, is bothering you. It may well be a temporary response and reaction to what has gone before. Do ask what life will look like for them in the future. For example, will they be frequently travelling for work, wanting to attend gigs several nights a week, or keen to do ‘coupley’ activities every weekend?
We are all in unchartered territory here. So whatever you do, don’t beat yourself up what you are or aren’t doing. Be kind to yourself - and others - as you date and stay aware of what you need to feel safe, secure and comfortable. While this continues to be an incredibly challenging period, remember that large numbers of singles have gone on to find love, in this time of COVID. And you can too.
Related Questions
Where do you meet people after lockdown?
While nightclubs and bars are allowed to reopen in England, some people’s reticence to mix in such settings may limit who’ll you’ll meet out. Similarly, many events are postponed. Because of this, online platforms and pre-arranged speed dating events are the most effective way to find potential matches.
How do I go back to dating after years of being single?
Maybe the events of the past year and a half have called into question your own journey. Perhaps you’ve been single for a long time and have recently decided it’s time to venture into the world of coupledom. There are lots of resources to help you get started in dating - both emotionally and practically.
How long should you be single before dating again?
This depends entirely on the individual and can vary from weeks to years. Consider how messy your last break-up was and whether you’ve learned the necessary lessons to move on. Ideally, you should feel comfortable in yourself and your singleness - and not be on the rebound - before you open the next romantic chapter.