Post-COVID Dating Tips
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[Photo from here.]
I cant leave the house. How will I ever find love?
If youve had a similar thought over the last year… youre not alone! Dating in 2021 has been complicated. Experiencing our first global pandemic has made it even harder for connecting singles. Many of us have gone from bright, social lives, to suddenly facing career displacement, social distancing, and quarantine. Weve gone from meals with friends to video dates with take out left by the door. It seems that an overwhelming array of options have presented themselves. Whats the best free dating site? Should you have a virtual date? Email? Meet for a socially-distanced walk? The options can seem endless!
The time spent suddenly in quarantine has caused many people to re-evaluate their previous beliefs, thoughts, and relationships. Its not unheard of for many of us to have had career changes, finally plan our dream travel itinerary, or who knows? Maybe we ended up with a new dog. So where does this leave those seeking love? Some may argue that the pandemic has made things harder to find a lasting connection. While its true that some conventional dating channels may have died over the last year (goodbye to in-person speed dating) or that we may be falling into a trap of endless scrolling, the truth is: love is still possible. Were here to help guide you with tips to show that a lasting relationship is not only possible…but it may be easier than ever.
[Alt. Text Description: A man and a woman stand on a beach, the man kisses the woman’s forehead.]
[Photo taken from here.]
Before quarantine, dating was as normal as it could be. We still openly accessed bars, restaurants, and social gatherings. On the negative side, ghosting was on the rise, as well as non-committal communication. Many of us were settled into our lives, happily or not, and experienced little to no pressure to make big life changes. Dating and love didnt really seem to change. Most of us turned to apps, or friends, to find new opportunities or connections. So how could a global pandemic help us to find love? Many of us went through an evaluation stage during quarantine. Many of us moved in with family, spent more time with our significant others, found ourselves working from home, or had other changes. The quarantine was a massive disruption. So how could a disruption help us? Time alone has reminded us that spending time alone isnt always as bad as it sounds. Weve also collectively experienced loneliness: without the socialization from our pre-mask world – life can become challenging.
More than ever, after experiencing loss and time to evaluate our lives, its never been a better time to seek a genuine connection. Maybe it is time to update your dating profile.
Many people are finally ready for love. This means that more people have the time to search through profiles for a meaningful connection. At this moment, less people are traveling for work, and are instead working locally from home. What does this mean? There are more local singles than ever! More singles are turning to apps and services to connect. There are less last-minute trips abroad, less weddings, and more time focused on communication and connecting with like minded people. Its time to put your best foot forward, dust off your profile, and find an app that suits your needs and wants.
Perhaps youve taken on a new hobby, or discovered something new about yourself. These are all assets that can help you find a lasting connection.
[Alt. text description: Two girls hold each other, posing against a wall. They are both wearing masks.]
[Image taken from here.]
Here are some tips to help you find love during covid-19.
Share a new hobby that youve discovered:
Dating is about sharing meaning. Whats the best way to find meaning when dating online? By being genuine and honest in what youre interested in. Did you start painting over the lockdown? What was the T.V show that you absolutely binge watched? Perhaps you started a yoga practice, or fell into the sourdough baking craze. These are all great tidbits that make you an attractive, dynamic, and interesting partner. It also helps your future partners identify hobbies or activities that you could potentially do together. So dont be afraid to share what youve learned in your profile.
Share a travel wish list.
Lockdown has made us all a little lonely. Have you created an itinerary for when travel is safe again? Did you finally put your dream itinerary together – a life-long experience that you cant wait to share? Sharing travel ideas will showcase your personality and spark a conversation with a potential travel mate.
(Also, dont be afraid to share your past travel stories – nothing could be better than beating the lockdown blues than remembering happier times.)
Share what youre truly looking for:
This is the time to be brave. Have you realized over the last year that youre really looking for an adventure buddy? Or do you want someone to stay in and cook with? Being honest in a dating profile can feel intimidating, but being honest is the fastest way to love. Dont be afraid to share some of your quirkier hobbies, likes, or activities. While it may seem that your pool of potentials has narrowed, it’s better to be upfront with who you are – and what you want.
Share how youve changed over the pandemic:
Did you reconnect with old friends? Did you buy a fitbit? Sharing how youve changed (and grown) is another excellent way to find a meaningful connection.
Do you have a new career goal? Be sure to include it.
If you went back to school, started a part-time course or business, this is a great thing to share in your profile.
Dont be discouraged.
While its easy to fall into the pit of saying youll never date again, or that youre happier alone. The truth is that most modern marriages are happier than ever. In a recent study by United States Census, they found that Among all currently married adults in 2016, 76% of men and 77% of women were in their first marriage. [Census.Gov, 2014]. So what does that exactly mean? People may be taking longer to get married, but they are staying married. Finding a connection is a numbers game, so dont be discouraged, and stay true to your intentions, desires, and needs for a long-term prospect.
To surmise, its never been a better time to find a meaningful connection. Be yourself, be consistent, be brave, and you will find there are more partners than you could have imagined.
Here at Mate Machine, we are committed to helping you find your perfect mate.
MateMachine is a Vancouver-based Technology start-up that has invented a unique secret crush search engine that can be used for connecting with the ones that we already know and have hidden feelings for. This happens through a unique and innovative search engine and is usable by anyone.