How to Date During a Time of Social Distancing

Today as I write this, I know that we are going through one of the most unusual and potentially scary times in human history. That being said, life may have changed, but that doesn’t mean that we stop living. Whether you are out working each day on the front lines of this fight against the Coronavirus (Covid-19) or waiting it out in your home or apartment, we must all do what we can to make the best of things. If you’re single that may include dating and trying to find a long-term relationship you deserve. The million-dollar questions is, “How do you actually do that?” Here are my top 5 tips for how to date during a time of social distancing.

Try “Niche” Online Dating Sites and Dating Apps:

Worldwide there are an estimated 8000 dating websites. In the U.S. the number 2500. Of course, you can’t go on them all, but what you should still do is find the ones that work best for you. If you have been on a few of these sites already with no luck, and you have more time on your hands, then consider doing more research on what’s out there.

You can also niche online dating down to your lifestyle too. Did you know there are dating websites for people who are gluten-free, a herpes dating site for those that have HSV(I actually know a couple who met on one), or for people that want to date someone who wears a uniform (aka military, firefighter, doctors, nurses, etc.)? The larger destinations like the Match.com’s, Zoosk, and the eHarmony’s can definitely still be in play for you, but also maybe take some time to use those search engines to see what online dating alternatives are out there that might also work for you.

Be a Smart Digital Dater:

Social distancing dictates that more and more singles will be at home dating digitally, but that also means there are more people out there whose real intentions to chat with you may be devious, if not criminal. When you do set up a video chat on your computer or on your phone always remember that there are ways to record those communications.

That means whatever you say or do on that chat can be recorded and either distributed to the world and/or used for other nefarious purposes. Because of that, you should have a policy of no dirty talk and definitely no displays of any intimate parts of your body. The bottom line is you should keep your words and your actions tempered until you know you can trust that person on the other end. And that will absolutely not happen until AFTER you meet in person.

Try Virtual Speed Dating:

Did you know that there are actual websites that allow you to go on Speed Date without leaving the comfort of your own home? I imagine over the next few weeks/months there will be more and more of them too. In the coming weeks I will make sure to update everyone on anything I hear in this space, but for now, consider researching and possibly joining a digital dating platform that is new to you if not to the world.

Slow Things Down to Speed Things Up:

To me, one positive thing about the current state of affairs is that many people will be forced to slow things down in their dating life. The advent of Tinder and other give-it-to-me-now dating apps has made far too many singles become so impatient, if not reckless, in the way they date. I’ve always felt that finding a quality relationship was a marathon, not a sprint and because our dating landscape is transforming before our very eyes I hope it will force many to change the way they date.

Smart singles should communicate online or over the phone with multiple possible partners, for multiple weeks, and take the time to really get to know them before they actually meet. One of my favorite dating tips is “You must slow things, down before you can speed things up,” and there’s no question this current dating environment is built for that.

Keep a Positive Mind, Body, and Spirit:

For those of you who are fortunate enough to stay healthy during this difficult time, it is so important to try to keep a positive mindset. This goes for your dating life and your life in general. There may be financial struggles, struggles with family or friends, even with your living situation. That means for you reading this, dating may become the furthest thing from your mind. Of course, these very difficult times are taking a toll on most people so seeing the positive side of things is not as easy as it sounds. If you are struggling with negative emotions or thoughts, here are some helpful tips to help you process these difficult emotions.

Still, my hope is with your struggles come a few moments of joy and gratefulness that allow you to see some of the good in life that still surrounds us. Plus, often the biggest obstacles in our lives are the ones that we grow and prosper the most from. Nobody knows what the future has in store for any of us, but with the right attitude and mindset, it’s very possible you may find yourself on the other side of this trying time, happier and more appreciative about life than you ever have been before.

My feeling is that if you have the right attitude and mindset is that this current climate will actually improve your chances of finding love, rather than hinder it. If you want to talk about your personal challenges during this time, I’m here to help. Schedule a Free Relationship Readiness Review with me here.