How to Start Dating Again While Social Distancing

Getting back in the dating game can be intimidating, especially if you’ve been out of the loop for a while. Whether you’ve gone through a difficult divorce, navigated a nasty breakup, or have simply endured a pandemic-related pause in your love life, it’s time to hit the start button. Everyone deserves happiness and even though things may be challenging right now, dating is possible!

Here are some simple tips to start dating again in a time of social distancing.

Make Sure You’re Ready to Take the Leap

Putting yourself out there is tough enough as it is, so make sure you’re ready before you dive in head-first. In a time when social interaction is limited, it’s the perfect excuse to put a little extra effort into bettering yourself. Whether you finally start that exercise program, get back into healthier eating habits, or simply make time for a little self-care, maintaining your mental and physical health is essential.

Struggling with insecurities about your appearance? Now’s the time to take action so you can enter the dating scene looking and feeling your best. From improved fitness and weight loss to skin therapies and hair loss treatment, the time is now. What else do you have going on?

Look Around Before You Log On

In the current pandemic, it’s a little less likely that you’ll meet someone at a bar or your local coffee shop. For many, the first step into the dating pool is taken virtually. If you’re new to online dating, read reviews of the different apps and websites available before you decide how to proceed. Focus your efforts on one or two options and take the time to create an appealing profile that accurately reflects you and what you’re looking for.

Not quite sure what you’re looking for or how to get started? Talk to a dating coach or take an online coaching class. At the very least, you’ll learn some helpful tips for entering the world of online dating and receive useful insight into your own search for love.

Approach Each Interaction with an Open Mind

As much as you may be ready to find that special someone and settle down, you can’t rush the process. Be honest and authentic with potential matches in the hopes they will do the same. With limits on social interactions, your first date may be over Zoom or Facetime. It can be difficult to get a feel for someone’s personality online, however, and there’s no substitute for physical chemistry.

If getting together in person is important to you, broach the subject early to see whether the other person is open to it. If you’re both amenable to the idea, talk through the details of what kind of interaction would be safe and comfortable for both of you.

Be Smart and Stay Safe

If you choose to meet someone in person, it’s best to make that first date an outdoor one. Meet up at a local park and take a walk. Not only will you have the added safety of meeting in a public place, but there’s no pressure about time – you can gauge the situation and make the walk as short or as long as you like. If the walk goes well, you can try a picnic or a backyard barbecue – maybe even a drink at a restaurant with outdoor seating.

On top of maintaining social distancing as you start dating, it’s important to follow local and state regulations. Wear a mask in public and ask that your date wears one as well. If it feels too impersonal to not be able to see someone’s face, try a few video calls first to get to know each other so you don’t have to rely as much on facial expressions during an in-person meetup.

Shift Gears Toward Emotional Intimacy

Part of the thrill of dating is the potential for physical intimacy. In the middle of a global pandemic, however, things as simple as a handshake or a goodbye kiss have taken on new meaning. It’s important to remember, however, that intimacy isn’t just physical. Forming an honest connection with someone happens through laughter, conversation, and shared vulnerability as much as physical touch.Now is the perfect time to challenge your flirting skills by creating sparks with your connection while remaining socially distant.

When you find someone with whom you share a connection and you’re ready to take the next step to physical intimacy, talk it through. Take precautions like self-isolation and COVID-testing and be sure to involve anyone with whom you share a living space in the conversation. If you find someone you really enjoy and you think there could be the potential for something great, waiting a few weeks to make sure you can take the next step safely should be a no-brainer.

As nerve-wracking as dating can be, it should also be fun. Whether you’re meeting someone virtually or taking a walk together, enjoy the moment and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with another person in a time when social interaction is limited. Though this year has certainly been a challenging one, there’s no reason you can’t come out of it with a new relationship.