It’s safe to assume that 2020 threw a wrench into many folks’ plans. A significant number of people feel frustrated or lost trying to figure out how to adapt and thrive in an altered landscape. This is especially true with dating. Many single adults want to throw in the towel altogether in favor of hanging out with roommates, ordering takeout, and watching Netflix until some undefined point in 2021.
As tempting as indefinite vegging sounds, a compelling argument can be made that the ideal time to meet people, grow relationships, and “date” (no matter what that actually looks like) is mid-Pandemic. Enjoy these pandemic dating tips courtesy of Mutual, the world’s largest dating app for Latter-day Saint singles.
- Expand your Horizons!
Under normal circumstances, you might only consider getting to know those who live near you. But if you would virtually-date someone down the street, why not get to know someone on the other side of the world? As long as you are cognizant of time zones, there is little difference between Skyping with someone in your home state versus someone on another continent. Set your Mutual app distance filters to “Anywhere in the World” and see what happens. Besides, Mutual is busier than ever, with daily matches 23% higher and daily signups 15% higher than they were pre-quarantine! Mutual provides a safe, easy way to meet many people in a short amount of time, and an account can be set up in a matter of minutes. Find a few favorite profile pictures, write a sentence about yourself, and start matching!
Shannon H. and her boyfriend live on different continents, and haven’t been able to meet in-person due to the pandemic. She says that “frequent contact via phone, virtual dates, and spending quality time with each other online” helped them to develop their relationship, despite the miles between them.
If talking to people internationally seems intimidating and you’d like to start with a smaller step, why not include people on the other side of your country in your distance filter? A road trip to visit them could be the perfect way to celebrate when things clear up.
- Remember your “Pandemic Etiquette.”
In today’s circumstances, some people are comfortable treating dating like usual, while others would rather have socially-distanced dates, use masks, or even meet digitally. No matter your preferences, be vocal about what kind of dates you’re comfortable with, and respect the other party’s wishes.
If someone you’ve been talking to has different social distancing preferences than yours, you can still find a way to get to know each other. You can find out just how great someone is before your first date.
- Be creative!
When constraints abound, creativity flourishes. You may not be able to go on some of your favorite “go-to” dates right now, but with a little planning, the sky is the limit with virtual or socially-distanced dates.
Mutual’s Instagram followers recently provided many great ideas for dating during a pandemic. For virtual dates, order the same takeout and eat over Facetime, battle it out on internet games, or try a virtual movie night, using the “watch party” feature of your favorite streaming service.
You could also try digitally touring a museum, listening to playlists of each other’s favorite music, or get dolled up to drink sparkling cider, pretending you’re at a five-star restaurant. Regardless, we recommend having some kind of planned activity to overcome the awkwardness that may come by hopping onto a Zoom call with someone you don’t know.
For socially distanced dates, utilize the outdoors, especially during Summer. Go on a walk or hike, draw with chalk at the park, or meet up at a picturesque location with takeout. You are only limited by your creativity. It could be the first date story you tell your grandchildren, so you might as well make it a good one!
- If they can do it, so can you! Check out these Mutual success stories:
Honestly, we get it. There’s a lot going on right now. Dating attempts may feel futile, so we gathered some success stories to share. We promise there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!
Patrick R. shared the following: “Melissa and I matched literally the week before everything shut down for Covid. It seemed like bad timing in the beginning because of how difficult it was to make something work amidst such a trying time. However, what really made it clear that she was ‘the one’ was how resilient we both were. It worked out between us because Covid required us to invest a little more and have a little more faith in the other person.”
Alexis L. wrote us that when she wanted to meet someone mid-pandemic, “The only place to really meet anyone was online...My tips for those hoping to meet someone despite the pandemic is just to talk to everyone. Put less of an emphasis on finding a [significant other,] and put more emphasis on just trying to meet different types of people. I was able to find my fiancé because I was willing to talk to everyone.”
Finally, when asked what made her new relationship different from pre-pandemic, April M. said that, “Honestly, I think this was different because we weren’t able to go to the movies, restaurants, or any sort of activities, which made us get to know each other on a more personal level. We just hung out, went on hikes and started making dinner with each other. I think it took the pressures of ‘dating’ off the table and we made the time to get to know each other! I think that would be my best advice. Get outside, ask the deep questions and become good friends!”
So? What are you still doing here? There are dates to have and people to meet! Download Mutual on the iOS App Store or Google Play, order takeout, and meet some new people. Besides, quarantine is significantly nicer with a plus one.