Pandemic Romance: How to Start a Relationship
Pandemic or not–dating has been hard for a majority of people, but COVID has only made finding love more difficult. Since a lot of places have closed to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID, finding a significant other in the real world has become hard and more people have turned to dating apps. While those may temporarily solve your dating problems, read along for tips to navigating love during lockdown.
How do you find the one? Before the pandemic, it may have been hard to meet your partner, but COVID has only made that worse as a lot of common areas to meet people are closed. With the closure of buildings, dating apps have seen a 19-26 percent increase in users according to a study conducted by the Today Show. However, many of you reading this aren’t legally allowed to use these apps, so the advice below should help with meeting your special someone.
1. Meeting your future partner
With the current climate of our world, it’s hard to go to stores or restaurants and meet people, but many people have begun going on walks and participating in other outdoor activities. So, with that being said, try going outside for a stroll through the park or neighborhood and find someone captivating and have a small conversation. Since we’ve made a return to in-person learning, take this as an opportunity to talk to new people in your classes or people you run into in the hallway. It doesn’t take much to start a conversation. For example, you could compliment their outfit, ask them how they are, or a simple hello could work too. Remember, keep it laid back. Don’t overthink it.
2.Get to know your potential partner
Hopefully, your first encounter with them has gone smoothly, and you can begin to know your potential lover. The first thing you should remember is–don’t rush anything. Take things at an agreed pace. If you want a healthy relationship, you need a strong foundation, which starts with great communication. Although small talk is boring, it’s important to know simple information about your new-found love. Trust me, they’ll appreciate your efforts to get to know them better–just don’t become clingy or you might turn them off.
3.Set boundaries and tell them your intentions
Now more than ever, it’s important to let people know your intentions from the start. If you want this to grow into a relationship, tell them. If you are only seeking a friendship, tell them. As previously mentioned, communication is key and it’s the foundation of all relationships. It would be terrible if you both invested time into this relationship just to find out you have different goals. This is also the time for each of you to express what you’re comfortable with. In the age of COVID, are you comfortable kissing, holding hands, and being around each other unmasked? It may sound silly, but save yourself some time, hassle, and embarrassment by establishing guidelines and dealbreakers early on.
4.Plan a COVID hangout
Now, more than before, it’s hard to meet up and hang out with people for various reasons. A lot of typical date locations like movie theaters and restaurants are closed, so you have to be creative when it comes to planning. Based on how the boundaries discussion went, plan accordingly. For the best-case scenario, we’ll pretend as they want to go on a COVID-style date with you. Listed are some various dates you can take your potential lover on.
5. Hangout and date ideas
Although it’s cold outside, picnic and stargazing dates are so romantic, yet simple. An alternative to sitting in the snow would be converting your living room or basement into a fun picnic location. An exciting alternative to going to a restaurant could be a mini cooking competition at home with your special someone. No matter what you decide, make sure you stay safe and get to know the person you’re hanging out with.