ON A DATEA worldwide pandemic has certainly changed the way we dates and make things a touch more difficult. But here are four things I actually like about the pandemic dating situation…
This post was sponsored, but all words, imagery and endless dating experiences are my own!
It goes without saying that 2020 has been an odd one. In a year that has been consumed by confusion around lockdowns, tears over tiers and too much time sitting within the same four walls, we’ve all had to find ways to adapt and live life the best we can.
And one area that has definitely seen a massive shift in dynamics is the big wide world of dating. No longer can we meet a guy (or girl, of course!) by drunkenly snogging them on a night out. A lot of us can barely have a date indoors considering the restrictions that surround us. Planning a get together with friends from mature swinging sites is definitely out of the question. Meeting new people in general feels like an activity from a bygone era.
But pandemic dating has had its perks too. So here are four things I’ve actually enjoyed about dating in a pandemic…
Trying out different kinds of dates
I’m sure everyone has their go-to first date ideas. I’ve always swayed towards a spot of brunch in local cafe, plenty of pints down at the pub, or a chilled night at a local gig. However, throw some local lockdowns and a tiered system into the mix, and you’ll soon find these options aren’t quite as easy as before. Instead, I’ve found myself venturing out on a slightly different variation of dates: breezy rural walks, bottled beers by a bonfire, picnics in charming parks… and I’ve loved each and every one!
The abundance of new people to swipe
If you’re anything like me and have been in the dating game for a long time, it begins to feel like you’re swiping past the same set of faces on every single dating app. (And they’re probably sick of seeing me too, to be quite honest.) But with a national lockdown comes boredom, and with boredom comes a need to waste some time away, and, inevitably, people will soon find themselves succumbing to the temptation of dating sites, even if just for a natter. Whether you use a swipe-type like Tinder, a more exclusive paid site like eHarmony, or even venture into older swingers sites (you go!), you’re bound to have found an influx of new people to consider. And I certainly wasn’t complaining!
The introduction of table service only
As much as I’ve grumbled about not being able to stand at a bar and mingle this year, I’ve actually been a massive fan of the table service only that was introduced. On a date, I have to really build myself up to leave my table and head to the bar. I feel exposed, and somewhat vulnerable. What if they’re watching me and I walk funny? What if I trip? Order something wrong? With table service, I don’t have to worry. All I have to do is catch the barman’s eye when our glasses are running low. Simple!
Being able to date virtually
During the initial UK lockdown, people found an array of different interesting ways to date virtually. For me, it was a classic old-school phone call for the evening, watching the same movie in unison and keeping in touch as we watched, or – my personal favourite – an evening of PlayStation gaming together while chatting. And the best thing about them? I could do it all in my comfies with no makeup on, and my date would be none the wiser. Let’s keep the virtual dating a thing even when we conquer covid, please?
Have you done any dating during this past year? What have you liked about it?