Dating During a Pandemic

Quarantine having an effect on your love life? Not sure how to keep momentum going in a new relationship or a long established one? Maybe you’re screening prospects, but not being able to meet for coffee is making it difficult to take the relationship to “the next level.” Or perhaps you’ve been looking at the same face day after day for more than a month now and are wondering what in the world you could possibly do with any more “quality time” with this person. No need to worry or panic; your guide to how to navigate relationships during a pandemic is here!

Relationships can be wonderful and terrible and easy and complicated all at the same time, with or without a global shutdown. Keep in mind that everyone is experiencing the pandemic in a unique way. Every household is operating in its own new mode. Adjustments large and small have been made to almost every aspect of most people’s lives. Perhaps you have found some benefit to the pause and are reprioritizing, finding new coping skills, and/or planning some long-lasting changes for when it’s over. Why not view this time as an opportunity to approach your romantic life in a healthy, rewarding way as well? Maybe a little reprioritizing and changes would be helpful in this area, too.

This is no time to be shy. Feel free to get creative, and don’t forget to be intentional. Try recreating a memorable time or activity that you and your significant other did together way back when you could leave the house. Introduce your partner to an old hobby of yours. Invite him/her to take a virtual visit of your favorite tourist attraction. Or explore new places together. There are so many organizations—zoos, museums, amusement parks, etc.—offering virtual tours while we are unable to visit in person. Try making movie night an event again (even though you have already watched everything there is on Netflix). There are online cooking classes, painting courses, and scavenger hunts you can do with someone in your household or someone you’ve never even met before. The possibilities are endless if you put your mind to it! It might take a little effort, but it will be worth it to foster and maintain your relationship. 

Here are a couple lists and links to some of my personal favorite ideas, whether you live with your mate or are just “meeting” for the first time:

Glamour’s “21 Virtual Dates You Can Go On in Quarantine”

“10 Date Night Ideas When You’re Stuck in Quarantine” on P.S. I Love you

Whether you are in the virtual dating world and involved in the messaging and emailing stage of online “situationship” or in a long-term committed relationship, there are a few things to keep in mind. Taking a cue from Wayne and Wanda‘s advice section of the Anchorage Daily News, “Some things have changed dramatically in these past few weeks. Some things shouldn’t change at all—like your morals, your values, and your general beliefs about the right way to treat people.” In other words, when we are able to meet again in person and in public, we want to be able to look back at our quarantine behaviors and interactions without regret. The best way to do this is to keep things in check and avoid regrettable behaviors in the first place. Staying true to yourself and not speaking or acting out of desperation or boredom may save you a lot of backpedaling down the road. No matter what your relationship status is, you are the most important person to take care of. 

So, ladies, get dressed up, have fun with hair and makeup, and maybe even shave those legs! After all, you deserve to take a little break and shake things up a bit. You are going to have a great time without even going anywhere! Don’t forget the selfie for social media (of your entire look, not just your now hairless legs!). And guys, we know it’s been a minute since your last haircut, but you’re still handsome as ever. Have fun treating your significant other to a nice dinner (curbside style) and choose an after-dinner activity you’ll both enjoy.

We’d love to know what you are doing for date night or to strengthen your relationships. Leave a comment below. Who knows, maybe your ideas will inspire others!