EMontWrites

We’re in the middle of a global pandemic, who’s thinking about dating right now?! Apparently, many people are and now might be the best time to do it.

Staying home and staying safe is the best thing we all can do right now to control the spread of COVID-19. We’re at home all day, every day and have limited interactions with people for the sake of social distancing.

Take it serious.

No matter what is going on in the world, we want and need someone to share our lives with. A time like now doesn’t change that. If anything we want it more, isolation does come with a side of loneliness.

We can’t meet up in person right now or go on dates, so how could this also be a good time to build connections?

Let me put you on game.

Computer love

Working from home and meeting up with friends and family via Zoom, everything we do right now relies heavily on the internet, our computers and our phones. Online dating is the way to go to connect with others right now. So pick an app, any app and get to swiping.

Dating app OkCupid has gone so far as to include questions about coronavirus to match singles. In response to the new question “How do you plan on dating during this time of coronavirus?” 94% of respondents said they’ll continue to date virtually.

According to OkCupid, there’s been a 30% increase in messages sent on the app each day since March 11. In the United States, Louisiana and Colorado have had the greatest increase in conversations on the app.

Common connection from the start

We can all relate to each other right now.

Be it mutual cabin fever or adjusting to the new norm. Coronavirus is bound to come up in every conversation you have. It’s an icebreaker that immediately gives you both something to talk about.

It also gives you a look at how they are handling the situation and if they are taking it serious.

You can’t meet up right now

Now is the best time to build a connection with someone. So long ago are the days where you’d hop on an app and meet someone the same day.

Now, you have to actually talk and build a connection with someone. What else do you have to do? We’ve got time.

And there’s no pressure on having to meet up. You don’t have to figure out where to take them. The most we can do right now is talk and that’s one of the best ways to get to know someone.

After talking for awhile on the phone, hop on Zoom or FaceTime. You get to see each other, hopefully, realize they are not a catfish and don’t have to leave your house. If things don’t work out it’s less harm done and less time wasted.

Save that money

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to who stopped going on dates because it got expensive. You go on a date with someone and it doesn’t work out, someone has to pay for those drinks. Then you try again on another date, more money spent.

Times are so rough right now, I can barely afford to date myself. My debit card is on E and in its own quarantine.

Luckily building a connection with someone is free.

After you’ve talked on the phone, texted, or whatever and have moved on to video chatting you get a sense of whether you have a connection with someone. If things don’t work out, you didn’t have to spend $60 on a date and you can’t be judged about it.

Hopefully in a few weeks we will be able to venture outside again and you will finally meet the person you’ve been communicating with for weeks.

The connection you two built during this time will make a solid foundation for the relationship you will build in the future.

Until then, stay home and stay safe.