How to navigate the pandemic dating landscape from someone who has yet to go on a date in a pandemic
Yes, Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but it’s never too late to find that special someone (whether you’re going for platonic or romantic). My last relationship ended in November 2019 and yes, that means I have been single for all of the pandemic. Perfect timing on my part. However, over the past year and a bit, I have tried my hand at dating, or at least attempting to date, in this crazy world we live in. Here are a few things I learned.
- Cherish non-lockdown life: For some in 1L, in-person classes from September to mid-October led to long-lasting relationships that remain intact to this day. For myself, I met someone I felt an especially strong connection with, but alas, before I knew it, in-person classes were over and we were all banished to our bedrooms and into the world of Zoom. If we can ever see people in person again, I will definitely take advantage of the park date.
- Turns out, dating apps aren’t the worst: Last fall was the first time I tried a dating app and turns out, they actually aren’t that bad. I used Hinge for a little while, and although I didn’t find my soulmate, I did make a friend along the way which isn’t half bad.
- Zoom dates are better than no dates: I personally have not had a Zoom date, but based on other people’s experiences, they are not the worst thing in the world. Sure, it would be great if you could go grab a drink with someone at a bar, but in the meantime, drinks over Zoom are better than drinks alone with your cat (actually, this sounds like a pretty nice evening). Zoom also comes with fun bonuses like virtual backgrounds and screen sharing so you can watch a movie together while on a beach in the Bahamas. Oh, how romantic.
- Get used to DMs and texting: If you’re like me, and strongly disliked messaging (either by text or through social media) pre-pandemic, then you’ve probably had a hard time adjusting to our virtual world. I have come to realize that messaging is not your enemy, but your friend. It is a vital way to keep in contact with pretty much everyone in your life (either romantic or platonic).
- Above all else, always remember the best kind of love you will ever find is that which you feel for yourself #selflove #treatyoself.
