Dating During a Pandemic
- Consensual Humans
- Nov 25, 2020
- 2 min read
Alix Lane
Regardless if you are single or in a relationship, there is no denying that dating during a global pandemic is something no one is really prepared for or have any clue how to do it. Back in March when things were at the height of lockdown and all things were quarantined, no one knew just how long this was going to last. The infamous DTF (define the relationship) talk has been replaced with having the “covid talk,” which means ensuring what safety protocols both parties are comfortable with and how to move forward with socially distant dates and all things that relates to. There have been talks of using masks during sex and how to act on a facetime date becoming the new norm.
It was Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tham, among many other health officials who are recommending people should be wearing masks and should not be kissing. Along with this, the encouraged way people should engage in sex is by using positions that face away from one another as we know the primary way the virus spreads are from mouth-to-mouth particles from one's own breath. For this, the easiest thing to do would be to get a covid test beforehand or just simply not have sex, as there is no way to have sex 6 feet apart, so it will always be a high-risk activity.
One thing that has been introduced during the pandemic that might be a smart tool for dating is a facetime date before meeting in person. This way you get to screen who it is you are talking to and get a feel for how you guys interact. You can get all of the pre-covid talking out of the way and figure out exactly what your expectations are. You can also get creative with the facetime dates by having movie nights via Netflix together or simply have a wine night getting to know one another; the options are endless.
As we now enter the second wave in Canada and the long winter months, it is no surprise that people’s mental health will be on the decline as the cold long days can impact people’s mood and ability to form social connections. Seeking a relationship, whether it be serious or casual, may be beneficial as making these emotional connections are an essential part of life and can help us feel a little more normal during these very unnormal times.
A lot of friends my age have been concerned about meeting people organically rather than over dating apps like tinder or hinge. They miss the going out scene where you can get dressed up and meet a potential person at a bar or house party. While restaurants are still open inside in parts of the country, they are still limited to seating and the ability to walk around and mingle. Sadly, it is most likely not going to change in the near future, as we know there is no safe way to have large gatherings of people in close proximity to each other.
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