After experiencing a global pandemic where social distancing and quarantining became the new normal, the way we date has been somewhat turned on its head. But that doesn’t mean that dating and finding a dreamy partner has to come to a screeching halt.
Yes, the dating landscape has changed, but I’m a strong believer in the idea that there’s someone out there in the world searching for you as we speak. The only question is, are you going to help them find you?
If your answer is yes, then I’m here to offer you my best tips on dating and coronavirus. This includes how to do this in the safest, most mindful way possible — that’s still socially responsible — in these challenging times. There are many ways to start mindful dating that can help you feel happier and healthier when getting back into the dating scene, post-COVID. Let’s take a closer look.
Dating and Coronavirus: Mindful Dating Tips to Look After You
Make sure your mind and body are okay to date
The first step is taking an inventory of your body and state of mind. This pandemic has been a shock to the system for everyone, so it’s totally okay if you’re not feeling your best. If you’re not sleeping or are having trouble staying calm or focused that could be a sign that your mind is trying to tell you something.
Dating while feeling stressed about other things or with anxieties running through your mind can be tough. If you’re not feeling your best self, you don’t have to dive headfirst back into the dating world just yet.
It’s been a long pandemic and many of us are feeling quite burnt out. And that’s okay too. Check in with yourself and see where you’re really at. If you need help don’t hesitate to call a mental health professional or coach to support you, and don’t hesitate to take time to focus on yourself and restore your wellbeing before stepping back into dating. Mindful dating starts when you feel ready for it, so take the time you need to get there.
Update your online profile
Times have changed, and you may have changed a little too. It might be a great time to take a look at your online profile and update it slightly. Whether it’s adding some fun new pics or tweaking the bio a little, it’s worth having some fun with these and seeing where this can take you.
Your profile is the chance to show prospective partners your playful side. Maybe one of the pics shows a new hobby you picked up while practicing social distancing at home. Or maybe re-write your bio to include all the new things you discovered during lockdown that you now want to do.
Experiment with virtual dating activities
Online dating sites have remained as this digital connection allowed singles to keep in touch and continue meeting new people. Over this time virtual dating activities have become part of the new normal, especially among those who feel a bit anxious about meeting in person.
These virtual dating gatherings are wonderful opportunities to connect and communicate in ways that feel safe while enjoying different dating experiences along the way.
Create a social distancing date
Get innovative and creative online. Do the same thing together you would on a normal first date, but in your own separate places online. For example, you both make the same meal and Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime the process together. You can even still Netflix and chill with the Netflix Party feature.
There’re also online activities you could do together. How about board games you play against one another online or animal cams that you can watch together. There’re so many online options to enjoy together if you think outside the box and avoid settling for the usual texting communication.
Be patient about meeting in person
The pandemic has provided us with a unique opportunity to get to know a person in a different and deeper way than usual. It’s an understandable choice if you feel like holding off from meeting in person at first, instead spending some time online to let the anticipation build. When you do finally get a chance to meet, it’ll be worth the wait! Let some good, old-fashioned romance brew.
As human beings, we require connections to keep us happy and healthy. But we also know that the way we live and date has been turned on its head. Try to take mindful steps to keep your human interactions going strong and look after yourself while we navigate the new normal. Sure, there may be a learning curve here, but if you have the will, and are armed with the right dating tools, you’ll be able to look back on this time without regret. And if you need support in any of these areas, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Amie Leadingham is a Master Certified Relationship Coach. Her greatest accomplishments come from seeing her clients find lasting love, and she offers a 30 minute Free Relationship Readiness Review here. Amie has been named one of LA’s “Best Dating Coaches” by DatingAdvice and featured in a variety of media outlets including the CBS Network, Fox 5 News, People Entertainment Weekly Channel, HelloGiggles, and Martha Stewart Weddings. Grab her free eBook, 5 Dating Traps Keeping You Single here.
