First things first, we’re all in this together and figuring out the new normal as we go. We’ve shared how to adjust to working from home, ways to keep kids busy, and Kourt’s movie recommendations, and today we’re tackling dating during the quarantine. Anyone who watched Netflix’s Love Is Blind is one step ahead of the rest, considering the “experiment” nearly predicted how dating would look as we practice social distancing and stay at home.
People are actively back on apps (now more than ever) itching for attention and virtual connection, and FaceTime and Zoom (gasp!) first dates are recently a thing. Dating and starting a new relationship during this time is certainly interesting, to say the least. To shed advice on how to navigate this new territory, we tapped our in-house dating coach, Claire Byrne, for her expert insight.
“Your thoughts create your results. If the result you want is an ideal partner, the last thought that serves you is, “This pandemic is messing up my dating life!”
Move past the awkwardness of phone conversations or FaceTime-ing. If you make a great connection with someone, who cares if you have to wait a couple of months to meet?
A lifetime is a long time to spend with another human, so getting to know each other on an intellectual and emotional level, before confusing feelings with an insane physical attraction, might not be such a bad thing.”
How to handle a new relationship during the quarantine:
“Have an honest conversation on where you stand about seeing each other during this uncertain time. This can feel extra vulnerable as you’re newly getting to know someone, not wanting to put pressure on the relationship.
But the right partner isn’t going to feel pressured by you saying, “I’d love to continue talking and getting to know you while we quarantine.” And if you’re both open to a walk in the park six feet apart, go for it (at a time when it isn’t crowded, of course).
Being direct in the early stages of a relationship is only awkward if you make it awkward. Even without a pandemic, the dating world would be a much easier space to navigate if everyone was upfront in the beginning about what they’re looking for.
Use it as an opportunity to show respect for yourself and potential partner, by expressing your truth during this bizarre time.
Look at it this way:
Would you rather know where he/she stands now, even if it isn’t what you want, and prevent yourself from getting more hurt down the road?
OR…
Be in a gray-area situation, over-analyzing texts, and hoping for “more” in phone conversations that drag on, taking up precious time to hold space for the RIGHT person to enter?
Don’t let this pandemic be an excuse to hold back and not be clear about what you’re looking for. Let it be an opportunity to recognize yet again, that life is too short, so don’t be afraid to be your most authentic self in not just your love life, but ALL areas of your life.”
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