Dating & Social Distancing - The New 'Normal'

Relationship advice is something we are quizzed on quite a lot. Whether it be how we met or how we maintain a healthy relationship, to what we get up to in the bedroom – yes, really. Most recently, however, we’ve had more and more people asking us about dating and socially distancing.

Dating is a complicated affair at the best of times. But throw in a deadly virus and some strict social distancing rules into the mix, and it’s an entirely different ball game. With this in mind, this guide aims to provide you will all the tips you need to navigate a date in 2020. We want to ensure you have fun while dating, while at the same time, adhering to the current restrictions.

So let’s get to it, here’s our foolproof guide to dating while social distancing.

So before we give our tips for dating safely while socially distancing, we suggest you pick the right place and atmosphere for your first date. During this time where we can’t date “normally”, we have to get a little creative. But instead of seeing this as challenging, see it as exciting! This is an excellent opportunity to shine and impress your date with how thoughtful you are.

Assuming you have taken the time to get to know your date, you should already have an idea of their likes and dislikes. So plan your date around what you already know about that person. Here are some ideas to help get you started.

Picnic in the Park

Bring a blanket – or two if it’s smaller than 2 metres – a picnic basket, and a bottle of bubbly and you’re onto a winning date. The bubbly is a sure-fire way to break the ice, and if all else fails you can always talk about the food! Just be sure to check their dietary requirements beforehand.

Beach Dates

Like the park, the beach is an ideal location for a socially distanced date. As restrictions are lifting more and more beautiful beaches such as Brighton & Bournemouth are opening up to the public. For a particularly romantic experience, take your date to watch the sunset.

Activity Dates

If you are a little shy and would rather connect over an activity rather than a conversation, why not go for a bike ride or roller skating? It could be a fun way to “brake” the ice… boom boom.

Film Night

Using the Netflix party app, you can watch a film together in separate locations. Experience new movies or one of your favourites and discuss them using the video chat feature.

Video Dates

Location dependent, video dates may be the safest way to date at this time. Apps such as Zoom or Houseparty allow you to play games with whoever you’re speaking to, which could be an ideal ice-breaker for a date.

Tips for Dating and Socially Distancing

Dating is stressful at the best of times, without the added worry of catching or spreading the dreaded virus. Here we give a list of tips for dating safely while socially distancing:

Choose the Right Dating Site

First of all, choose a dating site that is relevant to you. For example, if you live in Dorset and want to meet somebody local, why not try dating Dorset – a Dorset dating site. Or if you are part of the LGBT+ community, we can recommend Plenty of Fish, which is how we met! You can read all about our love story here.

Know your Type

Don’t waste your time and energy on people who are simply not your type. Not necessarily in looks, but the kind of person you want to spend your time with. For example, if somebody likes to party but you like to be in bed by 10 pm, it’s unlikely to work out in the long run.

Agree on the Ground Rules in Advance

Do you want your date to wear a mask? Are you expecting any kind of physical contact? Knowing where you stand before your date can save any awkwardness or misunderstanding.

First Impressions are Important

According to cosmopolitan, we decide if we are interested in the other person in the first 12 minutes of meeting them. So make those minutes count. Make eye contact, listen to what they’re saying, and converse in a fun and interactive way.

Discuss Real Talk

Confront the elephant in the room and talk about the awkward new rules for dating. Socially distanced dates are a bizarre experience for everyone. It’s most likely they are feeling a little anxious about it too. So by talking, you can help put each other at ease and even make light fun of it.

Be You

The most beautiful thing you can be in this world is yourself. So wear what makes you feel good, be honest about yourself and your interests, and most of all, do it with confidence!

Drink Responsibly

It’s no secret that alcohol causes us to lose our inhibitions, so we encourage you to practice responsible drinking during this time. Stay in control to ensure you stick to the ground rules you have set for yourself.

Expect Knock Backs

If it doesn’t work out, look on the bright side. You got out of the house, met somebody new and gained experience dating while socially distancing. Dating is an ongoing process, and it’s better to be single than to settle for the wrong person.