Is it safe to date during COVID? How does one get “back in the game” during a pandemic?

I can tell you from personal experience that dating is 100% still happening even though a pandemic is among us.

So, yes, it’s happening…but is it safe?

Well, that’s up to you.

Dating always comes with risks, but during this time in our lives, the COVID-19 times, it’s a little riskier.

So, there are some precautions you need to take before “getting back in the game”.

However, these precautions can be assessed in the same way as when you go to the grocery store or anywhere else in public.

Just be careful with distancing, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer!

I must say though, that having meaningful connections and starting new relationships are the backbone of what helps us all get through these hardships in life.

So don’t be too afraid to get back in the dating game, just be cautious!

Here are some tips you can use to help you get back in the game during a pandemic:

1. How did you meet them/How do you plan to meet them?

Think about where you met or where you are comfortable meeting this potential partner.

Did you meet this person through a close friend or family member?

Did you meet this person online or through a dating app?

There are great online resources you can use to meet new people.

If you need some help getting back in the game, here are The 3 Best Dating Apps Of 2020.

If you already met them or know them from a close friend/family member, then they might be a safe bet!

However, I’d consider both parties get tested before meeting in-person.

2. Are they Covid-crazy?

First off, you’ll want to see how serious the other person is taking the Coronavirus.

This can help you decide early on if you want to continue talking with them.

You can learn a lot about a person by asking what their views are on the pandemic.

Their views on the pandemic can honestly make or break your interest in them.

Their views sort of guide your understanding of how they take care of themselves and the people around them!

3. What are the COVID precautions like where you live?

Is it more serious where you live than other places?

What are the mask and capacity guidelines for restaurants and public spaces?

For example, if you live in New York City, I’d maybe stay away from meeting new people in-person…at least until it becomes safer in that area.

But, if you live in Louisiana, where COVID cases seem to be very low, then you might have a better and easier time meeting new people in-person.

However, always be cautious when going out in public spaces.

4. Try out a virtual first date

Who says your fist date has to be in-person? Try a FaceTime date instead!

This has become a super popular first date choice during the pandemic.

A FaceTime date might as well be the “new normal” for first dates.

Think about it…

• No need to make a plan, reservation or spend money for drinks, dinner, etc.
• You can get the basic info out of the other person in 30 minutes or less.
• You aren’t distracted by your surroundings.
• If you aren’t feeling each other, then you can end the FT date waaaaay faster and easier than a dinner date.

Try it out!

5. Stick to outdoor dates

It’s safer to be away from public places but when you are at the stage in your dating life where you want to meet in-person, I’d consider sticking to outdoor dates.

Unfortunately, it’s getting to the winter months so outdoor dates are going to be trickier to plan…

But here are some great social distancing date ideas you can try:

• Dinner at a Restaurant Patio
• Picnic

Check out this super cute picnic backpack set!

Also, here’s a super sturdy water-resistant picnic blanket – perfect to set wine glasses on!

• Walk in the Park
• Apple Orchard or Pumpkin Patch

Pick out some pumpkins and go pumpkin carving! This pumpkin carving set is one of the best and super easy to use!

• Go to the Farmers’ Market
• Go on a Bike Ride or Hike
• Winery/Brewery tour
• Bonfire

Get yourself an outdoor firepit and roast some s’mores or grill out! Perfect for those chilly nights!

As always, for multiple reasons, stay as safe as possible when you start dating around.

Learn the basic info on who the person is and where they are from before meeting them in person.

Always tell a friend or family member where you are going and who you are meeting.

Stay safe but enjoy yourself, too! Good luck!

Until next time…

Cheers Lovelies!

P.S. If you what more info and live updates on the Coronavirus, please visit the CDC website.