Dating dos and don’ts after COVID

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So it’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic started. If you were single before the shutdown, you definitely lost many opportunities to mingle, assuming you weren’t perpetually swiping left on someplace like Tinder. 

Although with more people getting vaccinated and more places opening up to larger capacities, for some it will be time to jump back into the dating scene again (or finally join in) because, hey, maybe hanging out with people isn’t so bad after all. 

However, after so many months of having to isolate yourself from being in close proximity with strangers, your social skills might have gotten worse, leaving your dating game clunky or almost non-existent — like yours truly.

From one definitely socially awkward person to another, here are some dos and don’ts for how to date post-pandemic.

Do: Be respectful of other people’s boundaries. I know it’s been a while since we’ve been near people, but everyone is going at their own pace on how to be around people again. I’m sure your date wouldn’t mind saying what their boundaries are if you ask. You don’t want to be sitting meters away from your date because they’re uncomfortable sitting closer when you could’ve just done something online, so… again, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Don’t: Talk about the pandemic. While it’s always important to be up-to-date on what’s happening with COVID-19, we’ve been hearing about it virtually all the time for several months. One of the last things I’m sure your date would like to hear is another variant of the month popping up elsewhere. Just enjoy the time. In that case, though, it is probably best not to drink Corona beer, watch any movies relating to deadly viruses, or talk about that one area in Super Mario Sunshine. You guys get it by now. 

Do: Something fun and exciting. We’ve all been cooped up inside for a long time and while staying home and doing stuff online is obviously exciting, I’m sure a lot of us miss doing certain experiences without having to worry about our health. Go for a walk in the park. Eat at a cool restaurant. Watch a funny movie. Hang out at a café. Be more fun and exciting than the three-plus dogs and/or cats they probably adopted to keep them occupied. 

Don’t: Forget to bring a mask, just in case. While this depends on when you read this and if you are vaccinated (which I hope is the vast majority of people reading this), it doesn’t hurt to keep something around to cover your face. Also nifty to have in case you realize your breath smells awful during the date.

Don’t: Be sloppy. I get it, being inside more often during the pandemic means you don’t have to shower as often and wearing pyjamas all week is cool and all for some of you. But I speak for the rest of us when I say we appreciate people who care about hygiene. PLEASE! BE! CLEAN! Thanks in advance!

Do: Be a decent person. We’ve been through a lot the past several months, just basically be safe and kind to each other. Besides, that might be all you need to impress your date the first time, making sure it isn’t the last and going out on many more!