Since the pandemic began we have all had to accept this new normal and settle for a new way of living and being. Settling, which is defined as accepting or agreeing to something that one considers to be less than satisfactory, has become even more familiar as we navigate through this unfamiliar space. We don’t know when we will go back to normal. So everything has been impacted, especially dating and relationships. You have to wonder what pandemic dating for singles should look and feel like, and you have to ask yourself a very important question. Singles, have you settled just because we’ve been in a pandemic? 

Pandemic Dating for Singles 

In This Article:

• Why You Shouldn’t Settle
• Creative Ways to Date During a Pandemic
• Virtual Speed Dating
• Connecting With Other Singles via Social Media
• Socially Distant Dating 

Why You Shouldn’t Settle

Dating during a pandemic has called for singles to be a bit creative while getting to know someone. It has likely made it more difficult and the traditional ways you are used to meeting someone are not available at this time. There are still creative ways to meet that special someone and you don’t have to settle for Mr. or Ms. Right Now, right now, or settle for how you meet and connect with the right person.

If you have determined that 2021 is the year you meet “the one”, there are a few great opportunities to really get to know someone. The same way you dated in person and took your time getting to meet people can still happen. I encourage you to stay committed to what you want. If prior to the pandemic you were selective with what you desired in a mate, you should still remain committed to yourself and continue to look for that right match. You deserve all the happiness that your heart desires and settling will prevent you from having just that. Be all of who you are and find someone who matches what you bring and what you want. Now that you determined you won’t settle, it’s time to put yourself out there and get creative in how you will make that connection with someone special. 

Creative Ways to Date During a Pandemic

The way you date may have changed but it doesn’t mean you have to stop dating. Though you may have to take a few extra precautions to make sure you are safe, there are creative ways to date during a pandemic. Just because we are experiencing this crazy time doesn’t mean some of what we did before can’t still take place. You have an opportunity to meet new people and really find someone that you genuinely connect with. You may have to think outside the box and use the virtual space a bit more, but you can still make dating fun. Below are a few creative ideas for pandemic dating for singles. 

Virtual Speed Dating

The absence of night clubs and in-person parties has made it difficult to be social and meet others. Virtual speed dating is a way to gather your single friends together and have some fun getting to know other singles. You can schedule and manage it on your own by asking your single friends to invite another single friend to the event. Using a virtual platform like Google Meets or Zoom, allows you to create breakout rooms for singles to connect. Another idea is to invite someone to act as the moderator who can help set up the event, create conversation topics, monitor breakout rooms, and manage the time for each round. After each round, singles will rotate into different breakout rooms and meet someone new. Virtual speed dating can be a fun way to bring singles together.

Connecting With Other Singles via Social Media

Another great way to connect with other singles is through groups on social media. There are quite a few great groups that connect like-minded people. And if you haven’t found one yet that works for you, create your own.  Facebook groups or rooms in Clubhouse are great ways to make connections and share ideas and thoughts on relationships. Make sure your group isn’t one used for simply complaining about the opposite sex but one that is a positive space for those serious about making a love connection.

Having conversations with a potential mate in a social media setting can be done over time allowing you to get a glimpse into their life, what they believe, and their views on certain topics that relate to relationships. In order to get the most out of a group, you have to be active, respond to others, and even present questions and topics for discussion. You might be surprised by how many quality people there are in the social media space that are curious about pandemic dating for singles and looking for a genuine connection. 

Socially Distant Dating 

Once you have gone through your speed dating experience, participated in a social media singles group, and have found someone you are interested in getting to know, it’s time to get to know that person. The benefit of the pandemic is that it forces you to have more in-depth conversations and discuss things that truly matter like the state of the world, civil unrest, and just life in general. You can get deeper as you build a connection. In addition to the virtual conversations, there are also ways to meet safely in person. Consider going for a socially distanced outdoor date or even being masked up while going to the park for a nature walk, picnic, or meeting up at an outdoor track for a little exercise.  Each of these presents an opportunity to meet up in person, which of course is important as you get to know someone. Don’t forget things like game nights or watching a movie together virtually as additional date options. 

It isn’t clear how long this pandemic will last, but for certain areas of your life, you have to continue to push forward. Your relationships are definitely one of those areas. Just because things are different now doesn’t mean you have to stop living, enjoying the single life, and preparing to meet that special someone. You just have to be a little creative, but also not be willing to settle. 

BMWK, what has been your experience dating during a pandemic? Would you recommend pandemic dating for singles in your area?

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