FINDING LOVE AFTER LOCKDOWN: WHY NOW IS THE PERFECT STORM FOR FINDING TRUE LOVE
After a year of isolation and high anxiety, singles are craving real intimacy, connection and comfort from the drama of the outside world.
Finding love after lockdown is hard, COVID-19 has caused all of us to make major changes in our lives and we are still dealing with its effects. The pandemic has left many deprived of romance and companionship whilst also changing the dating scene. Many singles have emerged ready to mingle but with COVID-19 still a threat some may be reluctant to.
As more and more people get vaccinated and with restrictions easing as of May 17th, singles have returned to in-person dates that don’t involve sitting outside in the cold with a cup of coffee or alfresco dining in the rain. And with another easing of restrictions from July 19th, there could be more chances to meet someone new if the rules on social distancing and large gatherings are relaxed.
Although many have rusty social skills and higher levels of social anxiety so it’s going to take some time before single people can comfortably date again. During lockdown, you might have dated virtually or avoided it all together either way it’s ok to feel nervous about in-person dating again. If you decide you’re not ready, it’s okay. It’s important to get yourself on solid ground physically, mentally, and emotionally. Look inward and understand what feels right for you. Take it slow if you feel the need to do so when getting to know someone new.
Try Slow Dating
Slow dating is taking the time to get to know our partners instead of jumping in at the deep end. Slow dating may be the best way to date post lockdown as many of us are more aware of our physical safety and risk of illness than before. Many singles are aware of these boundaries to intimacy which won’t simply disappear as restrictions ease.
Here are three key ways to help singles find love after lockdown:
1. Know what you’re looking for
The pandemic has made people realise the importance of a long term relationship when dating. It’s easy to lose sight of what we’re looking for. Our advice is to define three to five non-negotiables you’re looking for in a partner. If you know you’re looking to have children and start a family one day then that’s a non-negotiable. Another could be a love language, if your love language is acts of service then find someone that can offer you that. Identifying what you’re looking for in a partner helps to find it faster.
2. Date Authentically
As a result of the pandemic, people are wanting to find more authentic relationships. The days of Netflix and chill are done. The isolation of lockdown made singles want to find someone meaningful. Singles are dating more cautiously which makes it easier to get to know people. The focus of first dates should be finding something to connect about. If you want to find love after lockdown: be authentic.
3. Go on a virtual date
Test the waters with a virtual date before a face to face. Virtual dates are part of the new normal, apps like Tinder and Bumble have added a video chat feature for users that want to take their connection to the next level. There are so many ways to make a virtual date feel special and different from your 9 am Zoom meetings. You can both order the same takeaway meal from a high-end restaurant or buy the same wine to make the date special. Online games are also a big part of virtual dating as doing fun activities where you can have a laugh and get to know each other are key to making the date fun.
What to talk about
It’s important to know what to say before and on a first date post lockdown. Before your date feel free to ask if they’re vaccinated and about their COVID safety. It’s good to know how COVID secure your date is so you can feel comfortable. On the date ask about questions about how your date dealt with the pandemic. This can help you find out how your date copes in a crisis. If they don’t share the same views about the pandemic hold off on opinions most people have slightly different risk tolerances and it’s important to be a little flexible. But make sure the topic doesn’t dominate the conversation. After a year of nothing but Covid, it’s nice to take a break.
Where to go
It’s important to know where to meet. If you want an airy outdoor option check out our previous post London’s Best Outdoor Date Ideas for Spring 2021 or if you want an alfresco cocktail read this London’s top 20 Alfresco Terraces and Rooftop Bars. You could also go for classic date activities such as going to a show at the theatre. There are fabulous socially distanced events taking place all around London for any music or art lovers, sporting events are also on if you fancy taking your date to a polo match.
Don’t know where to find a date? Try coming to one of our exclusive events and we’ll find you the perfect match.
