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Singles all over the world are having a hard time – and Belgian singles are no different. The ‘social distancing’ obligation, the limitation of 1 cuddle contact, face masks and you name it: it’s not a fun time to be single. In fact, the majority of singles think the current situation is the worst time ever to date, according to research by dating app Meetic. The app wondered how singles feel after a year of corona and asked a number of questions to 344 Belgian 18+ singles.
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Dramatic dating life
The corona pandemic has been dramatic for the dating life of Belgian singles. 6 out of 10 respondents think the current corona situation is the worst time ever to date. This drama also translates to the future for these singles, because 28% see the future as gloomy rather than rosy. The age category 30 to 34 years in particular is having a particularly hard time during the lockdowns – which never seem to end.
According to a Dutch study, singles miss physical contact the most. In addition, half of Belgian singles miss the opportunity to meet other people . And they are willing to do a lot for that, according to the study. For 45% of Belgian singles, the prospect of being able to meet people again plays a major role in their decision to get vaccinated.
With a difficult dating period behind them, Belgian singles are eager to date freely again. Without restrictions, without measures and with a wide choice of date locations. Singles are looking forward to meeting their potential match in person again and have been using dating apps more and more since the first lockdown.
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Popularity of dating apps is increasing
Meetic says that 41% of Belgians have started using dating apps and websites more often since the start of the pandemic. Because the dating app itself is a household name in Belgium, Meetic ‘s popularity has also increased. When asked whether respondents use the app more often than before, a whopping 40% say ‘yes’.
It is therefore no surprise that singles on Meetic sent more messages than ever before. Over 2020 as a whole, the dating app saw a 26% increase in the number of messages sent. Belgian singles are also continuing in the same vein in 2021, because in recent months they still sent 18% more messages than in 2020.
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Walking first choice
As real as video dating may seem, it’s not quite real. Or as Belgian singles would say: it’s not the ‘real deal’. That’s why walking in the park is now the first choice for Belgian singles, the most popular date activity according to the survey. 35% of singles chose a walk as their first date during the pandemic.
With the lifting of the measures in sight, singles in Belgium can also prepare for a summer of love . It will again be possible to meet on a terrace, in a bar or restaurant. For 3 out of 10 Belgians, a ‘nice drink’ is the first choice for a first date – as soon as it is possible again. And when that is possible again, that first date will be more important than ever before, according to 61% of singles.
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