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What started as a China-only problem has grown into a global corona crisis. But while medical workers in Wuhan, the former epicenter of the corona pandemic, can now take off their face masks, we in the Netherlands are all in home isolation. What does that do to our dating life?
How do you date while avoiding social contact? How can you meet your match when the RIVM advises to stay home? And if you still want to date: how can you do that safely? The struggle is real .
Dating is about building intimacy through personal conversations and shared activities. But how do you do that in times of a virus outbreak? Here are our tips and ideas for dating in times of corona.
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1. Old school is making a temporary comeback
Actually, a first date was planned, but now that all food and beverage establishments are closed, a bite to eat and a drink are out of the question for the time being. What now? Since social contact should be avoided as much as possible, you could still fall back on the old school method: call each other.
Thanks to modern technologies, a WhatsApp video call comes pretty close to a physical date. You just can’t touch each other, which is exactly the intention in times of corona. Or if you find such a video call a bit too strange, plan a phone call to hear each other’s voices first.
2. Replace speed dating with online dating
Were you planning to attend a speed dating event? You have probably received an email by now that all events are postponed until further notice. Speed dating is simply not possible as long as the Corona measures are in place. The replacement? Online dating.
As more and more singles move into self-isolation, more and more of them will be active on dating apps. This increase in usage is typical around any event that keeps people indoors.
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3. Experience the long distance relationship
Have you always wanted to know what it’s like to have a long-distance relationship ? Now might be the time to try it out, since everyone is limited in what they can do. Can you stay interested in each other despite the physical distance? Instead of dating the usual way, you can try something different: get to know each other creatively from a distance.
4. Go for an active date
Do you both have no flu symptoms and do you dare to meet? Even then it is important to be careful, because it is recommended to avoid any form of physical contact. The possibilities? Go for an active date .
Find a walking route and go for a walk together while keeping your distance. Or start your dating adventure with a picnic. As long as you don’t share food or literally sit on each other’s lips, you should be safe. Or better yet, grab your bike and go for a bike ride together.
5. Avoid standard greetings
If you choose to meet in person, please be aware that you will not be able to greet each other in the normal way. No kiss on the cheek , no shaking hands, no hugs: no contact . Or if you want to try something different, switch to the different greeting rituals from other cultures. Take a bow like they do in Japan or do the Thai Wai : hilarious at the time, but necessary.
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6. Don’t kiss: look at each other
The date went well and that usually means one thing: there has to be kissing. But not today. The French government has officially warned its citizens not to kiss each other on the cheeks and Spaniards are no longer allowed to kiss statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus: that says it all.
Since the coronavirus is primarily transmitted through the mouth, kissing is about the best way to spread the virus, short of spitting directly into someone’s mouth. What can you do then? Be quiet, keep your mouth closed, and look each other in the eye.
7. Postpone your dating life
The motto “prevention is better than cure” is more true now than ever. Consider postponing all dating activities . Swiping is okay, matching is okay, but when it comes to physical dates, it might be wise to hold off. But what about your sexual needs that need to be met? There is no better time than now to experiment with other forms of sex. So if you’ve always wanted to try cyber or phone sex, now is the best excuse to do so.
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8. Follow the advice of the RIVM
Since the COVID-19 disease is transmissible from person to person, no one can avoid taking measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. What can you do about it yourself? Take the general RIVM advice:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow
- Use paper tissues
- Do not shake hands
- Stay home if you have cold symptoms
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