How to Date While Social Distancing and Still Feel Closer Than Ever

As if dating wasn’t hard enough already, the Coronavirus has led us to figure out how to date while social distancing. Don’t give it up, just get creative!

If you have been active in the dating scene for any amount of time, you know it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. Dating is hard work. And now, with the social distancing guidelines, dating has become harder than ever. But it is possible to figure out how to date while social distancing!

You wonder, how are you supposed to date when you can’t come in contact with someone? How are you supposed to gauge your chemistry if you can’t touch or kiss or even make eye contact?

Well, with the massive growth in technology over the last decade and a bit, we’ve been prepared for this situation for ages. 

[Read: 13 great relationship apps you should know about]

Do you want to date while social distancing?

There is no rule that says you have to date while social distancing. You can take a break and enjoy being single and at home. Whether you are looking for your other half or not, now might be the best time to step back and reassess.

Pause your dating apps and enjoy your alone time. There is nothing wrong with being out of the dating game while we ponder our existence and mortality.

At the same time, social distancing is hard on all of us. We are lonely. Being single can make that feeling even more intense.

[Read: How taking a break from dating can help you find the one]

Usually, when it comes to online dating, I recommend meeting the person sooner rather than later when there are more expectations and nerves, but there is nothing wrong with taking your time.

If you want to talk to new people and see who is out there, I get the feeling you will have a lot of luck right now. Everyone is at home and likely bored and downloading dating apps as something to do. Who knows what will come of that?!

Just keep in mind that if you do have a connection with someone, there is an indeterminate amount of time before you may actually be able to meet. If you’re not prepared to follow social distancing protocol when it comes to dating… don’t do it.

How to date while social distancing

Go into dating with an open mind. Also, make sure you have an intent. If you are looking for a relationship or just want someone to keep your virtual company during quarantine, clue in whoever you might potentially be talking to.

[Read: 16 signs you’re definitely not ready to date]

My go-to for online dating has always been, “I want to see where it goes. I’m open to whatever happens.” Especially during such uncertain times, that is a good headspace.

But, now that you’ve officially decided to date during social distancing, you’ll want to know how to go about it.

Luckily, thanks to technology and just good old-fashioned creativity, there are plenty of ways to date someone without meeting in person. I mean, watch Love Is Blind on Netflix. You could get engaged without even seeing the person.

#1 Avoid too much virus talk. We all know that the Coronavirus has taken over and affected everyone. But, if you focus on it and the way it’s being handled too much, it could really put a damper on things.

Dating should be exciting and positive. Enjoy this time! Use it as more of an escape from the worry and anxiety of the unknown. [Read: How to be better at dating and enjoy it along the way]

#2 Lean on memes. Memes are one of the best inventions of the last few years. They bring joy to everyday life. Whether you’re a solid texter or not, memes can boost your humor game.

You don’t want to go overboard, but memes will always add to your conversation. You could even create a meme challenge. Send each other the dankest memes you’ve seen, the funniest, the most relatable, and go from there. [Read: 15 text conversation starters for the shy and socially awkward]

#3 Share your TV and movie favorites. Something we bond over more than art or literature nowadays is TV and movies. And with all of us being home with time to kill, we have plenty of things to watch.

Share your favorite shows. See what you’ve both watched. Try something the other recommends. You can even watch a movie you both haven’t seen at the same time. Then share your reactions. Think of it as a social distancing movie date.

#4 Plan a video chat date. Even before social distancing went into effect I have always been a huge advocate of video chatting before meeting someone online. It is not only safer but can give you an idea of what your chemistry might be like in person.

Instead of just deciding to video chat out of the blue, actually plan a date. Both eat spaghetti or have coffee or breakfast together via video chat so it feels like you both put in some effort. Get out of your sweats, shower, and get ready like you would for a real date. This will keep the excitement going strong.

#5 Teach each other something. A great way to create a bond with someone new in your life is by teaching them something and vice versa. Now, you obviously can’t do this in person. Use it as a way to get to know each other virtually.

You can teach each other how to properly fold a fitted sheet, change a tire, or even cook a meal via video chat. Having patience and a sense of humor with these things in addition to the rockiness of video chat service shows how real life might be together. [Read: 50 relationship questions to test your compatibility instantly]

#6 Try something new together. Obviously, you can’t go rock climbing together, but you can both order a food you’ve never tried and eat together. You can try a craft together or yoga.

I know it might seem silly but the experience of trying something new together, even virtually, can really bring you closer together. [Read: What it means to date someone in reality and not a fairytale]

#7 Send a care package. I think this is a great way to show you care about the person you’ve been virtually dating. Maybe you have plenty of pasta. They have plenty of rice or beans. Trade some. If you have an abundance of toilet paper, send a roll over. You can also write a sexy note or include anything else funny or relevant.

#8 Play games. It may be hard to play a card game or a board game via video chat, but you can play an app like Heads Up, 20 Questions, or even MASH. My boyfriend and I have started competing against each other in Trivia Crack and Words with Friends for a healthy dose of competition. [Read: 60 get-to-know-you questions for a new romance]

#9 Introduce your pets, siblings, roommates, etc. If you can really see yourselves dating once the quarantine is lifted, do what you would normally do at that point. Introduce them to your pets, roommates, or even your parents if you’re with them.

It may seem odd, but everything is odd now. If it works out, it’ll be a great story for the grandkids.

#10 Go for walks together. If you could see each other in person right now, you really wouldn’t have anywhere to go other than the pharmacy or grocery store. So, you would be outside. Maybe you’d go for a walk.

Well, you still can. Talk on the phone or FaceTime while taking a safe walk around your neighborhood. Not only is this great for your mental well being, it will offer you some normalcy in a bizarre situation. [Read: These revealing questions will help you get to know someone better]

#11 Try phone sex. If you are both craving and comfortable with phone sex, it is a great way to try things out virtually. If you have the privacy to do so, give it a try. You can do it through texting, phone, or video chat if you really want to go all out.

Personally, I think waiting will make it even more exciting. But, it is totally up to you and your virtual boo. [Read: How to start sexting when you’ve never done it before]

Dating is hard enough during the best of times, but during the worst of times? It is possible. You just have to learn how to date while social distancing.