Finding Love in the Age of Coronavirus

The ongoing pandemic has dramatically shifted the social landscape, especially when it comes to dating and romance. While many couples spending around the clock lockdown together dream about finding some quality “me time”, many single people are wishing they had someone special to ride out quarantine with. Well, thanks to online dating sites and apps, it’s never been easier to meet some potential mates – even if you’ll have to wait a while to meet them in person.  

Think of social distancing as a great excuse to get to know a lot of potential connections, much more deeply and efficiently than ever before through the miracle of video chat. 

7 Great Things About Video Dating 

1. Take Comfort – While most dates will start off with ice-melting small talk, you can dive into deeper, more meaningful conversations, more quickly. This is because you’re both likely talking from the comfort of home, not in a public setting like a restaurant or coffee shop. With fewer distractions, and no worries about what the waiter or the next table might hear, you can express yourself freely. 

2. Cut to the Chase – Such open conversations will help you quickly see if the match is worth getting to explore more. You don’t have to reveal everything and discuss everything on the first date, but you can beeline to a few deal breakers such as “must be a non-smoker" or “must want kids” and then politely part ways should a mismatch be identified.  

3. Save money – every buck spent on coffee, dinners, movies, parking or ride shares adds up – especially if you want to go on a lot of dates. 

4. Save time – think about all the time you spend getting ready, getting there, waiting for a table, and getting home – all of that vanishes when a single click begins and ends your date. 

5. It’s easier to bounce – not feeling it? Just say, “I have a work call coming in” and you can be gone in an instant.  

6. It’s safer – by live chatting through the dating app’s video chat feature, you don’t have to reveal your full name, email address, phone number or location until you’re ready.  

7. Much less pressure -- no worries about giving or receiving a good night kiss or invites to “go back to his/her place”. 

6 Tips for Getting More Out of Your Video Date 

1. Since we are using Zoom for work or school, remember, this isn't either of those – it's fun! So, make it seem more like a traditional date and less like a job interview.  

2. Limit distractions – the limited sight lines of a video chat mean you “could” have the TV on in the distance, or check your emails, DMs and socials, or do housework all while talking to a match; thereby missing out on making a true connection -- so focus on your date throughout, with eye contact, attentive listening and proper body posture.  

3. Check your lighting and audio – you may want to get a ring light (roughly $29 on Amazon) that will remove shadows from under your eyes and nose – also, check your audio connection to ensure there are no echoes or dropouts.  

4. Move your body – before, after, and perhaps even during your date. Sitting still for an hour or two might make you restless which you (or they) may interpret as boredom or disinterest – so perhaps take a power walk before your date.

5. Move beyond dating talk -- If you have common interests, like authors, directors, sports teams, film or TV genres, or bands – discuss those interests like a book club so you’re not just interviewing each other about personal things. Or, you can share some fun questions in advance, that you can each answer as the evening progresses.  

6. Most importantly – have fun – and don’t try to do everything in one night. A few quick chats might be more enjoyable and informative than one 3 hour video date.