Dating During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 health crisis changed the world in a matter of weeks and now most of us are searching to find ways to maintain a sense of normalcy. 

While measures of social-distancing are absolutely necessary to protect global health, it can be especially hard to cope with the idea if you are in a fairly new relationship. During a time when feelings of infatuation and “new relationship energy” flow strong, being apart from your new partner can feel devastating, if not impossible.

Tips to Make it Work

Old Fashioned, Long Conversations

Remember tying up your parents phone line for hours talking on the phone with your friends about everything and nothing at the same time? Now you can bring that back and have those long conversations again. Let the topics wander to whatever comes to mind; right now no one is bound by traditional time constraints, and the best conversations often come from talks without expectation. 

“Distance” Dates

Try to connect in ways that feel ‘normal.’ like watching the same movie, eating the same food, or drinking the same wine. Programs like Netflix Party allow you to share the movie watching experience with someone, or several people. You can all cook the same meal, or order delivery from the same restaurant to share a dining experience. With delivery from local breweries and distilleries, you can even sip the same beer and cocktails just like you’re both at a bar together (almost).

Special Deliveries

Order your significant other dinner and send it to their house.  Drop a coffee and muffin off at their door for breakfast. Leave a present in their mailbox.  The monotony of life at home is frustrating to many of us, and a surprise break in the routine would likely be welcome. Letting your partner know that you’re thinking about them and their needs, even when you can’t be together is important for keeping your relationship strong.

Write a Letter

When was the last time you pulled out a sheet of notebook paper and wrote a letter? Telling them what was on your mind, how your day was, or how you’re feeling?  Email is also a good option – these longer formats that are not normally utilized are a great way to share thoughts, opinions, feelings or just fun facts. 

Online Gaming

Connect with your partner via online games – use Xbox Live to connect and play in real time; or something like Jackbox Games, which specializes in more “party” style digital board games. These can also be a great way to create ‘group dates,’ bringing together friends who would normally all go out together with their partners. 

Livestreams

Take advantage of livestream services when you can.  Many bands and performance groups are offering shows on Instagram Live, Facebook Live, or other platforms. Watch together and enjoy the shows. You can even attend a nightclub from the safety of your living room. Groups like ‘Club Q’ on Zoom are offering live DJ shows and a club atmosphere where folks can dance together, while apart.

While all these tips are meant to help to bridge the distance between you and your new sweetheart during the COVID-19 crisis, they are certainly not a comprehensive list and we would love to learn about other creative solutions you may have come up with to connected during this time. Please share your ideas for maintaining your relationship, despite social distancing. Your thoughts might be just what someone else was looking for!

If you are struggling to effectively cope with the stresses of the global health crisis, remember that we are here to help!  Our counselings are seeing patients via video teletherapy sessions daily. Please call our office to schedule an appointment and remember….we are all in this together.