We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during this transition as life begins to return back to normal.
It’s not every day that the whole world experiences an extraordinary event that changes the way we relate to each other so profoundly. It’s clear that COVID has changed the way we date and taking precautionary health measures in the course of finding a partner is now more important than ever before. Thankfully, COVID hasn’t crushed our spirit of searching for love. Instead, the world has embraced this difficult moment as a time to pause and reflect on the quality of relationships we want to have.
Research shows that human connection is essential to our mental well-being, and long periods of isolation can increase anxiety. As you continue to engage with the outside world safely at your own pace in this new era, dating can feel more difficult than ever before. But it doesn’t have to be. Incredible Love is here to help guide you during this uncertain time.
Despite lockdowns and social distancing, virtual first dates, engagement parties and weddings continue to happen, and our team feels honored and privileged to be part of your love stories through our love coaching or matchmaking service.
We will get through this together, and we’re excited to help you find Incredible Love.
With Love,
Michelle G & Incredible Love Team
How to Have Fun and Stay Safe
Tip #1: Say Yes to Virtual Dates
During the pandemic, virtual dates were the only way to connect with a love interest, however, for some singles it’s become the best way to filter compatibility. COVID proved true connection can happen through a smartphone or computer screen, so just make sure you treat such opportunities as you would any regular first date. Get dressed up, focus on having good lighting and ensure you have a nice background. Presenting your best self to others never goes out of style.
Tip #2: Be Honest About COVID
Staying safe is a priority! However, not everyone may share the same safety practices, which is why talking about COVID, kissing and boundaries is important before choosing to meet in person. We are no strangers to talking about the pandemic; however, it doesn’t have to be the center of conversation. Instead, use it as a launching point to learn about your prospective partner’s dating practices during this period.
Tip #3: Courtship and Slow Dating Are Back in Style
Before technology became the norm for finding love, people would invest more of their time in having deeper knowledge regarding their potential dates. Invariably, technology has also accelerated the cadence and speed of dating, turning the search for a match into a social media feed. The pandemic, however, has slowed down the speed at which people date, and this is a positive dating trend for relationships. Taking your time to know someone through deeper conversations, virtual first dates and phone calls will lead to building a genuine connection. Remember, the best long-lasting relationships are rooted in deep friendship above all else.
Tip #4: Have a Plan for Intimacy
Having sex changes the dynamic of a relationship, so why rush into it? If you’re dating with the intention of finding a long-term relationship, then prioritize getting to know your partner, which includes talking about not-so-sexy topics like STDs, STIs and relationship goals. Sex is one of the most vulnerable spaces we can share with another person and planning for it to ensures both of you are safe and on the same page.
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3 Post COVID-Safe Date Ideas
#1 Bike Ride
After being cooped up for a year, easing back into real life (IRL) first dates will start you dating in a positive direction. Bike ride dates allow both of you to discover the hidden gems in your local backyard while getting to know one another.
#2 Take a Stroll
If you’re the type of person who is comfortable having in-person dates, then going for a walk in nature, through your local neighborhood, a nearby state park, the beach or a dog park is the perfect setting for a date. You can practice social distancing while increasing your endorphins. Plus, nature has a way of making you feel safe, nurtured and relaxed, so it’s an ideal date option.
#3. Eat Outdoors
Depending on where you live, an outdoor picnic can be a fun way to explore each other’s culinary skills! We recommend going with a homemade recipe versus picking it up from the grocery store. If cooking is not your thing, no problem! Going for a restaurant with outdoor seating is a great alternative. Be sure to agree with your date about first meeting etiquette—hugs or no hugs, shaking hands or a fist bump… Go prepared with hand sanitizer and don’t forget the TicTac!