Dating During COVID-19
Dating right now can seem like a tall task, but it also seems to be at the top of our minds. There’s nothing more beneficial to that corner of your mind looking to date or hookup than the adjoining thought that you probably shouldn’t do it. But, is that true? Should we not be dating in the time of the coronavirus? Well, yes and no. To make sense of all of this, here’s the general info on dating during the pandemic.
Can You Date During A Pandemic?
Most health experts advise limiting your social circle to essential people like roommates and very VERY close friends/family. So, it’s probably not best to go on random dates and hookups at the moment. But even if you were to date a stranger, where would you take them anyway? Depending on where you live, everything might be closed!
That said, nobody’s stopping you from dating. Theoretically, you could go out to meet someone for a date in a park. The safer idea, however, is to keep the dating digital for now. Focus on getting to know someone through text or transitioning to phone calls or video calls. That way, you can enjoy the “talking” phase of dating while keeping a social distance.
Can You Have Sex?
But what about sex? There’s a lot of thirsty people holed up in their bedrooms wishing they could get it on right now. And that’s just as complicated as dating. When it comes to strangers, you should probably hold off for now. But if you just can’t help it, know that you’re putting yourself as risk.
As Dr. Anthony Fauci told Good Luck America about the topic of dating:
“You know, that’s tough. Because it’s what’s called relative risk. If you really feel that you don’t want to have any part of this virus, will you maintain six feet away, wear a mask, do all the things that we talk about in the guidelines?” Dr Fauci said, adding: “You know, everybody has their own tolerance for risks. And it depends on the level of the interaction that you want to have.”
“If you’re looking for friends, sit in a room and put a mask on and, you know, chat a bit. If you want to go a bit more intimate, then that’s your choice regarding a risk.”
Meanwhile, the New York City Department of Health issued guidance in March to be careful around sex during this time. Their first advice was to focus on masturbation. But, sex with a committed partner is also a safe risk.
“You are your safest sex partner,” the document explained. “Masturbation will not spread COVID-19, especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after.”
“The next safest partner is someone you live with,” health officials added. “Having close contact– including sex — with a small circle of people helps prevent spreading COVID-19.”
Date Ideas For Couples
But what can couples do to date in this pandemic? If singles and social distanced couples can have video calls to date, what about couples who live together?
Well, find creative ways to go on dates like driving to parks and having picnics while staying a safe distance from others. Have dinner by candlelight. Experiment with cooking recipes or make cocktails together. Exercise together and burn off Quarantine 15. Pet-sit for a friend. Or, learn a skill together by taking an online class or watching an instruction video online.
Our options are limited, yes, but we can still find creative ways to date, have sex, and live our best romantic lives. Coronavirus can’t beat love.
