Dating while social distancing can seem daunting, but it’s totally doable with a few creative adjustments. In fact, it can open your mind to new, and maybe even better, ways to connect. Here’s a few tips and considerations for dating during this unconventional time. 

With the reduced chances of finding someone “in the wild,” dating apps are a great alternative to meet someone new. In the US dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are popular choices, but if you are looking for something more serious don’t forget about online dating websites like eharmony, Match.com, and OkCupid. Remember to be authentic in your profile and don’t be afraid to strike up the conversation first. After all, we are all in the same socially distant boat and are probably craving human interaction. You might be tempted to frequently bring up the pandemic, but it may be refreshing to open up the conversation to less heavy topics.

So you’ve struck it hot with a hottie and are interested in taking it a step further. Before you set up an in person hang, test the waters with a few FaceTime calls. Evaluating chemistry face-to-face is very different than just text alone, and you might realize a meeting isn’t warranted after all. After a few casual introductory FaceTimes, why not set up a more romantic and themed FaceTime date? For example, you can both have tacos and margaritas together, order from the same restaurant, or play an online game together, like Mario Kart. You could even plan your outfits for when you do finally meet, like this Reddit couple. These things can serve as ice breakers and help facilitate conversation while interacting. 

If you’ve realized the relationship could actually go somewhere serious, you are probably dying to meet them in person. However, it’s important to be responsible and follow your area’s social distancing recommendations. While there are luckily tons of outdoor options to enjoy someone’s company, especially in the summertime, we still strongly advise mask-wearing and practising good hygiene. A picnic with delicious foods and fun drinks is a great way to have intimate conversation while maintaining a distance. Depending on your area, you can also get your blood pumping with an outdoor hike, bike ride, or simply a walk around the park. Other fun options we’ve seen include outdoor crafts, playing sports, and walking dogs. 

If you and your partner have decided to get closer than six feet, or perhaps even quarantine together, consider each other’s living situations. If your partner has roommates, be respectful of the common areas in their living space and reduce the time you spend there. Conversely, if you’re the one with a roommate, have a discussion to make sure they are comfortable with your partner coming over and to what extent. Perhaps set some guidelines, like not spending time in certain areas and sanitizing afterwards. 

Once you and your partner get increasingly comfortable, it might be easy to fall into the trap of staying indoors and binging on Netflix, but this could lead to getting complacent too fast. If you find yourself here, try to keep the new relationship energy alive by planning activities other than lounging. For example, instead of ordering Uber Eats, find a challenging recipe to make and enjoy together.

In a further effort to spice things up it could help to set realistic goals for the summer, like visiting outdoor parks, camping, road tripping, etc. It might also help to start a list of plans for when social distancing policies are lifted, known as a “Later List.” This can keep you both positive and focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. So next time you wish you could do something together, like visit a theme park or attend a concert, instead of complaining, simply add it to the Later List.

Dating is hard, and at the end of the day you should do what feels authentic to you. Even though social distancing can make dating feel a bit more confusing, try to think of it as an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. You’ll come out at the other end with a ton of new experiences, and maybe even a new partner.