Experts: Dating doesn’t have to end just because the world seems to be
Trips to the office water cooler or throwing flirty eyes across the dumbbell rack are no longer options to meet a love interest, so what’s a single person to do during a global pandemic? Our dating experts have some advice.
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Pubs, bars and cafes may be on coronavirus lockdown, but dating experts say that doesn’t mean Melbourne’s lonely hearts have to put their love lives on hold.
Self isolation has thrown a spanner in the works for those who are single and ready to mingle, but dating site RSVP chief executive Dave Heysen said there were still plenty of ways to light the spark and keep it burning.
Netflix and chill — a favourite pastime for lovers young and old — was still a great option on cold nights when a snuggle on the couch was just what the love doctor ordered, he said.
And getting down and dirty in the kitchen by cooking a meal together via FaceTime or Skype was a great way to spend quality time before meeting someone in the flesh, he said.
“It’s certainly an element that’s kind of refreshing in a way,” Mr Heysen said.
“People are going to have to communicate and get to know each other better.”
Bad Dates of Melbourne founder and dating expert Alita Brydon said the pandemic could be a blessing in disguise by showing some people their next love interest was closer to home than first thought.
Self isolation was a great reason to become better acquainted with housemates, she said, while those who lived separately from their love interest may find the time ripe to start experimenting with toys via Zoom or Skype.
“Normally I wouldn’t recommend going for a housemate but right now it’s a really good option,” Ms Brydon said.
“Sex toys, vibrators and even the old hands, I think it’s something we’ll all be getting used to over the next few months.”
But a word of warning to all the online dating newbies, Ms Brydon advised it was important to keep expectations in check.
It was easy to fall head over heels via texts or messages on dating apps, but she said some people may be turning to the dating sites simply to relieve loneliness or meet new friends.
Which she said was OK as long as both people were on the same page.
And while she said she wasn’t against casual hook-ups, she warned anyone pushing for a physical meet up during the pandemic should be shown the door.
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“If someone doesn’t want to video chat I’d be a little bit suspicious of that,” Ms Brydon said.
“(And) if someone is trying to come around to your house for a hook-up that is absolutely a red flag … it’s absolutely the right time to say no to a random hook-up, you have my support and the support of the community behind you.
“Right now safe sex means keep your distance from your partner (if you don’t live with them). But it’s not forever, it’s just for now.”
Pandemic-friendly date ideas
by RSVP.com.au
Netflix and Chill
Just like your new bae was next to you, dial them in, set up the same movie and hit play. You can share the suspense and laughs together or take turns at a running commentary. If you want to take your movie session to the next level pull out the same snacks or UberEats the same Thai take out. You will hardly know you’re not in the same room.
Point and shoot
This is a way to stay connected throughout the day and add a bit of healthy competition in the mix. Set up a shared Instagram account and take turns at snapping your day #mydayinisolation #partone. The picture with the most likes wins.
Get cooking good looking
Raid your fridges and see what shared ingredients you have. If you don’t know a recipe, Google is a great guide. Once you have the menu sorted prop your phone on the bench and start showing off your culinary skills, then serve and enjoy together. The only downside is you both have to do the dishes.
Feel the burn
It’s easy to let yourself go while stuck in isolation, but this could be a great time to get motivated and create that post-isolation body you’ve always dreamt of. Head to your yard, balcony, or open a window and start getting active together. We recommend following a YouTube work out video or if you like a bit of friendly competition see who can do the most star jumps in 30 seconds.
Bust a move
Get on TikTok where you can pick a song and share some classic dance moves (we’re talking change the light bulb meets pat the dog). See who pulls it off and who doesn’t.
Your inner Picasso
If you’re both creative types you could find an object or share a picture and see who produces the best — or worst — artworks at the end of a set time. If your date is not as confident putting pen to paper, let them describe something to you while you draw. This is a great way to work on communication skills while in self isolation.