Are you struggling to get a date in the post-COVID world?
Life has changed dramatically over the past 12 months, and our social lives have taken a huge hit. The dating scene has evolved and adjusted to our new environment. Although you might not think it at first, many of the changes are actually for the better.
Here are my top post-Covid dating tips to get your love life back on track.
1. TAKE A GOOD, HARD LOOK AND ASSESS WHAT YOU SEE. HAS QUARANTINE TAKEN ITS TOLL?
Do you look like a shut-in that’s let themselves go? When we’re working from home or in forced lockdown, it’s easy to let standards slip. Shaving is no longer critical, hair doesn’t get styled, and you’re lucky if you wear anything other than track pants and T-shirt.
| NOTE: The setting isn’t always a bar or club. For some, flirting might just be a fun escape from the crippling mundanities of self-isolation. People are locking eyes with someone not from across a crowded bar, but through a dirty computer screen. See how to flirt from home. |
Give yourself a home makeover and up the personal grooming before you even think about dating. It’s easy to order personal care products online, so there’s no excuse for dirty hair or dry skin.
- 1. TAKE A GOOD, HARD LOOK AND ASSESS WHAT YOU SEE. HAS QUARANTINE TAKEN ITS TOLL?
- 2. GET RID OF THE QUARANTINE 15
- 3. BACKUP PLAN (A VENUE NOT A PERSON!)
- 4. KEEP IT COMFORTABLE (YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH NERVES)
- 4. KEEP IT COMFORTABLE (YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH NERVES)
- 6. NOTHING BEATS FACE TO FACE
- 7. SOME THINGS ARE WORTH THE WAIT
Lack of access to a hairdresser mighty have left you looking a little overgrown. Now that salons are opening back up you can book in for a restyle. If you’re not comfortable with that level of risk, there are hairdressers that do home visits and will even cut your hair outdoors if needed. Alternatively, invest in a set of clippers and go for a buzz cut or let Your hair grown and tie it in a man bun. The style you choose isn’t important, you just need to rock the look and have clean hair.
Maintaining personal hygiene is essential for your mental health and also helps when dating. Your profile pic and the real you should match. If they don’t, your date is less likely to meet with you again.
2. GET RID OF THE QUARANTINE 15
Lockdown and a sedentary lifestyle lead you down the road to weight gain. Those extra pounds are commonly called the quarantine 15. While there’s nothing wrong with carrying a little extra, be aware it’s there and take action if it bothers you.
Looking after your physique can boost your confidence, improve your health and increase your sexual stamina. Plus, if you’re looking buff while other guys have settled for the quarantine 15, who do you think will get the ladies???
Start by watching what you eat. It’s the old mantra – calories in, calories out. Try to eat more fresh, whole food and less processed and take away food. You could also try following a specific lifestyle diet like Keto, Paleo or Whole30 for your overall health, not just weight loss. There are plenty of resources online to get you started.
If you struggle with self-motivation, why not find a lifestyle coach. Again there are plenty of options online, either through nationals brands or local experts. Having someone hold you accountable and monitor your progress can deliver outstanding results, especially when you’re paying for the privilege!
3. BACKUP PLAN (A VENUE NOT A PERSON!)
If you arrange a date, it’s vital to have a backup option. No, not another woman waiting in the wings, but an alternative venue or activity. You never know when the powers that be might change Covid restrictions or cancel events, so having an alternate plan can make you look like a hero.
One of the most effective dating tips for men is to open up and share your personality. You can leverage the situation to demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability. With a little forethought and preparation, you won’t need to scramble for alternatives, and your date can progress smoothly.
4. KEEP IT COMFORTABLE (YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH NERVES)
If you’re feeling nervous and a little anxious going out in public after covid, they probably are too. A little sensitivity goes a long way, so:
* If your date would prefer an outdoor setting, then run with it.
* If she’d like you to wear a mask, then go with it.
* If she chooses to meet at the venue rather than ride in your car, no drama.
By showing your consideration and understanding, you’ll automatically earn brownie points and help the date run smoothly.
You’ll need to respect social distancing on your date which may be a little awkward at first. Handshakes, hugs or any other forms of physical interaction are best avoided, especially at the outset of a relationship. Take your cues from your date and adjust your behaviour to match hers if you are comfortable with it.
In the covid-safe dating world, asking permission before any form of physical interaction is a must. You can make light of the situation, but you still need to ask. Again, it shows you’re a thoughtful, considerate individual and also protects you from any unwanted contact claims.
When it comes to suitable dates, some people will be happy to get back to normality and hit a bar or comedy club as soon as venues reopen. Others will be more fearful and prefer an outdoor concert or winery tour. If you want to play it safe, opt for an outdoor date. It might seem tricky at first, but with a little research, you’ll soon have a list of fun options to choose from.
4. KEEP IT COMFORTABLE (YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH NERVES)
Don’t be shy about your beliefs and values. Our country is more divided than ever before with people committing to different camps and refusing to budge. If you disagree with your date, it’s okay. Be sensitive to your date’s feelings and avoid a heated argument. However, there’s no need to lie or hide your own beliefs or values; it will just cause future problems.
The conversation is a crucial element of a successful date so remember, keep an open mind and try not to judge. Open, honest discussion is often the pathway to long, lasting friendships and the start of a budding romance.
If you’re shy or a quieter individual, maintaining conversation can be a challenge. There are a few techniques you can try.
* Prepare some topics to discuss in advance. Keep them as a mental list. – do not write palm cards!!!
* Ask your date follow up questions so they can explain their views further.
* Add an interesting fact or tidbit to the conversation instead of merely agreeing.
6. NOTHING BEATS FACE TO FACE
Social media has opened a world of opportunity when it comes to dating. It’s easier than ever to meet people with similar interests online. Unfortunately, this can often mean they live in a different city. Maintaining a long-distance relationship or a predominantly online relationship isn’t easy. Online and offline personalities sometimes don’t match so unless you want a purely online connection, it’s better to meet in person whenever possible.
Getting out the house and enjoying the outdoors is also great for your health. Having spent so much of the past year online and indoors, it requires effort to rediscover how much fun there is to be had away from screens.
You could try new outdoor activities with your date such as:
- Horse-riding
- Abseiling
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Caving
- Hot-air ballooning
- Gliding
- Fishing
- Hiking
Run some options by your date and let her choose. You might discover she’s has a cool hobby and is willing to teach you the basics. Initially, you could feel inferior or incompetent but treat it as a learning opportunity. Not only will you gain new skills but you’ll see a different side of your date too. Give and take is vital in any relationship so you can always suggest teaching them one of your hobbies for the next date.
7. SOME THINGS ARE WORTH THE WAIT
Earlier I mentioned flexibility and having a backup plan due to cancellations. Restrictions and cancellations have forced us all to re-evaluate the pace of our lives and do everything that little bit slower. We’ve all learned to have a bit more patience and wait to do the things that are important to us. Dating is no different. After meeting online, it might take longer than you’d like to meet up in person but keep things in perspective. Following local and state guidelines helps keep our communities and families safe. If your date is delayed, remember it’s just that – a delay not a cancellation. Try not to stress and obsess, there will be other opportunities in the future.
ARE YOU IN A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP BECAUSE OF COVID-19?
Covid has forced many couples apart as people return to their home countries. After spending time together in a physical relationship and long-distance relationship can be extremely challenging. It works for some but, personally, I’d dump it in the too hard basket. If you’re married, have kids or have a long term stable relationship then definitely invest the time and effort to make it work. However, if you’ve not been together for long, then it might be best to consider breaking up.
WHAT’S NEXT? GETTING LAID AFTER COVID-19 IS EASY…
Now that you’ve set up your post-covid date and are back in the game, what next? Upping your texting skills, and possibly even sexting, will get things heading in the right direction.
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