From trusty dating apps to a more savvy strategy, these are the top five ways to find love in a pandemic.
The dating game is famously challenging, COVID-19 crisis aside. For many mere mortals, the idea of putting themselves out there to be considered as a suitable suitor sparks unequivocal fear. For others, it’s a cakewalk.
No matter whether you’re a shrinking violet or a driven by impulse, these are the top five ways to find love in a pandemic.
5. Online chat rooms – the old-school method
Online chat rooms first broke onto the scene with CompuServe’s CB Simulator in 1980, although it was AOL’s 1989 chat room that achieved mainstream success.
While they may have become decreasingly popular, as technology advanced far beyond their primitive offering, chat rooms remain ever-present. And, they are one of the top five ways to find love in a pandemic.
Note, however, the same concerns surrounding chat rooms are unchanged since their inception. Be cautious when speaking with new individuals or sharing personal information.
4. Make use of what’s open – supermarkets, DIY stores, you name it!
The opportunities to find that special someone have decreased significantly since COVID-19 rocked the world in 2020.
Saying that, while most social and entertainment venues – hotspots for those looking for love – have been closed for an entire year, there are other options.
We suggest you make the most of what you’ve got and start hitting up the supermarket, gardening store, or DIY shop; essentially, anything that’s open.
You never know, love could be lingering amongst the aisles of your local grocery store.
3. The great outdoors – the park or community garden await
While we have been widely advised to stay indoors and minimise outdoor pursuits, it is also acknowledged that outdoor exercise is essential to maintain physical and mental health.
And, the park or local community garden may be the perfect way to find love in a pandemic. Needless to say, we’re all needing a little socialisation, and parks are a fabulous place to mingle with your community.
Should you be willing to go the extra mile, we might mention that dogs are a fantastic way to spark conversation with other dog owners. If you don’t believe us, there’s even a rom-com starring John Cusack, titled Must Love Dogs set in a park.
If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, perhaps get involved in the local community garden by renting out a plot. Not only will you have a reason to leave the house every day, but you can develop your gardening skills while meeting like-minded individuals.
2. Volunteering – do a little good, while looking for love
The pandemic has affected communities around the world en masse. Perhaps there has never been a better time for you to get out there and do what you can to help!
Volunteering is a noble commitment in any case. And, as the pandemic is ongoing, it is safe to say, it is assistance that is duly needed across many fields from education to healthcare.
More so, it could just be one of the best ways to find love in a pandemic, while giving back to the community. We call that a win-win.
1. Dating apps – the tried and tested approach
Kiss.com first founded modern online dating in 1994. Fifteen years later, in 2009 – with many tech developments in between – Grindr (a dating app for gay men) would become the first smartphone dating app. Tinder followed in 2012 and soared to cult status almost immediately.
Today, there are endless dating apps – those targeted at professional, mature singles, or even the more “established” members of the community.
One thing that is clear, though, with an endless offering of success stories, dating apps are indeed one of the ways to find love in a pandemic.
As for what to do once you land yourself a date from your dating app of choice; perhaps suggest a park walk, bike ride, or picnic on a sunny day.
Note: Those under the age of eighteen should avoid chat rooms and seek parental advice before signing up to any online messaging or dating platforms.
