Dating is hard but dating after a global pandemic is even harder. After a year of sitting on your couch with your favorite stained sweatpants, it’s time to reenter the dating world. It’s time to up your dating game, open yourself up to endless opportunities, and get your sexy back; sounds scary doesn’t it? Don’t fret because we are here to make your dating experience a little less dreadful with these simple tips on dating after a pandemic.
Put Your Health First
Before dusting off your old first date shoes or spending countless hours perfecting your hair for your first big bar outing in over a year, ask yourself if you’re ready. Nerves are normal in the dating world but if you’re feeling excessively anxious, then you may want to take a step back. Always put your health and safety first. If you feel as though you won’t be comfortable walking into a crowded nightclub because your date suggested a night of dancing or they suggest going to their place, then set boundaries. Setting boundaries will alleviate your anxiety in the long run, and make it easier to ease into the world. Pay attention to how your partner responds to your boundaries, and if they are dismissive, then it’s time to dismiss them from your life.
You Might Have To Be Creative
Although we are in a transitional period, and life seems to almost be getting back to normal, planning a date can be its own headache. If you’re struggling to readjust and need some time before you go to your favorite bars or restaurants, get creative with your date night activities and use the warm weather to your advantage. Pitch the idea of catching an outdoor movie, or going stargazing during a nighttime picnic. If your date mentioned a love for cooking, take a virtual or in-person cooking class to show you care about their interest while accommodating your needs. There are so many fun date ideas that can allow you to step outside of your comfort zone while showing your creative side, so have fun with it!
Won’t Always Be Smooth Sailing
Expectations are important, but never let them affect your dating game. You might find it challenging to get over insecurities from time to time, but remember, dating is a process, and it will take some time to get your groove back. Don’t shy away from awkwardness, embrace it! Trying to ignore an awkward first date will only prolong it. So be honest, laugh it off, and move on. Don’t be afraid to spice things up by changing locations if you feel as though you need a different atmosphere. Suggest going on a walk or picking a different activity to help keep things fun. However, if your date isn’t quite what you expected and the lack of spark has made the idea of a second date dreadful, then don’t stress yourself out and just move on. Be straightforward with yourself, and don’t waste your time on a relationship where you can’t see progress.
Always Be Prepared
There is a lot of uncertainty in the dating world, but that’s why you have to be ready for anything. Intimacy is a crucial aspect of any relationship, and regardless if you wait for date three or date ten, you can’t avoid it forever. If you’re ready to get intimate with someone and are nervous about the first sleepover, then pack a small overnight bag to leave in your car so that you have all your essentials to feel comfortable. However, if your nerves are stemming from what the sleepover can lead to and your performance, there are ways to prepare yourself for that too. Conditions that can lead to sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction are not the end of the world. Coming prepared with medication like Sildenafil will help keep sexy time sexy and help you stay up all night long. If you’re not 100% ready to explore that aspect just yet, have an open and honest conversation with your partner beforehand, and never feel pressured to do anything you’re not ready for.
Never Settle
After months of self-isolation, you may find yourself feening for human connection wherever you can find it. However, never settle for what you want for the sake of getting back into the dating game. Make a list of qualities that you want in a future partner, and although you might not be able to check off every quality, it will keep you motivated and remind yourself of what you want when your dating life gets overwhelming. You can even try a manifesting journal to help send positive energy into your life and self-reflect on your dating journey. Dating can feel frustrating from time to time, so always think of the bigger picture, and remember, it’s not a race.
In such a digital-focused world, it might seem impossible to meet the right one but your dating possibilities are endless, you just have to put the world in to find the one. It has been a tough year, so be kind to yourself and don’t rush the dating process. Enjoy the small things, and leave behind your COVID baggage!
