#Asked

We know the pandemic has affected local businesses and the mental health of adults + kids alike. But how about your love life? Some couples have been stuck inside together for months wondering if their relationship will survive the pandemic, and many single friends see their love life as being on indefinite hold.

Web traffic to lawyer referral + legal advice sites has spiked, and so has dating app usage. Just a few weeks ago, popular dating site Match.com — parent company of Tinder — for example, reported soaring stocks + profits and larger-than-anticipated growth during the pandemic, indicating that despite quarantine, mask mandates, social distancing, and COVID-19 testing + status, folks are still looking for love.

And while some singles have found greater opportunities for l’amour from the pandemic, others report that trying to build a relationship while reducing human contact is challenging. Those challenges are arguably even harder for older singles, who are more susceptible to COVID-19 and have to navigate the potential risk of severe health complications if they contract it.

All this info really made us wonder: has the pandemic affected your love life, and if so, in what ways? And since we unfortunately can’t meet up and discuss it over coffee or cosmopolitans, we need you all to fill us in using this questionnaire, where we inquire about things like whether or not you daters are meeting strangers and what precautions (if any) you’re taking to keep you and your date(s) safe? We can’t wait to hear all about it.

We need all the pandemic love life deets you can give us. 👇

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#Answered

We asked how people were dating in the midst of a pandemic, and we even added in a few date ideas with social distancing in mind. From dating apps and masks to the pros and cons of online dating, here are some of the answers we received:

“Meeting at places with outdoor seating. No kissing on the first date.” - Crystal L.

“I met the love of my life through Match.com during the coronavirus pandemic. We met at an outdoor restaurant and, being that we are both over 60, we discussed the similar precautions that we have been taking to keep ourselves safe, decided to trust each other, dated exclusively, continued to take precautions with others (masks, social distancing with others, gloves etc) and everything has turned out superlatively!” - Laura S.

“Not taking any precautions” - Ashley R.

“I’ve been doing virtual dates through Zoom, almost like a coffee shop where we just face each other, drink, and talk. I also ask if they’ve been around anyone or have been tested if we meet in person. Also, masks!” - Rebecca J.

“Masked only, outside only. I don’t go to restaurants. It’s not until the third date I hang out unmasked and only after an honest conversation about who you’ve seen and where you’ve been in the last two weeks.” - Emi C.

“Before even meeting, we discuss the situation and what we are most comfortable with. Understanding the overall risk is important. Planning something that has the flexibility to be socially distant while still fun is tricky, but it's your winning card! Once we are in person, the both of us will wear our masks when within 6 feet of one another, as well as in the car. Also, outdoor coffee/tea dates and walks are great! Bring some folding chairs and find a local park to sit together and chat while being safely distanced to enjoy your coffee. Creativity is key!” - Taylor W.

“Only meeting for a socially distant outdoor coffee or drink for a first in person "date". Asking if they have traveled anywhere recently before meeting, etc.” - Jessica H.