By Mariana Navarette, Contributing Writer
We used to see dating as part of our lives until, all of a sudden, dating became one of the many things affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Humans, as social creatures, crave social interaction. Instead of breaking quarantines or exposing people to the virus, consider these ways to start dating, which have a low risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.
Have a Remote First Meeting
Though a video call platform might seem a bit awkward and not very romantic, in the beginning a virtual conference can offer an excellent way to establish a safe connection to later meet in person. Speaking remotely will also allow the couple to quickly find out whether meeting up in person is on the table. Additionally, remote meetings will force both to take the effort and time to get to know the other person.
Ask Questions Before Meeting In-Person
Before meeting in person, get a sense of your date’s biosecurity precautions. For example, if one person believes the pandemic is a hoax and the other person does not, it is probably a sign to take some steps backward. It is also important for a couple to discuss beforehand if they are both symptom-free and any COVID-19 tests they have taken.
Marie Helweg-Larsen, a psychology professor at Dickinson College, confirms we are biased towards people we choose to go out with. We tend to underestimate our own risk, and “we want people we know and love to share our umbrella of invulnerability.”
Set Rules About What Both Should Expect in the Date
Additionally, the couple should talk about each person’s comfort level. One person might only feel safe by standing six feet apart during the date, while the other person might want to hug or hold hands. It is essential that both are on the same page before going out.
Date Setting
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is less risk of contracting COVID-19 in an outdoor setting, while using face coverings and practicing social distancing. However, this does not mean to choose a lonely alleyway to meet! Pick a venue that is not crowded and has enough space to social distance. Instead of choosing a busy indoor restaurant for a date, find one with outdoor tables or a natural park to go for a walk. Prioritize outdoor spaces and the ability for movement.
Social Bubble
If you decide to keep hanging out together, a low-risk option for couples is to create a social bubble. Melissa Hawkins, an epidemiologist at American University, said to ABC News, “Social bubbles are a middle-ground approach that expands social interaction and contains risk by limiting exposure.”
A social bubble is where the couple agrees to limit closer contacts to only the people within the social bubble. The bubble should be small enough for this to be feasible: a bubble of 100 friends will not work. Everyone participating in the bubble must agree to maintain strict infection prevention, especially when each one goes outside.
After agreeing to enter into a bubble contract, everyone must maintain the social bubble as long as they intend to stay in physical contact without masks or social distancing. The best way for the social bubble to work is when everyone keeps track of social behaviors. A couple should openly talk about what each person is doing to stay safe and whether both people are still on the same page. After all, good communication is vital in any relationship
