First dates are daunting, to say the least. You’ll never know what to expect – will the person be a bragger who has bad breath and overpowering cologne? No one can tell.
One can only pray that things go well that there will be a second date. While the thought of going out with someone is frightening yet exciting, the fear of awkwardness is also ever-present. Add the pandemic to the already complicated mix and you feel you’re bound to have a disastrous meetup.
Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock | You can find love at the time of pandemic
However, the pandemic shouldn’t stop you from finding romantic fulfillment. Despite the barriers in place, there are still ways you can have first dates at this terrifying time:
Getting to Know Each Other
Because first dates can make even the most talkative person quiet, an icebreaker is the best way to start. However, while it is tempting to talk about the pandemic immediately as you sit with them, it is best not to.
The structure of first dates starts with the introduction of yourself, Dating.com’s vice president Maria Sullivan explained. First thing’s first: get to know each other either virtually or in person, and that’s when you’ll know the person’s interests, beliefs, values, and background.
Vichie81/Shutterstock | Get to know each other during your first date
By this time, you will pretty much get a hint of how the person is or how their preferences align with yours.
Meaningful Conversation about the State of The World, Coping Mechanisms
Yes, the pandemic is too heavy a topic to be discussed on the first date but what isn’t is how both of you feel about what’s happening now. Talk about what’s keeping you busy and how you’re coping with the situation.
Understanding how the other person views things, especially during this pandemic, can bring you closer. This is the time to see if they are truly interested in you and is also the moment to know if you can be each other’s support system.
Thoughts on Safety Precautions
Although it may seem like a big conversation ender, sharing your thoughts about safety precautions like social distancing or mask-wearing is crucial in order to know if your ideas about the pandemic are aligned. This is a great way to gauge whether your relationship will or will not work.
Disobey Art/Shutterstock | If your thoughts on safety precautions align, it’s a sign that a second date is in the offing
For instance, if the person doesn’t believe in social distancing but you strongly do, there’s a good chance that the connection won’t work. If you beat around the bush, you may have problems when it comes to personal space later on.
If you have polarizing views on safety during the pandemic, then second think that second date. Another red flag is if the person’s attitude suddenly changes after realizing you have varying beliefs about health protocols.
