Almost every area of our lives has changed drastically over the last year and for some, those changes have been a blessing but for others a curse. At the risk of sounding disgustingly optimistic, I must point out that it has not been all bad. Recent events have forced us to think outside of the box and I am amazed at how innovative we humans can be and how quickly we adapt! Creatives are capitalizing on the opportunity to introduce a slew of useful apps and new technology, and we are quickly learning how to utilize these for work, study and other areas of everyday life.
Social distancing and mask wearing has drastically affected how we socialize
As with everything else, there is the other side of the coin – companies closed their doors, jobs and pay cheques were lost and in some cases entire families lost their lives to the virus. For those of us who survive and continue to lead ‘normal’ lives, social distancing and mask wearing has drastically affected how we socialize. We exist in ‘bubbles’ and dining out is a scary prospect for those with underlying health conditions. Imagine how much more difficult it is for a single person to find someone to date! Has Covid-19 kept you single?
In an earlier post I pointed out that online dating is very effective. Two of my close friends are happily married after meeting their spouses online and another is currently dating someone she met online as well. While this method of finding a potential mate remains one of the best, do proceed with caution. Finding a mate may be particularly important to you at this time, however, being careful, healthy and ALIVE is also equally important.
I have a question for you
Before you sign up with that dating site, I need to ask you an important question. How many of you have the time and space in your life for a partner? Before you answer just think about what that means.
Time – time to spend nurturing the relationship i.e. building mutual trust, learning how to be open, and how to look beyond human failings to focus on what really matters.
Space – space where your partner can comfortably fit into your life, share experiences, and expectations for the future.
At the beginning of the pandemic I found myself suddenly single after being in a relationship for almost 3 years. I was blindsided by the breakup, but in hindsight I saw that it never had a chance of survival because I was never sufficiently invested. I hadn’t changed anything about how I lived my life, I hadn’t made space in my life, my home or my future for my partner. In fact, I continued to live like a single person!
Are you ready to share your life?
This time I want to do it right and I’m encouraging you to do the same. Make time and create welcoming space in your life for a partner. It may mean prioritizing a few life goals differently. If you honestly think you are ready to share your life, this first step is key. Once you have the time and space figured out then it’s time to choose a dating site and dive right in! but first…
Here are a few basic things to remember:
- Clearly state exactly what you are looking for (this should be clearly stated in your dating profile). Verbalizing exactly what you want can help to prevent future misunderstandings.
- Do not share personal information like your credit card or banking details and do not send money to anyone you meet online. A lot of people are scammed this way, do not fall into the trap!
- Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for immediately. No one said it was easy or quick! Be patient, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- Get tested for Covid-19 and encourage your potential mate to do the same before you arrange to meet. Even if you’re vaccinated the other person still needs to get tested.
- It’s always advisable to meet in a public place. Meeting in a public place ensures that there is no obligation to stay if you’re uncomfortable. A public place also offers you a measure of protection from unwelcome physical contact or advances.
- Remember that this is supposed to be fun! try to relax and be yourself. YOU are special and unique and that’s the person your potential mate wants to meet!
Good luck! and do leave a comment below if you found this post helpful.
