Dating in the time of Corona

Dating pre-pandemic was hard enough. Can we imagine what that experience will be like as we post-confinement? There are so many conversations about what the “new normal” resembles for work, school, family dynamics, etc. But I haven’t seen or read much about how the “new normal” around dating may look. 

From a purely physical perspective, should we expect masks on dates? What about first kisses? One-night stands? Will engaging in any kind of touching or exchange of bodily fluids without first confirming your potential new lover’s COVID-19 status be considered irresponsible and risky behavior?  The recommendations around those behaviors will be dictated by the government and medical professionals, and probably enforced by fines. But what about the new normal for our hearts? 

And from an emotional perspective, what dating post-confinement look like? 

I have no clue. But I do know what I hope for.

I hope that people will be more open to being true to themselves about what they want.  I hope that people will be more open to love and being loved. I hope that people will remember what it felt like being confined for three months alone and the longing they felt to touch someone else’s skin, how much they wished they could feel the breath of someone else on their ear in the morning. I hope people never forget the strangeness they felt in their ear after hearing their voice for the first time after three days of not speaking to another soul. I hope that people never forget the days that seemed endless, the loneliness that seemed sinister, and the promises they made to themselves to be better to the people that crossed their path in the future. 

I am “people”. I’m talking about me, y’all.

And I sincerely hope that I am not the only person approaching post-pandemic dating this way.

But if I am, holy hell. I’m in for a roller coaster of emotion.