How To Date During A Pandemic (Hint: It’s Time To Go Digital)
There’s no other way of saying it, these are very strange times. With large portions of the world either on lockdown or potentially about to be, many industries and individuals are struggling to adjust.
Here at Inner Circle, we’re not going to say you should go on dates as normal, in fact we’re encouraging against it (see here for advice on social distancing). But with that said, fighting loneliness has never been more important, especially for those without someone close to lean on. Here’s our advice for how to use dating apps during the strangest spring/summer in living memory:
Chat like normal
Dating app activity is actually spiking right now! Just like during the holiday season, a lot of single people are spending a lot of time on their phones. And with more people online, your chances for a match are actually higher. Chat like normal, send voice notes, have phone calls, keep the communication going and see where it leads.
But keep it at that for now
Here’s the important part, we strongly advise against meeting up in real life until the situation changes. And besides, cafes and restaurants in the most affected areas are closed anyway, so play it safe and plan a date for when you can do it right. Which leads us to...
Long term plan! (Even if it’s just hypothetical)
Planning long term gives you something to look forward to, especially while it’s not clear how long containment measures are going to be in place for. We’d suggest not setting a specific date in the calendar, but make a plan of where you’ll go and what you’ll do! If you're really keen, maybe even plan your outfit.
It’s widely agreed the flirting period can be one of the most exciting parts of any relationship, so take your time and make the most of this unexpected extension.
Having to wait keeps the players away
This is our favourite side effect. Most of us have been there, when you’re having a really good conversation with someone and it suddenly becomes clear they’re only talking to you for one reason. These people are not going to get what they’re looking for when no one is allowed to leave their house. So you can digitally date safe in the knowledge that your time is valued, especially on Inner Circle where each profile is verified to filter out the players anyway.
Everything is weird, but we can do this.
There’s barely a single aspect of life that isn’t strange right now, but it couldn’t be more true that we’re in this together. Staying in touch is what’s going to get us through this, so even if you’re just using apps to make friends, Inner Circle is here and will continue to be here to help fight loneliness.
And as soon as this is over, we’re going to throw the biggest party and you’re all invited.
If you haven’t recently, clean your phone now, and then afterwards register for Inner Circle here.
*** Using Inner Circle during the COVID-19 outbreak ***
The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) may present a risk to those meeting offline in some regions. At Inner Circle, we are encouraging all of our members to stay informed and follow the World Health Organisation guidelines.
Please take the most up to date information from your local health authority into account when deciding to meet anyone via our platform over the coming weeks, and avoid any unnecessary risk.
Popular spots, amazing events, and with every member screened, Inner Circle is the dating app built from the ground up to help you Meet your match.