At first glance, online dating may seem illogical in the days of social distancing and quarantines. But even though you may not be able to meet a date in person, meeting people online could lead to better conversations, deeper connections, and a more authentic relationship.
If you’re looking for a serious relationship, here’s a look at 10 reasons why you should continue to log on to your favorite top online dating sites even--and especially--during these trying times:
1. People may be more serious about love
2. Social distancing is a great creep-filter
3. You can make new friends
4. Hope is the key to enduring hardships
5. Online dating sites will be at peak activity
6. Technology is a marvel
7. Stay in practice
8. Open yourself up to surprise
9. Keep your mind limber
10. Have a great story to tell
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1. People may be more serious about love
Major life events force us to slow down, take stock of our lives, and clarify what we need beyond our superficial wants. The coronavirus is certainly one of those times, and there’s no doubt that it’s forcing many people to look past their day-to-day superficialities and contemplate what they really want out of life. Those looking for a serious relationship may find that this is a great time to connect with others who are on the same wavelength.
2. Social distancing is a great creep-filter
Let’s be honest: under normal circumstances, the online dating world, with its flakes and creeps, can be more stressful than rewarding. But these are not normal circumstances. And with the possibility of instant gratification stripped away, the online dating world could start to look like a kinder, more patient place. After all, social distancing is nothing if not a great way to filter out future ghosters and those looking for a one-and-done. If you’re looking for a long-term relationship, you might find that those still online are the ones looking for something more enduring.
3. You can make new friends
Stripped of the urgency and single-mindedness that usually consumes online dating sites, many people online may be open to chatting about mutual interests and forming platonic relationships. These days, everybody will be craving connection, and even friendships can bloom from a simple chat or conversation.
4. Hope is the key to enduring hardships
A cute face and some flirty banter can do wonders for your spirits. As uncertainties mount and the walls start to box us in, it’s important to seek things that give us hope for the future. Chatting with other smart, funny, attractive singles, even from home, is a great way to remind you that the future is bright and full of promise.
5. Online dating sites will be at peak activity
This is strictly a matter of numbers, but it shouldn’t be ignored. With everybody staying at home, online dating sites will be extremely active. According to a recent OKCupid study, 92% of Americans are continuing their online dating activity as usual, and there should be no shortage of people looking to connect. Now is a good time to survey your options, strike up conversations, and increase your chances of meeting someone you click with rather than settling for someone who’s merely available.
6. Technology is a marvel
Today, online dating platforms offer video chat, voice calls, and other ways of communicating that fall outside of the (text) box. This is a great time to learn about the app’s features and use them to flirt and connect with others face to face, even from afar.
7. Stay in practice
Sure, you could just bury yourself in Netflix until the Coronavirus passes. But where will you be then? With rusty conversational skills? At a loss for a witty joke? Forgetting how to smile? Even with social distancing and other restrictions, online dating gives you a chance to keep your wit in shape and make sure your romantic instincts are ready to charm when the restrictions are lifted.
8. Open yourself up to surprise
During normal times, we limit ourselves to what we think we want and reject anything outside of our narrow parameters. But as coronavirus leaves us with more time on our hands, we may find ourselves more open to speaking with those who we otherwise would’ve dismissed. This could be a good thing. Opposites attract, as they say, and the unexpected is often ripe for surprise and reward. So, this may be your chance to open yourself up a bit, cast a wider net, and give people a chance even if they have different interests as you. You never know.
9. Keep your mind limber
Flirting is healthy for the soul, but also for the mind. If you’re chatting with someone you want to impress, you’re more likely to expend brain power and creativity on coming up with that witty retort. As it becomes all too tempting to mindlessly surf social media, online dating will give you a good chance to converse and stay sharp.
10. Have a great story to tell
Imagine one day telling your kids, “Your father/mother and I met during the great coronavirus quarantine of 2020.” Because let’s face it--this situation will come to an end, we’ll move on with our lives, and everybody will have stories to tell about how they passed their time and endured. If you meet the love of your life during coronavirus, you’re pretty much guaranteed a lifetime supply of dinner-party stories and anniversary speeches.
Keep Calm and Stay Connected
In these uncertain times, as we all take a break from inessential gatherings, online dating sites could become ideal places for singles looking for real conversation and meaningful connections. Without the expectation of quick meetups, the online dating world could become a gentler, more patient place. As tempting as it may be to distract ourselves with TV and social media, staying active on our favorite dating sites could keep our minds limber, our spirits optimistic, and perhaps our hearts more open.
