Maybe a promising relationship came to a dead halt because you and your partner couldn’t meet in person. Perhaps you needed to move back in with family, far from your usual dating scene. Or maybe you’ve been craving a hookup but haven’t been able to find anyone who’s DTF. No matter how your dating journey has been affected, there’s one thing we can all agree upon: the dating world is completely different than ever before.
But that’s no reason to shut yourself off from the world or the best dating sites. Here are nine tips for approaching relationships, starting online conversations, and generally staying afloat in our new technological era.
1. Give Video Dating a Try
People rely on video chatting apps like Zoom and FaceTime for digital happy hours and first dates. Couples also have virtual dinner and movie dates or virtual museum tours while physically apart yet still together.
2. Don’t Write Off Digital Hookups
Yep, you guessed it – hookup habits have changed, too. Many singles are resorting to sexting and having FaceTime sex to cater to their sexual needs instead of making the effort to hook up in real life.
3. Find New Ways to Flirt
Without social distancing impeding our ability to hang out in real life, singles are basically being forced to slow things down. Folks are now messaging matches for longer periods and progressing at a different pace than they’re used to. Make the most of the opportunity to connect differently, more verbally. Work on your witticisms, tap into your sense of humor, or explore dirty talk until it’s safe to meet in person again. You never know; you may discover some hidden talents.
4. Take Advantage of Budding Technology
Life has changed drastically, and online dating companies are adapting accordingly. Some online dating apps and sites have added new features that enable users to find whomever and whatever they’re looking for from the comfort of their homes. For example, Plenty of Fish launched a live stream feature where users can host interactive video hangouts with viewers. These features can help you feel more connected.
5. Expand your horizons
Since meeting someone who lives across town is as out of the question these days as meeting someone in another time zone, now may be an excellent time to explore matches who live in other locations. Tinder has a Passport feature, granting everyone access to singles in other parts of the world. On other sites, you can adjust your search radius to see matches farther away. We’re not saying you should lead people on--be transparent about where you live and why you’re reaching out. /you may connect with someone you would never have met.
6. Don’t dwell on the negatives
It may be tempting to rant about your struggles, but this will likely turn people off. We could all use more positivity, so try not to focus on stressful, upsetting, or negative topics when messaging online matches. Of course, there’s a thin line between complaining and commiserating, and it’s fine to discuss the difficulties of the current moment. But there are a million other pleasant things to talk about as well. Be positive, and chat about how you’re using this extra downtime or anything else you’d usually talk about with someone you just met.
7. Be kind
Everyone is currently going through a rough time with work, family matters, or their physical or mental health. That’s why most people are kicking off conversations with online matches by asking, “Hey, how are you holding up during this crazy time?” You should always be considerate, of course, but especially these days, showing your caring, more emotional side will go a long way when connecting with anyone – in the digital world and real life.
8. Keep an open mind
Life is significantly different than it was just a few months ago and dating is no exception. Keeping an open mind and going with the flow is essential. This thought process will help you navigate these inevitable changes easier than fighting to get things back to how they were. Let everything unfold as it will, and you’ll have much better luck playing the dating game than if you’d held your usual standards and expectations.
9. Think about the stories you’ll tell
You can bet your Bumble account that the main topic of conversation once all these ends will be, “So, how’d you get through 2024?” With that in mind, think of this moment as your own story in progress.
How will it turn out? Maybe one day, you’ll tell your kids their parents met on an app. Or perhaps you and a future partner will bond over horror stories of dating in the 2020s. The point is, this is a moment you won’t forget. And you’ll want to be proud of how you handled it when it passes. So whether or not you meet someone nowadays, keep your head up! All these changes will make for a great story one day.
New Reality, New Opportunities
Will any of these new "from home"-inspired changes to the dating world stick around after this era? Nobody knows. In the meantime, you can use these dating tips and free app perks to stay connected with others from afar. And if you enjoy them so much, maybe you’ll continue using them to help you find your perfect match once these trends change for the best.