Suddenly Single
You’re single for the first time in a long time. You want companionship or maybe you are looking for a long-term relationship (LTR as “they” refer to it). You think, like I did initially, that you’ll meet someone while you’re out and about or maybe even at work. But… COVID. Nobody else is out and about and not many people are going to their offices. If you are going out, it’s difficult to meet someone as they’ll have a mask on so you really can’t see what they look like anyway. So, what to do?
Perks Of Online Dating During COVID
Online dating seems to be the way to go these days…
- You can actually see photos of people sans the mask.
- You can engage or not.
- You can have a public profile or keep it hidden.
- You can swipe left or right.
- You can text or talk, meet in person or zoom.
- You can work it according to your comfort level and at your convenience.
Swipe, Swipe, Swipe
So, you swipe and match with someone. The texting begins. After a day or so, you take if off line and chat and there seems to be a connection. You decide to meet in person. Hallelujah, there’s chemistry. You make it past the first date and set up another. Date #2 goes well, too. Yay you! How exciting. It’s difficult to find someone in person let alone online but you did it and you’re onto something. Date #3 turns into Date #4, yada, yada, yada.
The Talk
Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. You’ve been on several dates. Seems like things are moving along. You are sleeping (well not really sleeping) together. What’s the deal? Are you now in a committed relationship? Is this exclusive? Did you discuss this or is it too awkward and nobody wants to bring it up? What to do?
To be really honest, I’m not sure. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be giving advice here or just writing about things I have personally experienced in the wonderful world of dating. That said, being the extroverted and opinionated person that I am, I’ll just take a stab at this and say that if you’re having sex with someone it’s probably a good idea to have the conversation about expectations to make sure you’re both on the same page. If you’re not, keep using condoms. If you are, Mazel Tov.
I’ve heard from many men and women that the reason they are on the dating apps is to get off the dating apps. Everyone is on there to connect with someone. Sometimes it’s hard when there are so many options out there, but if you are lucky enough to connect with someone and it’s going well, give it your all. Stop looking for the next shiny object. Give that person a chance and if it doesn’t work out you can always get back online. Or, if you are still wanting the next shiny object, be honest about that up front and make sure that the other person is fully aware that you’re not looking for a monogamous or LTR.
Join us in the Manopause Community Forum!
We know dating has been quite the challenge for a lot of those people out there since COVID-19 came into everyone’s lives. Some people have separated from their spouse and are suddenly single, others turned to divorce, and others were already single and COVID just complicated the dating scene more than they could have imagined. Whatever your experience has been, our community forum is here to help you talk it out and see what your peers are doing in these unprecedented times. Head over to our community forum here and enjoy a conversation with people in your shoes!
