Ask any single person – finding love during a pandemic is definitely not an easy task. Between swiping on dating apps and endless small talk to socially distanced dates without any hint of a physical connection, many single people are left second guessing themselves. So, what is the best way to go about finding love in the middle of a pandemic? Here are five tips for all you hopeless romantics out there!

1. Try a virtual date first

Whether you are unsure about the person you’ve swiped or you aren’t ready to face the outside world yet, why not try your hand at a virtual date first? Many dating apps have now integrated video call services to their interface which makes it extremely easy to jump on a quick call with your date! If you want to do something a little bit different, why not do a virtual gallery date, or perhaps you could do an online cooking class together on Zoom? The beginning of a relationship starts with getting to know each other, so who said you need to be in person to do that!

2. Don’t feel obligated to do something you’re not comfortable with

Although this is something that remains valid in a pre- or post-covid world, it seems like as more and more things are opening up, people are feeling more obliged to say yes to social gatherings. It’s extremely understandable if you don’t feel comfortable enough to meet in crowded public spaces yet and your date should be willing to move the plan accordingly. Don’t hesitate to say no. What’s more important is that you feel safe and comfortable, otherwise you’re not going to have fun!

3. Have the COVID talk

Make sure that you and your date are on the same page when it comes to the pandemic. Are you both taking similar precautions? Are either of you living with anyone at risk? It’s better to have the conversation and know the situation that both of you are in than avoiding the conversation and getting in a sticky situation.

4. Find ways to combat physical touch

Over the last year, many first dates have involved having a coffee and conversation two-meters apart. But how do you know if you’re physically attracted to one another if you can’t even touch? Realistically, after four or five dates, it’s safe to say that the two of you get along, so if there is a safe way to initiate a physical touch with one another and you both feel comfortable doing so, why not?

If this is not an option, maybe try your hand at more creative ways to be sexual with one another like sexting. This will help ignite the orgasmic energy between the two of you and bring to light whether you have a sexual connection or not.

5. Cherish the one-on-one time

If you do end up finding someone that you really like, take time to enjoy getting to know them and grow the level of honest communication you have with one another. In a pre-covid world, many daters found themselves unable to make true connections because of the fast-paced nature of the world, juggling work and social lives, amongst other things. Since things have slowed down, don’t be in a rush to push things to the next level. Ask them all the questions you want to and have deep conversations about random subjects – the deeper the connection is built now, the stronger it’ll be later!

Although finding the love of your life during a pandemic may be a bit of task, it’s definitely not impossible. So if you are itching to get back out on the dating wagon, take on board these tips and have some fun!