Top 10 tips to make the most of dating from home

If you're single during a coronavirus pandemic, you know it's quite a struggle.

Maybe a promising relationship stalled because you and your partner couldn't meet in person. Maybe you needed to get back to your family, away from your usual nightlife. Or maybe you longed to get laid, but couldn't find anyone who was DTF. Regardless of how your dating journey has affected you, there's one thing we can all agree on: the dating world is completely different than ever before.

But that's no reason to shut yourself off from the world. Here are 10 tips on how to get closer to relationships, start conversations online and generally stay afloat - and in love - in the age of COVID-19.

1. Give Video Dating a Shot 

People rely on video chat apps like Zoom and FaceTime for digital happy hours and first dates. They also have virtual dinners and movie dates where they each cook and eat their own food or watch the same movie at the same time, physically apart but still together.

2. Don't write off digital connections

Yes, you guessed it - hook-up habits change too. Many singles resort to sexting and having sex on FaceTime to satisfy their sexual needs until they can safely meet again in person.

3. Find new ways to flirt 

With no social distance hindering our ability to hang out in real life, singles are usually forced to slow down. People now exchange longer messages about matches and move forward at a different pace than they are used to. Take advantage of the opportunity to communicate in a different, more verbal way. Work on your quips, use your sense of humor or explore dirty talk until it's safe to meet in person again. You never know, you might discover hidden talents.

4. Take advantage of promising technology

Life has changed drastically, and online dating companies are adapting. The best online dating apps and sites have added new features and offer useful services that allow users to find who and what they are looking for from the comfort of their own homes. Bumble's video chat and audio calling features are thriving more than ever before. Plenty of Fish has launched a live streaming feature where users can host their own interactive video hangouts with viewers. They can help you feel more connected. And they'll probably continue to exist after the pandemic, so you'd better get used to them now.

5. Expand your horizons 

Since meeting someone who lives on the other side of town is as unthinkable as meeting someone in a different time zone these days, now might be a good time to explore matches who live elsewhere. Tinder has unlocked its passport feature for all users, allowing anyone to access singles in other parts of the world. On other sites, you can simply adjust the search radius to see matches from a greater distance. We're not saying to trick people - be transparent about where you live and why you're applying. But you never know - you might connect with someone you'd never meet otherwise.

6. Don't get stuck in the negatives

It may seem tempting to rant about your current problems, but this is likely to distract people. We could all use a little more positivity, so try not to focus on stressful, upsetting or negative topics when chatting with friends online. Of course, there's a fine line between complaining and being sympathetic, and it's fine to discuss the difficulties of the moment. But there are a million other fun things to talk about. Be positive and talk about how you're using that extra free time or about literally anything you normally talk about with someone you've just met.

7. Be kind

Everyone is going through tough times these days with work, family matters or their mental or physical health. That's why most people start a conversation with an online match by asking, "Hey, how are you doing during these crazy times?" Of course, you should always be considerate, but especially these days, showing your caring, more emotional side will go a long way when communicating with someone - both in the digital world and in real life.

8. Be open to others

Life is much different than it was a few months ago. Dating is no exception to this rule. During this transition, it's important to keep an open mind and swim with the flow. This will help you navigate these inevitable changes more easily than fighting to get everything back on track. Let things take their course and you will be much luckier than if you stick to your usual standards and expectations.

9. Practice health and safety measures

Patience is a virtue, especially during this pandemic. Remember that this is all temporary and everything will return to normal soon, but until then it is wise and necessary to maintain social distance and take other recommended safety and hygiene measures. It is better to err on the side of caution so as not to endanger the well-being of yourself, your loved ones or the general public.

10. Think about the stories you'll tell

You can bet your Bumble account that the main topic of conversation when all is said and done will be: "So, how did you survive the pandemic?" With that in mind, think of this moment as your own story in progress.

How will it end? Maybe one day you'll tell your children that their parents met during the pandemic. Or maybe you and your future partner will bond over horror stories of dating during the COWIDA era. It's a moment you'll never forget. And when it's over, you'll want to be proud of how you handled it. So whether or not you meet someone during social distancing, try to hold your head high! This will make for a great story to tell in a day.

New Reality, New Opportunities

Will any of these new changes in the dating world, inspired by home, continue after this pandemic? No one knows. In the meantime, you can use these dating tips and free app benefits to stay connected with others remotely. And if you like them so much, maybe you'll continue to use them to help you find your perfect match when this period of isolation is over. Whatever happens as a result of this quarantine, we hope you'll prioritize your safety, health and happiness now and long after the pandemic is over.

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