Three Powerful Ways to Be a Post-Pandemic Great Date

From the boardroom to the bedroom, the dynamics of post-pandemic relationships have evolved. The lifting of rules and regulations has sparked the desire to revive and rekindle romance. But our perspective on social life learned during our period of living confined but connected involves new rules. To make the best impression on the new dating scene, here are three to consider.

Source: Free Image on Pixabay from Takazart

Post-Covid Courtship: Patience and Pacing

During the pandemic, singles who were staying safe at home remained connected through dating apps and services, but with a much longer virtual courtship before meeting in person. Many daters have opted to continue that practice. The opportunity to develop a relationship virtually was of great value to singles looking for something more substantial, and the slower-paced approach enabled many people to successfully meet and get to know their match.

Alexandra Farren Gibson (2021) examined the impact of the pandemic on mobile dating, including the opportunities it afforded and sustained during a time when in-person contact created fear of contagion, risk, and uncertainty.[i] Among other findings, she noted that there are many ways that people navigate intimacy, emotion, and risk across different socio-cultural contexts—a finding we are wise to incorporate into virtual courtship.

Online daters are apparently wise to move slowly to gauge the extent to which lingering pandemic anxiety may impact relationship building and the speed with which others are comfortable moving forward. Suggesting a virtual “movie night” or coffee date will be a relief to someone who needs to establish a bit more common ground before sharing physical space. Prospective partners who recognize reluctance and accommodate a more leisurely getting-to-know-you stage will facilitate bonding and building trust.

Post-Covid Conversation: Focus on the Future

During the pandemic, many daters spent far too much time discussing the virus instead of common viewpoints and values. Savvy, smart singles can strategize first-date conversation around dreams and new directions, not disease. Prospective paramours are instinctively attracted to authenticity and optimism, as a much-needed breath of fresh air. Covid war stories are best left behind as oversized baggage, as singles embark on brave new adventures, traveling lighter and smarter. Covid commentary will only take up space in what can be an exciting new relationship—where you will be forming new memories.

Relationships Require Resilience and Responsiveness

Although health officials required residents to shelter in place, not everyone weathered the storm with the same degree of success. Consequently, in light of the emotional stress created by pandemic paranoia and uncertainty, one of the most important post-pandemic traits for a prospective partner is responsiveness.

Lorrayne Stephane Soares et al. (2021) found that during the pandemic, having an emotionally responsive partner was vitally important.[ii] In a sample of 2,400 Brazilian adults recruited online, a relatively large portion of the sample reported higher levels of negative mood, with couples who were married or cohabitating reporting lower levels of negative mood change compared with singles. They also found that partner responsiveness tempered the association between stress and mental health, but only for people who were dating.

Taken together, research indicates that a post-pandemic great date will move slowly, focus on the future, and respond thoughtfully in providing emotional support.