Dating during lockdown
Not being able to get out and socialise doesn’t on the face of it seem like the ideal scenario for meeting someone new but, as it turns out, being on lockdown may not be all bad for your love life.
A great opportunity
Many more of us are turning to online sites and apps to try and find our ideal partner during this period of lockdown and specialist over-50s dating sites like Silversurfers Dating, are becoming particularly popular. So if you’ve wanted to get the hang of online dating then this could be the ideal opportunity to start.
Social distancing hasn’t done much to dampen people’s desire to meet and connect during this time. If anything, our need for human interaction, albeit virtual, is even greater and there are real benefits in dating slowly and getting to know someone before you meet. Going back to basics and spending time getting to know someone over a period of time will help you to form more meaningful connections.
Don’t be nervous
If you’re nervous about trusting in technology to make your dating life easier then here are a few things to remember:
- Choose a site that you feel matches your ethos and which you think may attract people like you
- Complete your profile carefully and honestly so it gives a true representation of your character
- Try and be clear about what you want (and don’t want) then you stand a much better chance of finding someone who is looking for the same things you are
- Always be polite. If someone contacts you try and get back to them relatively quickly, even if you’re not interested. Maintaining this positive attitude means you’re more likely to attract people who share that outlook, and find someone who can make you happy
- Beware of scammers – watch out for profiles that seem too good to be true – they probably are!
Choose your words wisely
Once you’ve chosen someone to make contact with then try and avoid sending a half-hearted, generic message such as ‘how are you’, or ‘lovely smile’. But equally don’t go to the other extreme and send a very long message about who you are or ask someone out straight away.
Instead, try and pick out something in the other person’s profile that you can respond to. You want to get the opportunity to connect with each other on a deeper level before asking them to go further.
Using humour is a good way to show off your personality which can often be difficult to express through words alone.
Video Chatting
When you have found someone you might like to communicate with further then a video date could be the next step.
If you are comfortable speaking with someone via a screen then it can be a great way to build a connection whilst you can’t meet in person. It is the closest way to be on a real date without actually meeting fact-to-face and can be less pressurised as you can get to know someone from the comfort and safety of your own home.
But if that isn’t for you then there are other options
Other ways to communicate
You can, of course, use a traditional phone call and many messaging apps will allow you to send voice notes which are more personal than a text but not necessarily as pressurised as a call.
Bear in mind that anyone worth dating will be respectful of your boundaries and will be happy to get to know you at your own pace, so never feel forced into a date even if it’s virtual.
Above all, take your time finding someone who is right for you, so that you enter a meaningful relationship that is much more likely to stand the test of time.
For more tips on how to date online
Melina - Assistant Editor
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