Pandemic dating

» The challenges in trying to find love during NODID-19

Brandon Yip
Senior Columnist

 

Vw dating is about as much fun as going toa
restaurant and not being able to sample the food
that you have ordered.

The pandemic has posed many challenges for
those trying to seek love during COVID-19. Several
months ago, there were several articles promoting
self-satisfaction due to the pandemic. There is nothing
wrong with some self-servicing to love oneself as the late
comedian George Carlin once quipped: “I think if God
had intended us not to masturbate, he would have made
our arms shorter!” Besides masturbation, other options
include virtual sex or seeking glory holes. The BC Centre
for Disease Control on their official website recommends
people use glory holes as an alternative: “Use barriers,
like walls (e.g., glory holes), that allow for sexual contact
but prevent close face-to-face contact.”

Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry a
few months ago, demonstrated the safest way to use
glory holes. Okay, I am kidding, that was a joke! But
to be serious, Dr. Henry has advised the public not to
socialize with people, other than with the ones in our
own household (bubble). In May 2020, during her
usual COVID-19 briefing Dr. Henry cautioned people
about going on dating binges: “If you are going to start
a relationship with somebody, this is not the time to do
rapid, serial dating, okay? Pick somebody, see if it works,
and then take your time.” Dr. Henry understands how
challenging it is when people are not allowed to seek
out intimate one-on-one connections: “It’s an incredibly
challenging time for all of us and when we dont have
ready-made people within our bubble it can be more
lonely. I think many people have adapted to online
(dating) and talking online and to having encounters
online that can be... quite... helpful in that regard.”

Ina September 2020 statement published on
CTV News, Dr. Theresa Tam advised people to practice
safe sex during the pandemic: “Sexual health is an
important part of our overall health. However, sex can
be complicated in the time of COVID-19, especially for
those without an intimate partner in their household or
whose sexual partner is at higher risk for COVID-19.” Dr.
Tam further elaborates, “By taking these precautions and
staying conscious of the risks we assume, Canadians can
find ways to enjoy physical intimacy while safeguarding
the progress we have all made containing COVID-19.”

Furthermore, Dr. Tam urges people to refrain from
activities like kissing and avoid “face-to-face contact or
closeness” during sex. As well, she suggests to “consider
using a mask that covers the nose and mouth.” Being
told to wear a mask during sex is the equivalent of being
told to sit in your car with the keys in the ignition and
engine removed!

Not all is bleak in the dating world as there are
numerous dating apps and websites where people can
look for love. The use of technology to communicate
and meet people has never been more utilized than it
has now during the pandemic. Unfortunately, meeting
people in person is not advised for the moment, but it
allows people to connect virtually and slowly build a
connection during these difficult times. Sara Konrath,

a researcher at Indiana University says dating is very
challenging during COVID-19, however there is reason
for optimism: “I have been surprisingly optimistic—even
in my own life. More people are looking for serious
relationships, are doing the work to prepare themselves,
are valuing emotional connection and kindness, and
have the time to get to know each other deeply. These are
all promising for long-lasting romantic relationships.”

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Mlifeandstyle@theotherpress.ca

..and more

 

+ Bumble: Best for confident women
* Clover: Best for confirming a date

* Coffee Meets Bagel: Best for breaking the silence

* eHarmony: Best for marriage seekers
+ Happn: Best for missed connections

+ Her: Best for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women

+ Hinge: Best for serious relationship seekers

* The League: Best for people with high standards

* Match: Best for someone with money to spend
* OKCupid: Best free dating site

+ Plenty of Fish: Best for conversations

* Tinder: Best for quick and easy hookups

¢ The challenges in trying to find love
during NODID-19

¢ Why | love Lunar New Year
¢ How to keep the romance alive

   

Illustration by Athena Little

Q Best dating sites during pandemic according to CNET.com