By Cindy Cummings
While coronavirus transmissions continue to rise in L.A. County, it’s more important than ever that residents in Antelope Valley and the surrounding areas take the right precautions. From social distancing to wearing masks, many aspects of everyday life have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic — even when it comes to dating. With that in mind, here’s how the dating scene looks like now, and what you can do to stay safe when places do reopen.
Online dating
Without a doubt, online dating is a great way to date for many. However, it’s become a much more popular way to do so during the coronavirus pandemic, since it’s a way to meet new people while effectively preventing the spread of the virus. With a number of platforms to choose from, there’s seemingly something for everyone, whether it be an app or site. However, there are some additional reasons why those in Antelope Valley might choose to gravitate towards online dating options as well. For instance, online dating via methods like messaging or webcam dates might be able to reduce some of the tension that comes along with dating — in fact, according to respondents of an OKCupid survey, 37% say that virtual dates are actually “less pressure than in-person dates,” though there’s much more to it than that.
Due to preference filters, messaging, and face-to-face video chatting, online dating can also make it easier to get to know someone, which can make it less difficult to find commonalities between each other. However, it can become difficult to keep the spark alive when you feel like you’ve run out of things to talk about. Thankfully, there are few things you can do to keep your newfound relationship interesting online. For example, downloading get-to-know-you quizzes can be a great way to keep the chemistry alive, and can help you to find out even more about each other by giving you new things to talk about. Not only can this help to further reduce the stress and pressures that come along with traditional dating, but it can help you to connect with someone on a mental level by taking the time to have different and meaningful conversations.
Taking precautions
With restaurants and other popular date spots planning to reopen in and around Antelope Valley, it’s likely that people will be back to in-person dates soon, if they haven’t already. With that said, it’s important to stay educated and aware of any local policies (such as mask requirements and social distancing policies) no matter where you go in order to keep both yourself and your date safe. Taking additional precautions, such as minimizing contact by refraining from shaking hands, hugging, etc. and using hand sanitizer on your first date can also be a great idea — at least until you get to know them better.
With the coronavirus pandemic affecting many aspects of daily life, dating has been one thing that has definitely changed. From a rise in popularity in online dating options to getting out of your comfort zone by doing so, it’s important to be aware of local policies when in-person dating does make a comeback.
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