COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it – and one of the many facets of life that’s changed dramatically is the world of dating. Long gone are the days of arranging to meet someone you’ve met on a dating app, joining them for dinner, and making a quick decision as to whether or not they’re a good fit for you.
Now, during the pandemic, a number of additional factors have come into play – and in this post, we’re going to take a look at three of the biggest ways COVID-19 has changed the face of dating forever.
#1: Zoom Dates; They’re Here To Stay
In the middle of April, popular dating website Match asked their members a number of questions about how they’ve changed their dating habits since the world started entering lockdown. More than 6,000 men and women replied – and before COVID-19, just 6% of those who responded were using video chatting to date.
Now, around 69% of singletons are using apps like Zoom to have dates – and an even higher number are open to the idea, if they were to meet the right person online.
While many people have no choice but to have their dates over Zoom, there are actually a number of perks that come with video chat dating; naturally, it’s safer. You’re able to talk with your date from the comfort of your own home. Virtual date video calls mean you don’t need to worry about picking a restaurant/wine bar/lounge that your date will also like but also, you don’t need to think about who will be splitting the check. “Zoom Dating” has reintroduced the notion of traditional courtship – allowing you to really get to know someone before potentially becoming intimate.
#2: People Are Looking For Different Qualities In Potential Partners
While there’s no denying that looks are an important faucet to attraction, as of now – during the pandemic – characteristics like height, hair or body shape don’t have any real relevance.
Because of this, the qualities people are looking for is changing – and one of the most notable of these ‘new’ qualities, is how likeable someone is. You’re not going to be able to spend hours upon hours on a Zoom date without someone you don’t find likeable, funny and charming – no matter how attractive they are.
While these were certainly qualities and traits people looked for in pre-pandemic dating, now, they bear more relevance. This shift in direction is actually far deeper than just looking for different characteristics. During virtual dates, singles are far more likely to share more meaningful thoughts of fear and hope – opening up to their date far more than they would have done in the past. According to the New York Times, one psychologist said:
This self-disclosure — the process of revealing one’s innermost feelings, attitudes and experiences — spurs intimacy, love and commitment. These are the foundation stones of a sturdy partnership.”
#3: ‘Location Openness’
Before COVID-19 struck the world, the majority of singles were looking to start dating someone who lived near them; the mere idea of long-distance dating was a major turn-off for a significant number of men and women.
However, today, people are much MORE open to pursuing long distance relationships. There’s a number of reasons why this is now the case, but some psychologists believe that singles are more likely to ‘vet’ potential partners – through spending more time getting to know them chatting on video – and for many, this has highlighted how important it is that they find someone who perfectly aligns with their needs, wants and desires. Or, in other words – people are setting the bar a bit higher, especially as there’s no sex involved!
Another reason behind this shift is that due to Covid, workforce provisions have dramatically changed. Thousands of employers have determined that they will be allowing their employees to work virtually indefinitely – opening the door for people to live in cities or towns that they actually want to and not be bound to a location based on their job. This restructure has giving way to more openness of long-distance dating. Thanks to an abundance of dating apps, video chatting apps and other tools for keeping in touch, singles are realizing that it can be perfectly feasible to enter a long-distance relationship, with the right approach.
How YOU Can Date Successfully During The Pandemic
Here at Agape Match – New York’s leading matchmaking agency – we’ve seen, first-hand, how much COVID-19 has affected dating – and those looking to date.
It’s why we’ve tailored a number of our most popular programs and courses to include “dating during the pandemic” tips and strategies.
If you’re looking for a partner – and don’t want the pandemic to get in the way of your love life – learn more about how Agape Match can help you in your dating journey.
Click here to learn how Agape Match can help you date successfully during the pandemic! >>>
