[ The World Times ] How Social Distancing change the dating scene

Nowadays, with quarantines and lockdowns put in place, it is becoming nigh impossible for people to meet up for casual reasons. This has, of course, had a huge impact on relationships, whether ongoing or new, serious or casual. This period of social distancing and self-isolation has changed the way romantic relationships work, with each choice to move in together, while others have had to isolate themselves from their partner. Couples being confined in a limited space with only each other for company guarantees that sparks will fly. Maybe ugly habits that have been hidden from each other will come into light. Or perhaps the stress from having to suddenly share everything with another, while being isolated from the rest of the world, may provoke sharp words that cannot be taken back. For couples who have been forced to settle for a long-distance relationship on the other hand, the largest hurdle is to keep the spark between them strong without any physical interaction. It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. That may also be the case for these couples, but they would have to keep up the effort to stay connected and arouse interest in their lovers without the easy method of going on a date. Either way, for these people, their own homes and isolation have acted as a crucible in which relationships have shattered or grown stronger than before. For those who do not yet have partners, the current social distancing and quarantines have resulted in the loss of a period in life where most young adults usually build grown-up friendships and romantic relationships.

 

Thus, social distancing has pushed populations to seek various tactics to keep themselves entertained and connected to their loved ones. Instead of hanging out in bars or going to traditional dating spots, these people are getting together using video-calling apps like FaceTime with varying degrees of success. Phrases like "virtual dating" have become common on social media. And despite the several obvious impediments to dating, the increased difficulty in maintaining a relationship during these times may not necessarily be a bad thing. During times of isolation, communication has become more important than ever. With conversations between people being stripped of the ambiance of a room of the scent of food, the quality of the conversation is now put under a microscope. People are having to sit down and have proper and lengthy discourse in order to maintain a relationship. Social distancing has posed a number of challenges to dating, but this has encouraged people to become more thoughtful in seeking romantic partners.