With pubs and outdoor dining now open, online daters keen to meet their matches in person are finally able to replace socially distanced walks in the park with a sit-down date.
Since Boris Johnson announced the easing of lockdown on April 12, online matchmaking service Wingman has reported a 350 per cent surge in new sign ups.
But while it’s a step in the right direction for those looking for love, the dating world is also entering a ‘new normal’ as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
And it seems many singletons now have a new list of requirements – with a vaccination certificate top of the list.
‘Vacci-dating is now the hottest dating trend,’ says relationship expert and Wingman founder Tina Wilson. ‘Vaccination talk is a massive turn-on right now.
The dating world is entering a ‘new normal’ as a result of the ongoing pandemic, and it seems many singletons now have a new list of requirements – with a vaccination certificate top of the list (stock image)
‘Online behaviours mimic real life, so it’s only natural that we are seeing vaccinations mentioned in bios on Wingman.
‘People’s wish lists have changed, and we are seeing upticks in mentions about being vaccinated in the dating app bios. One in three new sign-ups are mentioning the vaccine in their online dating profiles.’
Tina added that the vaccination conversation can be divisive, with some singletons admitting they wouldn’t consider matching with an anti-vaxer.
‘Pre-pandemic, singles would search for a date that shares their passions, be it skydiving or camping, but one thing that is more relevant now is to be on the same page regarding the vaccine,’ she explained.
‘A large proportion of online daters are choosing their dates based on vaccination preferences. It reinforces that singles want to meet matches who are on the same page, and using the vaccine as a marker is a key way to filter out bad matches.’
Many experts are indicating that social distancing measures will be in place for the foreseeable future, and will continue way past the proposed date of June 21, which is when the legal limits on social contact are expected to be removed.
This brings with it a whole new etiquette when it comes to dating – but what are the ‘rules’? Here Tina shares what’s considered acceptable – and dealbreakers – for dating post-lockdown.
A large proportion of online daters are choosing their dates based on vaccination preferences. It reinforces that singles want to meet matches who are on the same page, and using the vaccine as a marker is a key way to filter out bad matches (stock image)
DON’T KISS ON THE FIRST DATE
This is the new taboo. It’s tempting to go in for the smooch, especially with a glass of wine being shared, but the anxiety and health risks following this close contact just isn’t going to be worth it.
Old fashioned courtship is making a comeback leading to a more patient approach to dating.
When when you know your date really well, and want to progress the relationship, then you can safely date them, bringing them into your bubble and date and kiss safely.
NEVER SHARE FOOD…
When on a first date don’t share food or steal a chip from their plate.
Restrictions may be lifting and it’s natural to slip into learned behaviours, but it’s key to be mindful that small gestures can cause an uncomfortable situation, and you don’t want to bring that anxiety into a date. Adopt the Joey Tribbiani approach: ‘Joey doesn’t share food!’
DON’T OFFLOAD YOUR COVID WOES
Everyone knows it’s been a tough year, but do not use your date as your therapist to offload all of your stress and grumbles (no matter how valid they are).
You won’t be aware of the experience your date has had with the virus, or how they have been affected, so ensure you tread carefully and be mindful that they may not want to discuss their experience, so take their lead and keep it light.
PLAY BY THE RULES
Do talk positively about the new government guidelines rather than brag about any or all of the rules you have broken, no matter how slight. You could be talking yourself out of a second date if your date judges that behaviour.
Don’t pressure your date and vice versa
Do not suggest a date that sits outside the official rules, even if you feel fine, you do not want to make your date feel uncomfortable, so do make the extra effort to get creative and plan a fun date within the guidelines.
Equally don’t feel pressured into doing on a date and doing something you don’t want to do. When you are spending time with someone you like, its key to respect each other’s boundaries in order to progress the relationship further. If you have massively different views, it could be an insight that you are not a good match.
DON’T DITCH VIRTUAL DATING
Virtual dating is here to stay and has been a godsend during the pandemic. So do continue to have a virtual date before agreeing to meet in person, to ensure there is a spark or chemistry before you go to the effort of meeting in person.
Many singles reported that virtual dating was a much easier way to filter out bad matches and wasted dates so its key to take advantage and ensure the dates you meet in real life, will be worth the effort.