Love, Uninterrupted: Dating During the Pandemic Is Possible

Nearly half of U.S. adults say dating is harder now than a decade ago. Add in a global pandemic and some may say it’s virtually impossible. I recently chatted with a woman who disagrees and says it’s VIRTUALLY possible. A 2019 Stanford University Study finds 65% of gay couples and 39% of straight couples met online three years ago. Which means all these dating apps and sites can work. But, what does it mean during COVID-19? Should singles slow down from all the left or right swiping, or is LOVE, UNINTERRUPTED and DATING DURING THE PANDEMIC IS POSSIBLE? Andrea Syrtash is my favorite go-to dating and relationship expert. She’s a published author with such works as Cheat On Your Husband (with Your Husband): How to Date Your Spouse, He’s Just Not Your Type (and that’s a good thing): How to Find Love Where You Least Expect it, and It’s Okay to Sleep with Him on the First Date: And Every Other Rule of Dating, Debunked. You’ve also seen her on GMA, the Today Show, Wendy Williams, and The View. Let’s just say… she has some street cred. We discuss how video has transformed the dating landscape, opening the door to better communication and representation. Andrea says the biggest gripe from singles is how some people don’t look or sound the way the present themselves. Gone are those days! Andrea provides fun virtual and socially-distant dating ideas. She also tackles the question of physical contact, including kissing and other forms of intimacy. She calls the pandemic the great equalizer, as we’ve all been forced to make adjustments—including those in the dating pool.  If I’ve learned anything from Andrea, it’s that slowing down, asking questions and learning about another person is a great way to build a solid relationship foundation based on value structure. Now’s the time to showcase your creativity with virtual cooking dates, adventurous socially-distant outdoor dates and smart/informed indoor dates. Love can be uninterrupted, and dating during the pandemic is possible.