On Lockdown Dating

Lockdown has been a funny one hasn't it? On one level it seems like no time has passed, but on another, it's hard to believe that August is right around the corner... And it's also remarkable to think about how normal things seem to be, whilst also not being normal at all. The word I constantly turn to is "weird" and that about does it.

Thankfully, during lockdown I've had my flatmate and my brother with me for most of it so whilst I'm single, I, fortunately, haven't been in the position where I've had to be alone. But one thing that's been fascinating has been seeing how some of my friends have had to adapt their relationships to cope with the strains of lockdown.

It's safe to say that my married friends have found it easiest - some not noticing much difference to their day to day, aside from the strain of being under each others feet more than usual, especially without the usual work/life separation that comes with having a non-working from home job. For some friends who are key or essential workers, there's been little to no difference as nothing about their routine has changed, aside from occasional longer working days.

But I've been the most fascinated by the friends who are continuing their dating patterns and turning to free dating sites. In some way, the restrictions of lockdown, particularly earlier on, added an old fashioned element to their online dating as more time was spent on the talking stage. And when lockdown regulations were loosened, their dates had a new dynamic and had to be more inventive due to limitations on the more traditional dinner drink options. Have any of you used any dating sides like Match Me Happy? But whilst this adds newness to a dating pattern, it doesn't seem to be without its challenges - particularly the restriction on touch and contact - which seems to have added a slight weirdness that can't be broken without an introductory hug.

However, the friends that have struggled the most have been those in long term relationships who aren't living together - and were unable to social bubble due to vulnerable people in their household. I know a few couples who have seriously struggled with that - not only due to the lack of physical touch - but the fact that their relationships suddenly became long distance without a choice being made on their side! When I chatted to some of those who have been facing this, they said it was just important to continue to "date" even if it was over Zoom or the phone. But at least with the rules, it's not just specific couples facing these problems - it's impacted them all on different levels.

But how have you all coped? Are any of you in specific points in your dating life or relationships that have been affected by lockdown? How have you had to adapt to cope or has it been relatively easy? As a single person I'm fascinated so would love to know how you've been dealing with it all!