CLAIRE WHITE, 33 ACCOUNTANT
Spending lockdown alone forced London accountant Claire White, 33, to take dating more seriously.
“Lockdown really emphasised the fact that I am very single and made me think a lot more about relationships. I did date before, but like every single person living alone, I was also out a lot, seeing friends – lots of going to bars, doing my exercise, weekends away and enjoying myself. When all that stopped, it was really lonely, especially the weekends. I had some massive Bridget Jones ‘what the hell am I doing?’ moments.
It also gave me a chance to reflect on what I’m looking for and I don’t want ‘casual’. I want to really find a connection. I spent more time on Bumble than I ever have, probably met between five and 10 people and video-dated a couple of them. It was fun, although it did feel a bit like an interview. It’s not like meeting in a bar. There are no other distractions so it’s quite intense.
As restrictions lifted, I did meet some of the matches. The first time, everything was still closed, so we had a picnic by the river. We were both wearing masks at first and it felt so weird even being out at all, but in a way, that made it more of an occasion. He brought a cooler with wine and beers and we sat for five hours, chatting. Then, as places began to reopen, I arranged to meet someone I’d met in lockdown in a bar. It took so long to secure an outside table, when we finally got one, we were there for the long haul! We had a great time and, walking home, keeping our distance a bit, he asked if he could kiss me! No one has ever asked before – with Covid, no one is sure what you can and can’t do. Still, I think I may see him again.
I went to a rooftop bar recently with friends and we were told by staff that no one from other tables could join ours. It made me realise that meeting anyone spontaneously is going to be so difficult now. Before Covid, I took it for granted that it was easy to date different people. Now it’s more risky and I don’t want to waste time with the wrong type of men. I’d like to have someone longer term. I’m really hoping there’s some lovely man in London thinking the same.”
‘He asked if he could kiss me! No one has ever asked before – with Covid no one is sure about what you can and can’t do’