Proceed with caution while dating these days

Q I keep reading and hearing about people who have started a relationship recently, which implies they dated during the pandemic. How did that happen when we were all supposed to be home as much as possible with only our family, and social distancing when outside or shopping? If these “daters” took risks for their own pleasure, what does that say about the idea of “we’re all in this together?”

Very Disappointed

A Not everyone dated carelessly. Some people wrote me about the benefits they discovered when dating responsibly, for example getting acquainted online, but not rushing to meet.

Many were open online about their situations — the difficulties or benefits of working at home, how they were keeping fit, their interests in music, books and the offerings of various streaming services.

Unlike the rush to swipe for a date and perhaps sex, daters who took pandemic rules seriously said they got to know each other better, with more honesty and trust than in pre-COVID-19 times.

Of course, there are always people who just don’t accept imposed restrictions even when the numbers of infections and deaths rise. They dismiss the scare as only for “old folks.”

Still others feel entitled to do as they please, and raise the flag of a “free” society.

But for those who’ve dated with care, and maintained concern for any vulnerable people in each other’s families or surroundings, I salute them.

As for full-on relationships during the lockdown (followed by “opening up” and expanding family and friendship bubbles of contact), they still require responsibility, co-operation and trust on everyone’s part.

All those couples who make it together successfully through a deadly pandemic deserve applause.