SAFETY FOR SINGLES COVID-SECURE DATES

Love in the time of coronavirus was never going to be easy. When we can’t even touch those closest to us – let alone a stranger – how can singletons forge a relationship? Thankfully, the UK dating industry has adapted for the socially distanced age…  Video dates have boomed in popularity. The app Hinge added a “date from home” feature, allowing users to notify a match if they’re ready to chat over video or a phone call. Tinder and Match.com followed suit, with popular virtual dates including museum tours and shared drawing challenges.

 It’s clear the nation is divided between the corona-cautious, and those who are hankering for a return to normal. Bumble identified this split, and has introduced new features to help people establish their dating comfort level. Users have a choice of adding “virtual only”, “socially distanced” or “socially distanced with masks” to their profile. Tinder has introduced a message that flashes up on screen to remind users to carry hand sanitiser and maintain distance.

 The days of wooing potential lovers with fancy meals out are over. Now, the key to people’s hearts is … antibodies. In New York, a trend known as “antibody flaunting” has taken off, with singles boasting about their test results on dates, and some even adding them to their dating profiles.

 For those who choose to meet in real life, dimly lit bars are out of favour. A survey by Okcupid found that an outdoor stroll with a date topped the list of socially distanced date ideas, with 57 per cent saying this would be their preferred option. The website has since introduced a guide to dating while social distancing. With kissing off limits, some psychologists have even pointed to a new trend for “slow love”, as lockdown restrictions force potential partners to take more time getting to know each other.