Should we be dating during the pandemic?

[TheAnswerThe]

Should singles be looking and dating now or should we wait for the COVID situation to get better? I am aware of virtual dating but unsure if for the long term it is effective? If going to invest time I'd like it to last and not just fulfill the short term void of relationship.

[JohnPrestwick]

Whatever you do, please abide by the physical distancing guidelines of your country/state. As far as dating goes, you have two choices, really.

On the one hand, you could use online dating to find someone to date. Online dating has its drawbacks. It's hard to convey the qualities that make a man attractive when online. I normally recommend face-to-face social events and groups instead, but in light of the pandemic, online dating may in many places be the only immediate choice.

If you decide to go for online dating, learn how to make your profile good. It has to convey that you are someone who is sociable, interesting and unique. A good guide om this will tell you about certain things to avoid either (no mirror selfies, no other people in your main photo, etc.).

If you strike a match online, get messaging but make sure you are not coming across as desperate. If you can't meet face-to-face, do a video call.

Dating itself is not likely to spread the coronavirus, especially if you stay outdoors. Most places that aren't in full lockdown will permit it. The real challenge is finding ways to meet people, especially if you don't fancy online dating or can't get it to work.

If so, there may be alternatives even at this stage. In many places (including the UK, where I live), physical distancing guidelines have been relaxed to a point where there are at least some options for meeting new people face-to-face.

For example, I used the Meetup app today to meet up with six new people in the park. In normal times, it would have more likely been ten people at the pub who could freely mix with everyone else. Another option is meeting people through your existing friends. But again, don't act desperate. You should get to know someone a bit and for at least a week after you first meet before asking them out.

[TheAnswerThe]

That is a lot of detail and insight, thank you very much!!

[Jamie05rhs]

The obvious answer is no. Those who think they can get away with it are just in denial.

[Jamie05rhs]

Thanks for the MHO.

[JayLiche]

Yeah
Long as you both aren’t infected

[Jamie05rhs]

But you wouldn't know that unless you were both tested and if you didn't come in contact with any other people (or surfaces) at all between being tested and doing the deed. Plus, the tests are not always 100% accurate.

[JohnPrestwick]

@Jamie05rhs it's important to look at the bigger picture as well. If unchecked, the virus spreads from each infected person to (on average) three or four other people. As long as we're all having less than a quarter of the social contacts we had before the pandemic, it will stay under control.

[Jamie05rhs]

No, it won't. You just made that up in your head. There's no scientific basis for what you just said. It's pure fantasy.

[JohnPrestwick]

@Jamie05rhs The whole concept is about the R number, and it has been in the news for months: www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-52473523

[Jamie05rhs]

You REALLY think they could get an accurate R number with this thing? Considering all of the discrepancies and variables involved? Come on, man.

[Jamie05rhs]

Also, you clearly don't know what you're talking about. Because the R number isn't based on the virus itself; it's based on how fast it is spreading. And that's dependant on human behavior.

"The reproduction number is not fixed. Instead, it changes as our behaviour changes, or as immunity develops."

[JohnPrestwick]

@Jamie05rhs: We're dealing with two numbers here: the base rate (R0) and actual rate (R). R0 is how much the virus would spread if unchecked. It never changes unless the virus does. For Covid-19, R0 is about 3 or slightly higher. R is how much it is actually spreading. If the virus is spreadong unchecked, R = R0.

Accurate measurements of R0 and R is indeed impossible but many places have enough data to produce reasonable estimates.

Do not tell

[JohnPrestwick]

me that I don't know what I'm talking about. If you don't agree or don't understand, there are more respectful ways of addressing the problem.

[Jamie05rhs]

@JohnPrestwick. I'm sorry. You're right; that was rude.

[In_Trance]

of course we should