With concern growing as the Coronavirus spreads throughout the world, it’s more important than ever to practice safe dating measures. The CDC recommends certain actions to slow down the spread of the virus, such as “social distancing,” which includes limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings, and canceling events. So how are you supposed to continue dating in a world that seems like it’s shutting down? Relationship Coach and Professional Christian Matchmaker Renee Richel, Founder of 1 True Match guides you through navigating your love life in these uncertain times:
Put Your Health First
Most importantly, you need to place your health as a top priority. You won’t be able to meet your potential life partner, unless they happen to be part of the hospital staff, if you end up quarantined. The World Health Organization provides 5 tips to help you prevent contracting and spreading the virus:
- Wash your hands frequently: clean your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer; wash for at least 20 seconds
- Maintain social distancing: keep at least 3 feet of distance between yourself and anyone who is sick or coughing/sneezing
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth: hands touch many surfaces where they can pick up the virus, so prevent transferring it by limiting contact with your face
- Practice respiratory hygiene: cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to prevent the virus from spreading through respiratory droplets
- Seek medical care early if you feel ill: this will give you the best chance at receiving quick, appropriate treatment and prevent the spread of the virus further
How Do I Know My Date Isn’t Going To Get Me Sick?
Popular dating apps are warning users to be careful with the spread of the Coronavirus but haven’t put a pause on the ability for people to match and meet up. Not only do people tend to embellish their information to make themselves seem more interesting or appealing on dating apps, they’re also able to hide information from behind a screen.
They can hide if they’ve recently traveled out of the country, are experiencing symptoms, or any other pertinent information that may sway you from actually meeting up with them due to a real risk of getting sick. This is just the latest in a long list of concerns over the risks of using dating apps. You can read more about the dangers that come with using dating apps in our blog The Emotional and Financial Cost of Online Dating Scams.
Should I Stop Dating?
Experts say it’s okay to continue to date but recommend making some changes in your dating style. Normally if you are meeting someone for a first time you are encouraged to meet in a busy or fairly populated place for safety, but now those hot spots are discouraged. It’s also a time where you should take your time before rushing to meet someone new. Here are some tips from medical experts on how you can approach a date and do your best to minimize your risk.
- Meet in a less crowded place during their off hours: that way you can minimize the amount of people you will encounter during your date who might be infected
- Meet up at private venues or a friend’s home: meet at friend’s home who aren’t at high risk or a private club, like a country club where you feel confident that they have taken steps to maintain their cleanliness
- Avoid touching during that initial greeting: it may be awkward at first not to hug or shake hands, but you can put your hand over your heart or “air hug” to make light of the lack of physical touch
- Don’t rush to meet someone in person: this is a good time to take your time and swap face-to-face meetings with extra face time, Skype, phone calls or texts. You can use this extra time to decide if this person is really worth leaving your home and taking the risk
At 1 True Match, you’ll find we are just as invested in you falling in love and staying safe as you are. We conduct background checks and personality tests to make sure you have the opportunity to meet someone who is safe, honest, and has the financial resources they claim to have. Now, we will also be asking questions about their health and travels in regard to the Coronavirus to ensure our clients’ health and safety is of utmost importance. Don’t play with chance by using the dating apps; instead, use our proven, confidential matchmaking services. Schedule a complimentary consultation with 1 True Match to see how we can help you get in the dating game and find a partner you can trust!
