Okay, in 2016, I wrote this blog post Modern Day Dating (just click that to read the 2016 article before scrolling through this post…Well, might give you a refresher.)

In 2021, in the middle of pandemic where no one can even travel a few miles away from home or dine out, are the ones in my previous list still holds their stand or do we have a new version of New Normal Dating?

During pandemic, dating apps were getting famous again; Tinder, Bumble & Hinge are actually saved on my phone (Not proud but….yes.) What really happens when you’re single during a pandemic? For what I have seen in the internet for the past few months, people (not only single ones) learned how to cook, bake, plant and even make soap & candles; but most of all, they did Tiktok (A video app that showcases musical, comedy acting and dancing talents) and since it was a lockdown situation all over the world ,any couples have tried doing the tiktok and showing the world how lonely singles are in their homes. Yes, you all deserve to hear that coz I know, you’ve been watching with envious eyes while they do sweet stuff in their videos.

So let’s go back to the real deal here, the million dollar question is…how can singles find love in the middle of the pandemic using the internet and other dating apps? I have listed some few points for the New Normal Dating;

Dating Apps are not yet an old news. Now that we have established that no one can interact in person, the new normal, well, we may refuse to believe it but yes, it still involves the very large pool of dating apps. Admit it or not, at some point, you or one of your friends or colleagues have engaged into having a dating app profile. Although you are not expected to flaunt it everywhere but during this new normal, it is easier for someone to swipe right than to go out and engaged with a eyeball or meet ups.

Paired up by friends of friends. Well, this is a traditional ‘by word of mouth’ introduction. It is when your friends try to set you up with their other single friends but since it’s still pandemic, and your friends will mostly do the talking. They’re going to share your Facebook profile to their single friends and the other party will add you and basically the conversation will start from a WAVE. Just make sure you got one of the best marketer friends coz your dating life might depend on how they show you off with their other friends.

Online Classes. Yes, I know that sounded weird but I had a friend who recently found a date during her online class. She said that while having class, one of the student just ping her and then everything is history. So if you are planning to attend a zoom class, be prepared and get that comb and lip gloss working oz there might be someone who will be smitten with the way you look or the way you wear your fancy top and pajamas at the same time.

Online Shopping/Delivery. Have you heard of a delivery guy falling in love with the girl whom he’s been delivering packages to? Well, I’ve heard about it and I’m thinking it was a little weird for a meet cute but it’s actually cool since it’s pandemic. Let’s just say you’re lucky if the delivery guy is single and friendly, maybe you could get your deliveries faster in the future too!

Game Streams/Gaming Community. Many people are now engaging to multi-player games online in which you can interact with other players by video chat, voice chat or text chat. I’ve learned that there are more singles changing status to in a relationship after meeting the guy/girl while they play the same game in the same team or as opponents.

Since we have established some points on how you will meet dates online, let’s talk about how you will date in the new normal…

Restaurant dates and meet ups. Nowadays, being in lockdown is not that strict just like last year. Many precautions are now followed for people to be able to wine and dine in restaurants but mostly 30% only of the full capacity is allowed so you need to find a restaurant with reservation or a little secluded to be able to avoid crowds. Make sure you have a negative PCR Result (both you and your date) before you even meet so that it will be safe for you to be around each other without worrying of getting covid.

Facetime dinner dates. Video calling is now very in; especially because not everyone can go out of the house. A scheduled facetime call can also become romantic if you spice things up by preparing the same food, getting the same wine and list of topic to talk about while eating. You can also change the dinner to some steamy wine and bath time, just if you got a bathtub to hang in.

Change up delivery food. Well, this one is new but with all the delivery apps, I’m sure you could surprise your partner or the person that you are currently virtually dating to a feastful dinner or lunch or even snack. You can also exchange dishes; you order for him/her and then the other party will order back for you…isn’t that fun?

Virtual movie marathon. Yes, there are screen-sharing apps too. You can use that one as well to be able to watch classic movies or even the latest series that you both love.

Well, I know there’s so much more to add in the list and I bet you got some in mind too. Let’s just say the new normal has been getting into us slowly. We may not be getting use to it but we’re getting there. But whether it’s a virtually dating or relationship, you have to be cautious too. You have to be aware of the possibility that the person you are trying to chat with online is maybe a catfish or toying you only. There’s nothing much to say about it but only to trust yourself and never give vulnerability even online.

Readers, I will be announcing a big leap soon! I hope you stay tuned too!

Enjoy reading!