Online dating is hard enough when all is well in the world. Now that there’s a public health crisis that requires social distancing measures, the process of finding someone special or even just socializing on dating services is even more challenging. After all, it’s hard to close the deal with an actual, in-person date when you have to stay six feet apart. 

There’s good news, though. Online dating in the midst of the pandemic isn’t impossible—it just requires a little change of perspective and some imagination. Fortunately, we have some online dating tips to make navigating the online dating world in the age of coronavirus a bit less intimidating. 

Use A Little Dark Humor to Your Advantage

Humor has always been attractive to members of the opposite sex, whether online or in person. This may just be the one thing COVID-19 hasn’t changed. While it may seem macabre to crack one-liners about a global pandemic, it’s a strategy that could just pay off with a little luck and the right audience. 

It’s really not all that unusual. Finding something to laugh about in a less-than-rosy situation is a common coping mechanism and has been for some time. Think about it–we’ve all heard the saying, “sometimes, you have to laugh to keep from crying.” Well, the adage may be truer now than it’s ever been before. Some psychologists even recommend using humor as a way to lessen fear during these scary times. 

A few witty online daters have even created fake dating accounts for the coronavirus itself while socializing on dating services. This pseudo-profiles lists Wuhan, China as the dater’s location and cites turn-offs like masks and goggles. It’s not everyone’s speed, but it is proof that there are people out there willing to be light-hearted about a bleak reality. 

Many online daters are also using the coronavirus as a way to get creative with pick-up lines. Although cringe-worthy for sure, this strategy may just help your match smile through an otherwise grim situation. And that means brownie points for you! 

Need some ideas for making light of the pandemic? Try some of the following COVID-19 pick-up lines floating around on dating apps: 

• You can’t spell “virus” without “U” and “I.”

• I saw you from across the bar. Stay there. 

• You smell good. Is that Purell you’re wearing?

• Want to get closer than six feet?

• That mask brings out the beauty in your eyes. 

If you can think of an original pick-up line related to the pandemic, that’s even better. Don’t worry if it’s cheesy—that’s kind of the point!

Take This Time to Develop Emotional Connections

While the novel coronavirus may be keeping us apart physically, it hasn’t stopped us from connecting through online conversations. Don’t know where to start? Read tips on conversation starters to kick off your game. Chatting virtually can be a powerful way to build emotional intimacy. Now that many distractions such as meetings and appointments have been eliminated, you’ll have more time than ever for hour-long conversations that delve below the surface of flirtatious banter or small talk.  

One of the pitfalls many online daters fall into when socializing on dating services is focusing too much on physical connections and not enough on the emotional side of things. Now that social distancing is keeping matches apart physically, there’s never been a better time to foster emotional intimacy with someone you’d like to get to know better. This is particularly true if you’re looking for a long-term relationship or even marriage. 

Of course, this means you’ll need to brush up on your conversation skills. While there’s something to be said for letting the conversation flow, it’s always good to have a back-up plan in case your match is lost for words or keeps resorting back to small talk. 

Learning to ask the right questions is a good place to start. The best approach? Start with topics that aren’t too personal, and ask open-ended questions. After all, you want your match to divulge enough information so that you can get to know them better; a simple “yes” or “no” won’t accomplish this. 

Check for Enhanced Features on Popular Dating Apps

Rest assured the most popular dating sites out there are aware of the impact COVID-19 is having on their users and their business. Like everyone else, they’re doing their very best to keep their heads above water. To do this, they need you to practice not only social distancing but socializing on dating services as well! As a result, these apps are already rolling out new features. 

For example, Match has launched a new hotline called Dating While Distancing to help users stay informed about dating online during the pandemic. Tinder has also made its Passport feature (usually an upgrade) free for a week so quarantined singles can give it a try without financial burden. 

Ask Your Match Out On a Virtual Date

One good thing that has come out of the COVID-19 crisis is that people have had to get creative about all sorts of things. With our normal way of life disrupted, we’ve had to find new ways to accomplish even the most basic tasks like going to work, attending class, and eating out. 

In the age of the coronavirus, dating is another thing that has to be done differently, so don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. For instance, one Tinder match decided to cook together over Skype after meeting online just prior to the pandemic. Take this concept of virtual dating and adapt it to your own interests and personality. Don’t like to cook? Combine DoorDash with Netflix Party for a pandemic-inspired dinner and a movie with your match. 

Don’t Give Up Socializing On Dating Services

As a society, we’ve been forced to give up a lot due to the novel coronavirus. Dating doesn’t have to be one of them, though. And in fact, it shouldn’t be. Isolation can wreak havoc on one’s mental health, so it’s super important that you continue socializing on dating services. It’s free, fun, and will provide you with some much-needed human interaction. Plus, you may just meet that special someone in the midst of all of this chaos and confusion. Think of what a great love story that would make! 

Remember that we’re always here to help. We have tons of online dating tips for you to be on top of your game! Be in the know – browse and read through more articles here.