Alongside learning to enjoy my own company, I am still exploring this new era of online dating that's been forced upon us because of self-isolation. And because of that, virtual dates have boomed.
I for one was a complete skeptic with virtual dating - Fair enough watching TV with someone you know, there's no weirdness or awkward silences because you're familiar in their company. But to video call a stranger just seems like an opportunity to cringe!
I am here to tell you the truth - it really isn't all that bad! If anything, I'm enjoying virtual dating much more than real, in-person dating (maybe that's an exaggeration, but I'll take what I can get right now haha). There seems to be less pressure on a virtual date, for example, not having to worry about travelling, finding the new location you both agreed to meet at or even worrying about being too late or too early. You're online in your home so this makes these previous in-person date dilemmas much easier to manage.
Bush it out on your virtual dates if you like, who's to know! 😏
Also, it's obviously much, much cheaper. You're already paying for Netflix, so when a guy suggests using the Netflix Party app (try it - It's pretty cool!), you're not having to spend 50 euro between you like you normally would for a cinema date and you're still getting the experience of watching something together.
Honestly, I know my dating habits have certainly changed during this time, and if someone told me about virtual dates a few months ago, I would not have seen the benefits. But here's my two cents on the whole thing:
1. They're much more fun than you'd expect - Once you're on a date with someone who isn't shite craic.
2. It's much more relaxed and you can set whatever tone you like - Jammies on the couch or go all out for each other and dress up for a dinner date. Either way, it's totally in your control.
3. They're much better for singles to suss out who they're talking to. Sometimes we can get so sidetracked on the physical and sexual attraction of a person that we're distracted by who they actually are. So spend your time having real conversations and see who can keep your attention the longest. The winner gets the best reward of all - A real in-person date with you! So be picky and don't have your time wasted by anyone.
4. Lastly, I'm sure virtual dates can be better than porn with sexting, bold videos and all the rest because that individual is personally interacting with you directly. But honestly, don't be that person. Keep flirting light and fun and leave the sexting and raunchy side of you for the person you either a) have been dating before the pandemic so you know them well b) have met in person and developed a sense of trust. But do not sext the person have not met yet. You'll have plenty to look forward to when you do. You don't want to be cringing at the thoughts of all those pictures and videos you sent over a few months to strangers just for the "connection" to disappear after a few weeks. Hold onto your value and dignity here. Keep these moments for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now.
But the key piece of advice here? Don't go on virtual dates just for the sake of it. If you've any sense of intuition or emotional intelligence, you'll be able to read people and get a sense of who they are. So trust your instincts. If they're already annoying you in text, do you really want to have that awkward moment on a virtual date involving "Eh, what? Sorry you're breaking up....." *Call ends*. Been there done that, let's not repeat!
Maybe I'm just picky, or lazy, but it takes ALOT for me to want to meet up with someone in person, so maybe these virtual dates will be a new tool for me to suss out who's a worthy contender. Or at least correct their grammar...
Here's to enjoying the new future of dating!
Until next time!
Doey