Besides its negative effects on our physical health, it is fair to say that Covid-19 has also had a significant impact on our social lives. It has created a new normal which we all have to adapt to; whether we are in a romantic relationship or we are single. Hopefully, these lessons learned in life will help us cope during these trying times.
- Being single during Covid-19
It is fair to say that this pandemic has not left anyone unaffected, and that includes single people. In fact, one might even argue that single people have had a pretty tough time compared to others. Being single, social distancing alone in your home, without knowing when all this is going to end, is quite stressful. Probably more so, if your New Year’s resolutions were to get out more and meet that special someone. You obviously can’t head to a bar or restaurant because they are most likely closed, or most people are staying home.
We are all in this together, and so we all need to find ways to cope with the situation, even if they are not ideal. These days, the safest way to meet someone new is through dating apps or websites. You can also go on virtual dates through video chat apps like Zoom and WhatsApp. Or how about you reconnect with some old friends? Being single and alone in your house does not necessarily mean you need to be lonely. There are lots of creative ways to connect with people without meeting them in person.
- Dating during Covid-19
In and of itself, dating can often be a complicated experience even during the best of circumstances. This certainly becomes trickier during a pandemic in which lots of precautions, such as social distancing and mask-wearing, need to be observed to ensure your safety. Just thinking about all these measures, can deter some people from dating. The same can’t be said for everyone though. So, what can you do to lower your Covid-19 risks while dating?
You have probably heard this a thousand times already, but it’s worth mentioning – it is recommended you avoid close contact with anyone you are not living with to reduce your risks of infection. That said, if you are not already living in the same house with your partner, then you should consider having e-dates. While virtual dates might not be ideal, they are the safest option to stay in touch with your partner. However, if you feel like you really need to see your partner, then choose an outdoor location for your meeting and make sure you are both wearing masks and social distancing.
- Sex during Covid-19
Before getting to sexual activities during this pandemic; it is important to remember that being in close contact (within 6 feet or 2 metres) with an infected person exposes you to the virus that causes Covid-19. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. This means you can get the virus when you kiss an infected person or just by being in close proximity to that person.
Is the virus sexually transmitted? A number of studies have been carried out to date that have shown the presence of the virus in the semen of infected people, or people who are recovering from the disease. However, there is currently no evidence to show that it can be sexually transmitted. That said, in order to reduce your risks of infection, you should avoid any physical contact with someone you are not living with. Can you have sex with someone who has tested negative and is not living with you? Your best bet would be to avoid intimate contacts altogether with anyone you are not living with, because the virus is highly infectious.
Human connection certainly plays an important role in our mental health, and in our lives in general. However, we really need to take serious precautions by incorporating these lessons learned in life, considering the current threat to our physical health.
25 Comments
D'Gauntlett · August 28, 2020 at 12:27 pm
COVID-19 is truly a DISRUPTOR of life and love. A few days ago I told a friend that based on the fact that so many, many people are walking around with this disease in their bodies, unaware because there are no symptoms, means one thing for me. No more DATING. Yes, human connection is very important, as noted above, but the deadly CONSEQUENCES are NOT worth the RISKS. Just imagine meeting someone and sitting there the whole time having a meal or drinks and wondering if he/she is a carrier? Then at the end of the evening you wave goodbye because of distancing. That sounds stressful. Until something changes, and nobody knows when, I will happily discard all thoughts of Dating and continue with my Oneness.
duppydomTEAM · September 6, 2020 at 4:56 am
D’Gauntlett, thank you very much for your insightful comments. The anxiety of this stressful situation is common to many people right now. And you are right, people are constantly sizing up other people, trying to determine if perhaps they have the coronavirus. Obviously, this does not bode well for meeting or setting up a date with someone. We are all hoping and praying that good news regarding Covid-19 is right around the corner. In the interim, oneness can be a beautiful thing 💃💖
Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:53 pm
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S. Jakes · August 28, 2020 at 10:48 pm
duppydomTEAM – What a title! Well, I am quarantining with my boyfriend and my parents. My boyfriend and I are in a weird situation. We are dating but we are not going outside to go on dates. Even though we live together, we are not having sex, because my parents are right here in the house and it’s their house. When my boyfriend and I moved in, we didn’t think the quarantine would last this long and we weren’t really thinking about the sex situation. We probably should of thought about this more. Thank you, duppydomTEAM. What interesting choice of topics 👏
duppydomTEAM · September 6, 2020 at 4:56 am
S. Jakes – thank you. You might be surprised to know that you and your boyfriend are not the only couple living together who are not having sex 😮 Many married couples and couples who are dating and living together are not having sex. The fear is that even if couples are living together, one or both must venture outdoors for a variety of reasons (e.g., work), and s/he could contract the coronavirus – so to play it safe, they are refraining from sex. Glad to know that you like the article topic.
Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:54 pm
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Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:53 pm
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Amara Kone · August 29, 2020 at 6:24 pm
Interesting article. Well unfortunately/fortunately I am not doing any of these things. From what I see around me, I am in the minority, but I am in no rush to date or have sex during a pandemic. From where I sit, all of this defies logic. Why would you go to a bar, meet someone, take them home and have sex with them during the most contagious virus known to mankind? For now, talking to my friends online is all I need.
duppydomTEAM · September 6, 2020 at 4:55 am
Amara, thank you very much for your comments. Dating and/or having sex during the pandemic are personal choices. Your reasoning is not without logic, but some don’t see it that way; particularly young people. Put it this way, just talking to your friends online, greatly increases your chance of coming out of the pandemic safe and healthy 😷🌼
Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:54 pm
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Bruce Peters · August 29, 2020 at 10:04 pm
So, we are going there – I have a girlfriend, but we do not live together. We don’t date like we used to; we mostly spend time together at my house. Because we live apart and don’t know how each of us protects our self from the virus, we have discussions about this all the time. Yes, we do have sex. Probably more than we did before, because now we are both working from home. I assume because we are not living together, we are throwing caution to the wind.
duppydomTEAM · September 6, 2020 at 4:55 am
Bruce, thank you for sharing your comments. As you indicated, perhaps you are throwing caution to the wind, but, ultimately, it’s your choice. And of course, you and your girlfriend can take precautions when you do have sex. You might be interested in knowing what the experts say is safe and not safe 🥰 when having sex during COVID-19.
Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:55 pm
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Amie Warwick · August 30, 2020 at 5:18 pm
Hi duppydom – when I started reading the article, I burst out laughing. You would not believe how many people ask my husband and I if we have sex. This is something that so many people are curious about, and the answer is “yes”. We live together and both of us do not have the coronavirus so why wouldn’t we? Although, we do have friends who are married (or not married but living together) who do not have sex. Maybe it boils down to how much you trust your partner. We also go on real dates all the time. Most of Montreal and Old Montreal are open, so we are constantly out and about. Not everyone does, but people wear masks and social distance, and in some places, masks are mandatory. Life is finally getting back to normal.
duppydomTEAM · September 6, 2020 at 4:53 am
Amie – your comments are greatly appreciated. Given the dangers of the coronavirus, whether couples (living together or not) are having sex is a curiosity for many. “It boils down to how much you trust your partner” – is a very prudent way to approach this decision 💑 Glad to know that you and your husband are out and about and dating again. Montreal is a beautiful city and I am sure there are lots of places to go on your dating excursions.
Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:56 pm
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Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:56 pm
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Lisa Steffler · August 31, 2020 at 12:34 am
The coronavirus has brought on a new normal, that’s for sure. I do feel sorry for young people in general – their lives are much more disrupted than for older folks like me. I can’t imagine what it must be like for them trying to date and have sex during this time (even though they shouldn’t be having unmarried sex). I do know that some young people still go to parties and do things they shouldn’t. I don’t see why they would take this unnecessary risk. My husband and I obviously live together, and we do go on the occasional date; wearing masks and all. This time is a bit hard on everyone’s relationship. Thank you for discussing the topic. God bless.
duppydomTEAM · September 6, 2020 at 4:53 am
Thank you, Lisa. You are right – young people, particularly the single ones, are probably having a more difficult time with the coronavirus. And as you alluded to, they are probably also taking more risks, when it comes to dating and sex. Glad to know that you are taking precautions when you are out on a date with your husband 😷
Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:57 pm
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Nadine Wu · August 31, 2020 at 3:37 am
duppydom – my life is pretty sad right now. I am single, not dating and because of the coronavirus, I have no prospects. By no means am I a social butterfly (just the opposite), but I have never used online dating – everybody just lies about themselves. I am basically working from home, working out from home, occasionally going for a run or a walk outside, chatting online with friends, and I visit my parents on occasion – that’s it – my life. As far as sex goes, I am sure you can guess how that’s going. Like I said, my life is sad.
duppydomTEAM · September 6, 2020 at 4:53 am
Nadine – we appreciate your comments. Perhaps a better way to think of your life is that it is on hold right now. You, along with most, are living the quarantine lifestyle at the moment. But the positive news is that you are not completely house-bound. Hopefully, there will be some good news within the next few months, and you and your friends can start venturing further outdoors 💃💃
Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:57 pm
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Adaego M. Azi · September 19, 2020 at 11:52 pm
duppydomTEAM – I’m going to assume that I am in the same situation as a lot of unmarried couples. We don’t live together, and we are not having sex. I have to go to work during the week and I take the bus. So, sometimes I don’t get off near my house and I will meet my boyfriend. Just so you know, I am terrified of catching the coronavirus, so our meetings involve a mask and social distancing. Our meetings are not romantic, and we even fight over this – but it’s the way it has to be for now.
duppydomTEAM · September 28, 2020 at 6:58 am
Adaego, we appreciate your comments. I know of a few couples in your situation and they also fight about lack of romance/sex. Interestingly, it always seems to be the female in the relationship who wants to be cautious. Your last point is important. If you are not comfortable having sex during the coronavirus then you shouldn’t feel pressured to do so. Sooner or later “something’s gotta give” and there will be good news regarding COVID-19 🎈