THE POST PANDEMIC DATING SCENE: WILL IT EVER BE THE SAME?
Dinner at home, going for a walk, bird watching, staycation or watching a movie at home (with social distancing of course). Dating looked completely different during the pandemic. But what does dating look like today? Will 'I'm Vaccinated’ become the Summer of 2021 Pickup Line hit? Read here whether dating will suddenly look very different post-pandemic, or whether we turn out to be creatures of habit and hardly anything has changed.
We've swiped a worn-out thumb during the past year: Hinge, Bumble, Tinder, Happen, Feelds or Grindr, there’s something for everyone. The desire to meet each other in real life is greater than ever and the apps can be left aside for a moment as we head back into restaurants, bars, museums, gyms and eventually clubs again to meet your Romeo or Juliet.
So will virtual dating disappear? An article from the New York Times shows that vaccinated singles in particular have the greatest desire to meet again in person. However, a study by clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz of the book "How to be happy and single" shows that people are more focused on themselves and have a clear vision of what they want after a hard year. This results in the fact that people prioritize inner qualities and something like a growing mindset more than features such as height and wealth. Don’t panic, the founders of Hinge and Tinder think it’s here to stay (obviously). They reported that 40 – 65 percent of the users said that they will continue chatting online or having video dates before meeting in person.
As you read, there are different views on what dating will look like in 2021. The good news is that Summer is just around the corner and you can make your own plan for what works best for you. Are you more of an outdoor person who likes to meet directly in real life? Go for it! Rather waiting for Cupido behind your screen. Go for it!
THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A POST-PANDEMIC SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
After being inside for months, the moment is finally here... we’re ready to rumble! The agendas are filling up again and holiday planning can be resumed. Did you just realise that you actually enjoy being allowed to stay indoors and do solo activities? No problem, we have listed the advantages of how social gatherings have their advantages for your mental health - get back out there and mingle :)
HEALTHY BRAIN To keep your brain happy and healthy, research has clearly shown that having regular social interaction and meaningful relationships are of great importance. Too much me-time or social isolation turns out to contribute to higher chances of anxiety, depression, weak immune system and cognitive decline. To maintain a social brain the trick is to maintain old relationships and build new ones (in real life). However, go for quality above quantity, rather go for one or two really strong bonds than a whole football team of ‘good friends.
BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Hit the dance floor whenever you can. It’s the perfect way to connect with people and put a smile on your face while brushing the dust off some dance moves. We all know that a good party once in a while makes you feel good. It’s a more extreme form of socializing but being around others in this environment gives you the opportunity to focus on something else than yourself; music and the energy of those around you can be contagious. Having a spontaneous conversation with someone you’ve never met allows you to practice your inner boldness, this will release endorphins, reducing stress and giving your immune system a great boost.
INCREASES PHYSICAL HEALTH You are eager to get back into your cycle class and look around you with the class completely full and your heart rate pumping.. you look at your neighbor and feel empowered, sound familiar?? Being around people working towards the same goal will keep you motivated and engaged. Riding off each other’s energy plays a huge role in group classes, social, healthy and a tonne load of fun! Win!
