To touch or not to touch? That is the question during Covid dating.

[thefourgp]

I’ve got a date on Friday. We’re going for a coastal walk. We’ve been messaging online for a few weeks. I came out of a bad 11 year relationship 2.5 years ago and this will be my first date since I’ve been single. How are other people greeting dates amidst Covid? Do you shake hands, a kiss on the cheek, just keep your distance?

Surely you need to keep distance? It's all very odd but you can't kiss a stranger surely??

I am very cautious regarding social distancing, I work from home, always wear a mask in shops etc. But I don’t want to put off dating until they have a coronavirus vaccine because that will probably be another year or two away. I’m not dating lots of different men and it’s not like we’ll be very physical on a first date. I do know what you’re saying about touching a stranger but I also want to feel comfortable with this person.

Then I think it all comes down to a) your approach to risk and b)your approach to rule breaking/following!

At least it gives you something to talk about. When weighed up, l suppose touching a stranger is no different to touching someone you know outside of your own household. Everyone with non live in partners is not going to become asexual.

Take care and l hope the date goes well.

Assuming you're both under 40, and not high risk, touching each other isn't particularly risky - kissing your grandparents or ringing the bell on the bus is far riskier. As with the whole of lockdown, it's a balance. It'll be a good conversation piece at least!

@Leafyhouse

Assuming you're both under 40, and not high risk, touching each other isn't particularly risky - kissing your grandparents or ringing the bell on the bus is far riskier. As with the whole of lockdown, it's a balance. It'll be a good conversation piece at least!

This is not correct as a person can be shedding live virus. The highest risk is person-person and if you touch other people you have higher risk than just being in a room with them.