physical distance when dating during pandemic- no touching?

[LilMissRe]

Hi everyone
I have a first date with a gorgeous and seemingly nice guy in a couple of days. I usually greet the European way; couple of cheek kisses and so I don't know how to greet the guy when I meet him under these unusual circumstances. Do I tell him beforehand that I usually greet with cheek kisses but he'll have to settle for a friendly wave instead?

It'll be at a cosy pub/bar for drinks and pre pandemic I would sit close to my date- what do I do this time round?

And what if the date goes really well? Do I just wave goodbye again?

It's all so unnatural and I can't quite get my head around what to do to not put ourselves at risk but at the same time not jeopardise the date as body language and proximity speak volumes

Anyone here went on first dates that can share some advice and wisdom?

I didn't have a first date during the pamdemic, but didn't see my fiamce for 11 weeks and then when we did meet we stuck to social distancing rules, it was bloody awful and very unnatural! However, for a first date I would probably make a bit of a joke about having to distance yourselves so that you both know where you stand, you never know, he might be a stickler for the rules. I certainly wouldn't be kissing a stranger at the moment. Maybe the rules will make the anticipation higher for when you can finally close the gap! Have fun, I'm sure it won't be as awkward as you think

Socially distanced walk one a few month back, I touched his shoulder several times whilst walking side by side.

With the stats this last week or so though...I wouldn't date right now. Im off back into the hermit hole till spring xD

But yeah, maybe just stick to the shoulder squeezes or arm pats at arms length. I mean, it's on top of clothes anyway. It'll convey attraction without being too intrusive.

Been on a few dates. It’s awkward and I feel I may have put some in the friends zone as you can’t flirty touch.

Going on a date tomorrow and we have had the what do we do conversation. I am going on trust. No hugging first date but may if it progresses. We joked it pushes the need to talk about do we date others, as pre covid would of dated few at a time. We both joked it’s old fashioned way of dating as it makes you slow down on physical contact.