The pandemic is turning me off! Any single people stopped dating completely?

[Lucia23]

I broke up with someone shortly before the pandemic so I spent the lockdowns alone. That was tough a lot of the time but a godsend the rest of the time.

I haven't been on any dates since the pandemic began. Even now that I'm double vaccinated, I'm torn. On the one hand I miss the intimacy, connection and frankly the sex. I'll be 30 soon and I feel like life is starting to pass me by.

And yet...I find the pandemic a turn off! Even the thought of kissing someone not knowing if they have covid or not grosses me out. I've had moments of being ocd in the past but nothing OTT like this. Would never have given it a thought during flu season.

I told myself I'd get out there by autumn but now cases are rising again, loads of people I know have covid and my double vaxxed friend's uncle died from it last night. Am I being rightly cautious or do I just need to get back out there?

This might be raging on for years so I like just get back out there. Do it in a way you feel comfortable such as a takeaway coffee and a walk or some drinks in a beer garden etc

I've stopped dating because I met someone...

Tbh I'm not sure what to say. You're vaccinated, female and young - very, very unlikely to have a bad time with Covid even if you catch it. Maybe meet people outside for now until you can gauge whether you want to spend more time with them?

@ClaudiaWinkleHam @PermanentTemporary outside dates might be a good start. Even going on one date might get me over the first hurdle. I think it's been so long since I've been on a date, I worry about it.

I think the other reason for feeling this way is it has become much more difficult to meet men organically. I had a few hobby groups before: one is all women (hopeless for meeting men!), another still hasn't started up again, and the last I might have more success, we'll see.

I haven't heard good things about online dating, especially Tinder - although it seems the easiest way to dip my toe back in. I did meet one ex on plenty of fish but I'm not sure I'd recommend it!

@PermanentTemporary true but I'm a secondary carer to my grandmother so I feel I so need to keep her in mind.

Hinge is quite fun, maybe try that. Or there are dating sites linked to specific interests sometimes. I'm perhaps too comfortable with online dating!

There is going to be a surge of cases as schools go back - bear that in mind - don't be freaked out by it, in my view it isn't a reason to change plans among the older age groups. Tbh you don't have to meet hundreds of men, you'd probably have more exposure to infection risk for you and your grandmother from a single train journey.

I second Hinge. I met my OH through the app and it’s far more laid back & easier to start a convo than the cold abruptness of bumble/tinder.

Good luck & have some fun!