Hey, you! Yes, you! Remember last year when were able to go out and meet people at a bar? Ah, the good old days. Now, thanks (but really no thanks), to COVID-19, the chances of meeting anyone this year IRL are super low. So, how are you supposed to ~find love~ in the era of quarantining? Dating is still exists; it just looks different. Try these tips to find a boo this year that are certified COVID safe, effective, and worth a try until we can date like it’s 2019 again.

Use Dating Apps

To literally nobody’s surprise (I really hope), dating apps have been the best way to find a significant other, especially during a pandemic. Dating apps not only allow you to screen potential suitors to see if they’ve been COVID-safe, but if they’re worth seeing at all. Before, meeting someone for drinks was pretty low-risk and going on first dates was an easy way to weed out who actually had potential. Clearly, we can’t do that anymore. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, JSwipe and Hinge are going to be where you’ll actually “meet” anyone right now, so get those thumbs ready to swipe it out.

Video Chat

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but FaceTime and Zoom dates are the new normal. I can’t lie to you and pretend that having these dates are ideal, but we need to accept that that’s what we’re working with. To make the most out of what is most likely an awkward scenario, put on some chill music or head to everyone’s favourite room in the house instead: the kitchen. You can have a “date” over some drinks (even if it’s just a Diet Coke or a tea) or order in from the same restaurant for a dinner date.

Go on Physically Distanced Dates

With most places in the world going back into lockdown as a result of the second wave, it’s difficult to really go anywhere. If FaceTime dates aren’t your thing, you can go on a walk with your new crush…as long as you stay six feet apart and respect each other’s boundaries. The only thing worse than a really bad date, is a really bad date that ends with one of you giving the other COVID, so make sure you’re asking each other questions like if they’ve experienced COVID-19 symptoms and all that fun stuff. If you’re unable to physically distance properly, make sure you can wear a mask or other face covering. Remember, we’re still in a global pandemic.

Love Yourself

This is the last tip on the list, and as cheesy as it sounds, it really is great advice, so listen the fuck up, boys and girls. In the words of a true queen, RuPaul, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” I mean, it’s easier said than done, but still. Self-love can come in many forms—you can take a bath, light candles, eat your favourite food, or masturbation. It’s all about what makes YOU feel good. Living through a global pandemic can be incredibly stressful so it’s incredibly important to take care of yourself. Additionally, by showing yourself love, you’ll set the tone for how others to treat you.

So, there we have it. Finding love is still possible this year, despite the world actually being on fire.

Images: Giphy