Candee Annaud, author of Love in the Time of Corona -- Your Guide to "Safe" and Fun Fantasies provided answers to your questions...

1. How are people thinking about dating?

Early on, many single people simply stopped dating. The initial Covid scare and the "self-sheltering" policies put too much caution in their hearts. It seemed easy enough, because no one expected this thing to go on for months.

As things lingered, single people began feeling isolated and lonely. So, most singles I know at least dipped their toe into the singles waters again. However, it's a new world and no one leaped into meeting. Many single friends relied more than ever on online dating just to meet new people, which leads to your second question:

2. Will we see people moving more slowly because they are hesitant to meet in person?

Yes, people have to move slowly. Now that some states are lifting restrictions on small businesses, people can go out. But much like HIV's impact on sexual practices, Covid-19 requires people to step back (especially the most vulnerable of the population) and change their dating methods. Perhaps meeting in person requires new agreements. Maybe like HIV, you might have to get practical and do what businesses are doing, taking your temperatures before you meet. Maybe ask for the results of antibody tests if the person had the virus. It's not romantic, but it's safe.

3. Are they afraid to spend a second wave alone if they were single the first time?

This boils down to human behavior. Some people are just fine being alone regardless of a virus. Other people can't take their own company no matter what is going on. Anything driven by fear is never a good choice. Going out and finding a partner just because you're afraid to be alone in the second wave, doesn't seem like good common sense. Using that as a basis to find someone only means you get to be stuck "alone" with an unsuitable partner. How does that sound? Better than being alone?

5. What does the future of dating look like?

One would like to think the virus will force people to slow down and get to know each other better. However, human nature is human nature. We need other people, it's how we're built. So... this segues to your final question...

6. Do people just want a hookup or do they want a serious relationship?

Some people are just going to ignore everything and hook up--a virus isn't going to stop them. Others aren't going to hook up because that's not what they like doing. People seeking serious relationships will continue to look for someone. It's put a wrinkle in the dating world, but soon fear fades and basic needs prevail.

Candee Annaud
Love in the Time of Corona

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