Well 2020 threw the curveball none of us expected and suddenly we saw our social life dwindle and the idea of making new meaningful connections become even more challenging. We all had to get use to socially distancing ourselves from anyone outside of our family unit for nearly most of the year while getting to grips with Zoom calls and virtual hangouts with friends.
Not ideal when your on the dating scene or have moved to a new city and want to strike up new friendships but not all is lost, there is a glimmer of hope for normality in 2021 even when things feel very up in the air at the moment. The roll-out of the vaccine will have an impact, it may take months to see this impact start to work but it means we can start to look towards the future with a bit more excitement.
2020 did, however, teach us a lot of things, many of us started to prioritise our needs, friendships, our own self-care as well as our time. It's made many aware of what they really want in a partner or friend and have a clearer picture of our needs, likes and dislikes means we can be more direct and hopefully not waste time, which is helpful when you are dipping your toe into the virtual dating pool or trying to find like-minded companions.
Right now could be the perfect time to put feelers out there with the aim to start a budding romance or friendship because while we still have to socially distance for the immediate future it means we have more time to really get to know someone virtually and if anything the pandemic has made dating slower and potential a more meaningful experience, which is key for those truly looking to make a connection with someone.
Slow dating may seem at times frustrating but in the long term, it can be a real positive as it allows you get to build a fairly solid connection before deciding to meet in person. This approach is also great for the older generation who may not be as free and flexible as those with little responsibilities beyond themselves. Making friends or dating is without a doubt harder when you're older as your usually juggling work, parenthood, looking after your home as well as your own needs so finding a like-minded person who fully understands your life commitments is really helpful.
Even if you are not very online savvy 2020 has taught most how to communicate via video chat and social media and when it comes to meeting new people there is an app for everyone, no matter where you are in your life. Most of us would of hear of apps such as Tinder and Bumble but if you are older there are dating sites for over 50's for those looking for both romance and friendship and like other platforms offer it in safe and secure way.
In fact more and more people of all ages are joining apps and websites after 2020 which impacted many who live on their own or come into contact with very few people (which is great in a pandemic but not fantastic for your mental health). So it's not something to be embarrassed about at any age!
So now is the time to be upfront about what you want, be honest about who you are but also be open to talking, listening and making real connections and hopefully meeting up in real life being a reality really soon. Just remember to stay safe (in fact here is a post I've written about staying safe online when making friends or dating), listen to government guidelines and use reputable apps, but most of all have fun because I don't think we have had enough of that over the past year.
