In-Person Meetings for Online Daters During COVID?

During the pandemic, lots of folks have moved their socializing outside to maintain the 6 feet of distance medical experts recommend. But can this apply to that first get-together for singles in the online dating world?

A coach colleague of mine who is using Internet dating right now thinks it can.

She says she's been meeting in person with the different men she's contacted on the dating sites after email exchanges, phone conversations, and video chats. How? By arranging social distance walks, outdoor picnics, and bike rides--all the while keeping a safe distance away. 

Meeting in person, of course, is the only way to figure out whether you're attracted to someone. So it's a critical step in the online dating process.

If you aren't high risk for COVID-19 yourself and aren't caring for or living with an elderly person or anyone else who is, you might feel comfortable doing this. My colleague lives alone and works from home, so she doesn't come into contact with a lot of people in general. 

I know plenty of of folks (myself included) who currently do feel OK about venturing out for activities in the outdoors such as meeting a friend for a walk or eating at an outdoor restaurant (wearing masks and staying a safe distance apart), so this might be something to consider. 

I could see the value in it for online daters who have established a rapport with someone electronically and then want to meet to verify that there's mutual attraction and an easy flow of conversation "in the real world" (2 of the primary factors for determining whether you two will go any further in getting to know each other). 

I know I always feel a little more relaxed when I'm outside, and conversation while walking is sometimes easier because you aren't face-to-face with a stranger as you would be in coffee shop or bar (typical for first meetings with online prospects). As my coach colleague says, "There's less pressure to make something happen. Things can unfold in a more natural rhythm."

Anthropologist and researcher Helen Fisher, PhD, concurs. She says the pandemic has forced daters to slow things down, so they're taking more time to get to know people via email/phone/video chat and not moving too quickly to become intimate.

What's your opinion? Would you try an outdoor meeting with a new dating prospect? Why or why not? I'd love it if you would drop me a line and let me know what you think!   gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com