This guest post, written by Lynlee Duquet, offers tips for making the most of dating in a socially-distanced era. Lynlee Duquet is a junior at Wayne State University, studying psychology. Lynlee is passionate about mental health and helping others. She is excited to continue her education post bacc and hopes to one day have a career in the field.

Let’s come into 2021 better prepared to tackle the whole “socially distanced,” responsible dating scene. It has been tricky to navigate meeting new people and dating with the threat of a contagious disease looming at every turn. Although, it is important to stay positive that things will eventually return to normalcy; here are a few tips to get us through the next few months. 

During these times when we are feeling lonely it's a bit more of a challenge to meet people. No matter how bleak things look, prevent falling into the infamous ex trap. You might be thinking who better during a global pandemic when connections are limited than someone who you are already familiar with! It’s easy, no pressure --and is bound to end in disaster. We all know that never works out how we wanted it, and it usually leaves us feeling worse than before. It is a very dangerous relapse. So keep your gaze forward and don’t look back!

When gearing up to get your dating game started, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You can’t expect to have a dating life if you're not willing to be open to the current dating landscape. Don’t fear dating apps. It can feel a little strange getting on there for the first time, as we have all heard the stories of freaks and major fails. There has never been a better time to do it. There are benefits of dating during a pandemic; there is no pressure to leave the comfort of your home to meet anyone until you know it’s really worth it. You have many phases to go through until you decide to go face to face. You can hit text, Snapchat and FaceTime before even considering going out. Plus,  you are sure to see people you know IRL on the apps, even some that you don’t expect to. So anyway it goes, it will surely be entertaining.

 Go into a new fling with no intention to judge or with any specific idea of what the other person will be in your head and you can’t be disappointed. Come at it with an open heart and be ready to take in what is here. Never settle and know what you deserve from another person no matter how casual it may be.  

There are so many reasons why we should feel confident in dating. But regardless of what genders you’re interested in dating, women haven’t typically been socialized to initiate contact. It’s time to change that. Let’s normalize people of all genders shooting their shot.

Remember not to qualify yourself through the success or lack of success you have in the dating world. See the beauty in yourself and those who are worthy will come! Set yourself up for success and when you love yourself and are content with that, you will never fail. But why not spice it up, new relationships are fun! Stay hopeful and good luck! 

Written by Lynlee Duquet