Before COVID-19 escalated, dating was a game of good and bad. Some people held positive experiences, and others… not so much. Now due to this pandemic, dating may have become a little more difficult for those trying to cuddle up for the fall and upcoming winter. A few Capital students give their insight on dating during this time of change.
Isabel Jimenez, senior psychology and criminology double-major, went into the pandemic involved in a long-term relationship with senior Hunter Knipp, business management major with a minor in marketing. They have not gone on many dates since the beginning of the pandemic due to the possibility of contracting the virus and due to both of Knipp’s roommates being immunocompromised. They had to take more precautions out of respect for his roommates’ health and their own. However, Jimenez has struggled with stress since the start of the pandemic.
“It’s been a little stressful for us because we are constantly in the house–it’s been boring going day to day doing the same thing,” Jimenez said.
Despite the boredom, Jimenez and Knipp have made efforts here and there to keep life interesting. They have done activities such as cook a new dinner and watch a new movie together, or go on a coffee run together through a drive-through.
“These little dates are nice because we are getting out of the house and doing something new(ish),” Jimenez said.
Fortunately, Jimenez believes that this pandemic has not taken a toll on their relationship.
Allie Saulnier, third-year education and intervention specialist major, has experienced dating during COVID-19 a little differently. She went into the pandemic single, and found that dating during the pandemic was nonexistent for a while. The method that she used trying to meet people was using a few dating apps, however, she only met one guy between March and August. She found it difficult to actually go out on dates, especially when everything shut down.
“There just weren’t many options in regards to actual dates. No restaurants for a while, no movies, no going out for drinks…just meeting up at someone’s house. And when you meet someone on an app, hanging out at their house isn’t the safest option. I feel like that played a huge part in the dating game,” Saulnier said.
However, more establishments have been opening up lately, making dating perhaps more accessible.
“Being back at school has made it easier and more accessible to date. Dinners, bars, and more neutral locations have made it easier and more comfortable getting back into the dating scene,” Saulnier said.
Carly Woolwine, senior criminology and sociology double-major, gives her alternative insight on dating during the pandemic. Woolwine does not believe dating during the pandemic is a good idea, let alone hanging out with people in general. She has taken the virus very seriously, and dating is not her top priority.
“I get really apprehensive because I don’t know where people have been, how safe they’ve been and if they take the quarantine seriously,” Woolwine said.
However, she is not completely opposed to talking to people and getting to know people. She has used dating apps such as Tinder and Hinge, and has even met some cool people. She has still found it difficult to use these apps.
“It’s been difficult because some people take it seriously and others do not- they just want to meet up and have sex, which is not the smartest move right now,” Woolwine said.
As time has gone on, she has found herself becoming more open with dating. However, she still has her reservations about meeting new people unless she truly sees a connection.
Whether someone is in a relationship or not, dating has been shown to be different for everyone, especially during this transition. However, Capital students have discovered that dating during a pandemic can be quite diverse. Whether it is making dinner and watching a movie with a significant other, or swiping right and left on Tinder, the dating scene is still alive and well during a pandemic.
