On NBC Today in LA, I was a guest with Daniella Guzman and Jonathan Gonzalez to talk about quarantine love and Dating in the Age of COVID-19: How to Find Love in a Pandemic.
I explained why dating is a hot topic in a pandemic, and where singles originally pushed the pause button; Not anymore.
Here’s an excerpt from our interview.
Daniella: The pandemic has put a hold on a lot of things, including dating, in person. Singles are heading to dating apps and websites to meet new people.
Jonathan: Dating is hard enough as it is. Have you seen more people turning to dating apps during this time?
Julie: I have. As a matter of fact, the numbers have really skyrocketed! I have an ongoing poll on my site, DatingintheAgeofCOVID19.com, with the question, how has COVID-19 changed your dating life?
The majority, 83% said they were looking for a meaningful relationship more than ever, with less than 3% looking to hook up.
Daniella: So how does this work? You start with a Zoom meeting, and what’s your suggestion on how this works to date during the pandemic?
Julie: We do go in stages, and I’m a big fan of virtual dating. I created something called the Dress Rehearsal, where I actually go on “mock date” with people to get them ready for their date.
I check their lighting and what they’re wearing. As you can see I’m wearing red, and red pops on a video video date.
We start slowly, with the first date being just a virtual drink. So I suggest bringing something bubbly, and putting on something that you’d wear if you were going to meet for happy hour, and do come with a happy face.
Daniella How can people stay safe if they do choose to finally make that next step and meet in person?
Julie: Right now, I’m not recommending meeting in person. I believe you’re better off safe at home, having virtual dates and doing fun thing for each other; sending deliveries.
I know some people send Venmo payments so they can pick up the tab from for their date’s dinner from their favorite restaurant.
Do things that are actually fun. Take a painting class together.
Start thinking about things you might want to do when the coast is clear to meet up in person.
Daniella: It can get really lonely. This is a really good way, if not anything, to make a new friend as well. But, there are risks involved, always.
How can users make sure the person they’re talking to is the same person as their profile pictures. Does it make it more difficult when you don’t see that person?
Julie: This, Daniella, is the reason I believe in virtual dates. Whether you’re using Skype or Zoom or FaceTime, here’s an opportunity to make sure that someone’s not a “catfish.’ If their profile photos look a certain way, and then you get on a date or hop on a call, and they’re not recognizable, well, they’re probably hiding a lot more than just old photos.
Jonathan: Thank you Julie Spira for joining us today. You can find Julie on Instagram @JulieSpira and on her website at CyberDatingExpert.com.
Julie Spira is America's Top Online Dating Expert. She's an award-winning dating coach who's been helping singles find love online for 25+ years. Follow @JulieSpira on IG.
