This post was created in partnership with Sunny Bay. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!
Seriously, how do you continue dating during the COVID-19 pandemic? Or have sex with someone new? It was difficult enough to find a partner in the ordinary world, but with the pandemic, it seems nearly impossible.
Now you need to practice social distancing, wear masks in crowded places, and accept the fact that most big events have been canceled.
It's no wonder that more singles than ever have turned to online dating apps. But if you absolutely must go on a physical date with someone, it's important to follow the recommended dating guidelines during coronavirus. And this article's here to give you some pointers on that. Sound good? Let's dive in.
Sex and dating during the COVID-19 pandemic is complicated. However, it can be done with these tips.Click To TweetWhat Can You Do On Dates Right Now?
First of all, if you can avoid going out, by all means, stay home.
But here's a secret: meeting someone new is not as bad as it seems. You're crossing people's paths almost every day at the grocery store.
If that doesn't make you anxious about catching the virus, then meeting someone for a nice coffee shouldn't feel that bad.
Let's hope the cafes stay open for now.
Just make sure to bring your face mask to limit the passing or catching of any germs.
Speaking of Face Masks
Lately, my family has been using a cloth face mask by Sunny Bay that is microwavable, washable, and reusable.
This face mask is handmade and comes in three different sizes with two sets of elastic ear loops.
Two Ear Loop Sizes
We absolutely loved being able to choose the ear loop size!
As a family of five, ranging in age from 11 to 94, we have many different sized faces to accommodate. However, having the option to fit the ear loops to a specific person is a must.
This option enabled my husband and son to wear the same sized mask despite my husband being larger.
Once we found the perfect size we just cut the extra loop off!
Contoured Designed
The nose and chin area is contoured for better protection and fit.
While the contour definitely helps close up gaps between the mask and your face, personally, I like to also have a nose clip. Masks, for some reason, often slide up too close to my eyes and bother me without them.
Luckily, it was easy to add a nose clip with just a couple of snips of my scissors and an aluminum nose bridge strip with adhesive.
Be aware though, adding a nose strip, will force you to wear the mask in one direction, whereas without out it you can wear it in either.
Individually Sealed
Each one of these two-layered cloth face masks is individually sealed.
Not like ziplock bag sealed, but like heat-sealed—giving you extra peace of mind.
It's a really great cloth face mask that would be perfect for dating!
But look, if seeing anyone new makes you uncomfortable, then feel free to take your dates online. When doing online dating during coronavirus, ideas like making a Zoom or FaceTime video calls are a great safe alternative to meeting at a bar or restaurant.
You can still dress up for it, but the cool thing is that the drinks are much cheaper.
And What About Having Sex?
The general guidelines for safe sex during COVID-19:
- Even though it's easy to find new mates through online dating sites, it's good to keep the maximum number of partners at two.
- The most important thing is to have an overview of your partners' interactions and how many people they've been in connection with.
- Here's where the face masks really come in handy. Wearing a face covering during sex will stop your respiratory droplets from spreading.
- Needless to say, a mask should be on both partners' faces.
- If possible, do not have orgies. More than two people are simply too many for a sexual experience these days.
How Long After Sex Should You Get Tested For COVID-19?
Here's the thing: testing for coronavirus earlier than five days after the encounter might get you inaccurate results.
The perfect time to get tested is somewhere between five to 14 days.
But remember: the symptoms of coronavirus can take up to two weeks to appear.
Just because you feel fine a week after having sex with a new person doesn't mean you didn't get infected.
Intimate Dating During Coronavirus: Things To Do Other Than Sex
Once you've started dating (online or offline), and things are going great, the next step doesn't have to be necessarily sex.
Here's something intimate to do instead: keep a journal to pass back and forth. And no, we're not talking about a regular journal where you put down things that happened to you during the day.
This journal is for erotic ideas. It's a great way to learn about each other and what each partner would love to do.
Conclusion
How to start dating during COVID-19? The most important thing is to weigh all the risk factors of in-person meetings and modify the dates accordingly.
Give the tips from this article a go and enjoy safe dates during the pandemic. Do that, and you'll keep both your health and love life intact. What could be more important?
How do you approach dating and sex during the pandemic? Leave a comment below; we'd love to hear from you.
I’m still on the lookout for a really comfortable mask and this looks like a good candidate. I like having a choice of ear loops and I like that its contoured around nose and chin. And I’m really happy I’m not looking to date at this point in time!
This face mask is my son’s favorite of all the ones we have!
I don’t like wearing masks but I do, just wish people would wear them correctly. Too many people wear them the wrong way. If the country would have started back in 2019 with the guidelines maybe thing would be better. As far as dating, no thanks. It is hard enough without Covid-19 & having that along with the other diseases plus some mentally unstable people out there is too much.
It annoys my husband so much when people don’t cover their nose with a mask. It’s like why even bother.
I am single but there is just no way I would even think about dating in the midst of covid. Great tips for those who do. I like these masks too.
I agree with you – if I was single right now I don’t think I would be dating during a pandemic. It would probably just stress me out
I understand the importance of the masks but they are definitely not comfortable or friendly to my skin. I have started keeping extras for my whole family in my purse because they are tough to always remember to have with us.
It’s always a good idea to have extra masks these days. We keep several in our glove compartment box
Well, I’m 70 yrs. old, and as far as dating this could be a good thing to find all about the man you are about to date. Hello, what’s your hobbies, what do you do for a living, things he likes and don’t like. Yes, I’m all for this on-line dating and it’s up to the individual exactly what she would like to know and has time to see if the person is telling the truth. Truth is a wonderful thing because if you find a liar it’s very easy to say, “Sorry, I just don’t think I’m ready for dating or I just don’t think we’re compatible. Catch my drift?
I agree. I think online dating is a good thing. It gives people a lot more options and is less stressful
I love wearing a mask. Seriously. I don’t have to wear makeup. My skin is so much clearer. Also, I like people so, I wear a mask.
haha I love that about masks too – it covers my scary face when I don’t wear makeup lol
These masks seem really well made. They sound like they would be more protective & much more comfortable to wear than the disposable daily masks I wear.
The main thing I like about disposable masks are that they seem to be easier to breathe through
I’m tired of these lockdowns and face nonsense. It should have never happened.
2020 has been an interesting year to say the least
I agree with the mandate of wearing masks. I hate wearing them, but I do it.
I feel the same way – you have to think of other people too
I agree with a mask mandate. For those individuals complaining about wearing a mask, maybe you just haven’t found the right mask for you yet! The mask I enjoy wearing the most fits comfortably and doesn’t move when I speak. I suggest people to look around and find a mask that’s right for them!
The great idea! Keep on trying different styles until you find a mask you like
My daughter has gotten used to wearing these. She starts full time school instruction this week and is excited about that.
That’s great! My kids don’t want to go back lol
I am so glad I do not have to navigate the dating world during COVID-19
I’m very glad I’m not dating in 2020 either
Covid19 is still a problem where I live. My family wears a mask every time we go out in public. Some of the masks create irritation wear they rub. The Sunny Bay cloth masks would provide more comfort and greater protection.
I could see some Masks causing irritation for workers that have to wear them all-day. I’m thankful I work at home – masks make me sleepy lol
The medical community has been using masks for years, so why wouldn’t we. Even if for some reason, you don’t think they work, wear them to make others feel better. The division in this country right now is crazy. Masks should not be divisive.
I totally agree. I just wish more people would think of others even if they do not think masks are important
Face Masks are a must in this pandemic to protect others from your aerosalized nasal and mouth secretions. Hand washing is also a means to help prevent the spread of Covid 19. Dating is tricky because you have to know the circle of people the datee has been around to figure out the risk of getting closer than the 6 feet of distance that’s recommended.
Yes dating during the pandemic is very tricky!
Would not want to be dating right now. I will not feel safe until we all have a suppy of medical grade masks.
That’s awesome. How did you come across medical grade face masks?
My family is wearing masks to do our part. I think everyone should do their part and protect each other!
I’m so happy to hear your family is wearing masks
The Sunny Bay cloth masks would be great to have on hand. I like that it has two layers and that you can customize the loops to fit just right. I have a couple of masks that my aunt made, but I like that the Sunny Bay contours better around the face for better protection. I always wear a mask when I go out in public to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to others should I unknowingly be asymptomatic.
I’m so happy to hear you always wear a face mask
Luckily I live in a small county with very few cases. As much as I don’t like wearing a mask I do because I’m always shopping for my elderly parents and would hate to make them sick if I didn’t and happened to unknowingly pass them the virus.
That’s how we are – my 94-year-old grandfather lives with us so we’ve been extra careful during the pandemic
This is awful times times for sure we have a small business and we are suffering because of this but the most important is safety everyone needs to wear a mask so we can get this under control
I’m sorry your business has had a hard time during the pandemic
I stay home as much as I can but when I have to go to the store I always wear a mask. I feel that it’s one thing I can do to try to protect the employees. The virus scares me since I know at least three people that have died from it and I live in a small town.
I’m sorry about the people you have lost during the pandemic!
I think face masks are so important right now. As older parents, we get exposed to a lot of germs from our daughter and her school, we are older and of a high risk group. We want to be here for her, but we need to give her the tools to help us do that.
I’m so glad to hear you think face masks are important!
I have no problem wearing a mask, I hate it but feel that with as much as we know about this virus we don’t know enough to not take some precautions.
To be honest I don’t like wearing a face mask either but I do it because it’s the right thing to do
I love that this masks comes in 3 different sizes with 2 sets of ear loops. We are all going to need masks for several more months so I am excited to find some that sound very effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
I hope covid-19 is only around for a few more months but I fear it will probably be longer than that
Wow, these masks seem to have it all! I love the different size ear loops! When Covid first started last spring, I never thought it would be around this long. Hoping it doesn’t get worse with the cold wonter weather!
I know what you mean – winter probably doesn’t mean good things for the pandemic and face mask will be all the more important
I think if everyone wore masks there is a good chance we could get rid of this virus.
I totally agree — people just need to get in and wear face mask in public
I love the fact that the earloops are adjustable. It makes it best because then you only have to purchase one size for many different members of the family.
These face masks also come in different sizes but being able to choose between two different ear loops is a great Perk
I think we should wear mask. Anything that might help control the spread of this virus. When we go out we wear mask.
I’m so glad you wearing a face mask when you leave the house. More people need to do that
Because I know Covid is widespread everywhere, I wear a mask whenever I go out.I notice that some people don’t have a mask on.I assume maybe they have medical issues that excuse them,because the stores require consumers to wear mask here.I do believe that mask and space protects us. Because I have Asthma it is sometimes a challenge for me to wear it, but I know my wearing a mask is protecting us all. A mask maker is making my kids colored mask.I can’t wait until they arrive.
So glad to hear you are taking the pandemic seriously and wear a face mask
I like how these masks are contoured. Glad I’m not looking for a sex partner.
With these face masks being contoured the fit is so much better than others
I haven’t seen any other masks with the double set of earloops. I like the design so that I can find the perfect fit just for my face!
I agree – being able to choose your ear loop size on this face mask is great!
I wear a mask to protect others. I like to wear breathable masks.
Do you mean breathable – as in like the Disposable face masks?
I have been buying and wearing face masks for months now. I like to try different kinds and some I do like better then others. I have many colors and types for my family.
What kind of face mask do you like the most so far?
I think this covid mess would have been over sooner if everyone had followed the rules about wearing masks and getting out in public,,im not sure I would want to be intimate with anyone new while there are still high risks
Dating during covid-19 would scare me too
I was unaware there were microwave-able masks! I also like that it comes with a choice of ear loops; some elastic is just too much (cuts into the ears)
I’m pretty sure you could microwave any face masks to kill germs 🙂
I am all for wearing face masks and think they should be worn every flu season. Covid 19 is scary and we have to protect ourselves and our family.
I totally agree with you — everyone should be wearing a face mask!
i hate having to wear a mask but love having a few extras to carry in my bag because i wear makeup and i sweat so i go through them n have to launder them after ea use. i feel it should be a personal decision if we want to wear a mask everywhere or not not forced to wear them.
I know what you mean – makeup always gets on my face masks too!
I wear a mask to protect others. I feel it is the least I can do to help our people with this virus.
I’m so glad to hear you wear a face mask and think of others. Sadly many people do not
This post is everything!! Dating is hard enough as is and now it is even harder! I doubt I will be dating or a long time haha
Totally agree – the pandemic has made dating so much harder
I don’t envy anyone trying to date during this time. I’m definitely in favor of masks!
I agree — dating would not be fun during Covid
You would think that everything you wrote would be common sense, but alas, some people need to be reminded. The mask looks very comfortable and I like that it is reversible. Heat-sealed is also nice, less people touching your mask before it arrives to you.
You would think these tips would be common sense but it’s crazy how many people I see not wearing a face mask