If there was ever a time to learn how to “date” without actually being in the same place as your potential partner, it is now. Due to Covid-19, most people are practicing safe social distancing and that mean no dates in real time. 

Even without the current pandemic situation, people are taking advantage of opportunities to vet and screen potential dating partners without having to take time out of their busy schedules to go out to meet them in real time. It has its advantages. It does give people the ability to “meet” in a more relaxed environment (usually from home) and it takes the pressure for sex off the table. Mostly, anyway.

What about the challenges? Online chat and virtual dating are not the same thing as being with someone in the same room. They can be just as awkward as that dinner date. And where do you have your virtual date without revealing too much about yourself?

Blockchain Dating for Safety

Most dating apps don’t give you the ability to have a face to face conversation, so people often move to other platforms like Facebook Messenger or SnapChat. These apps allow them to have virtual dates in real time without having to leave the house. Unfortunately, there is a measure of safety that has to be taken if you are not ready to reveal your location and other personal information. It can be done, but most people don’t know how to do this or aren’t aware that they should.

Blockchain dating apps are designed to be more technologically advanced. They have virtual dating built right into the system and make security a priority. You can set up times for dates and even do fun things like FaceSwaps.

Time and Setting

When planning a video dating session, the first thing you should do is set up a specific time. That way, you know that both parties will be prepared and ready at the same time. You should also plan to be in an environment that is conducive to talking. Try to find a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted. Turn off background noise like TVs or music. 

You may even reach an agreement as to how long the date should last. Some might be prepared to talk for hours. That’s fine if it suits both of you. Other people may have time constraints and need to wrap it up with a certain time. If you agree on how long the first date should last, there is less pressure and neither party will be disappointed when the date is over.

Conversation and Intimacy

If you’ve never had an online relationship, the whole idea of video dating and virtual chat might seem strange to you. It’s amazing how easily it can create intimacy and conversation can flow with someone that you make a connection with. 

Conversation usually moves quickly once you get started; however, if you are worried that it may not, jot down some talking points. Think about the things you would want to know about someone should you decide that you want to meet them in person in the future. What things are important to you in a partner? Try not to make it sound like an interview. If there is a lag in the conversation though, you’ll have a few topics that you can bring up that keep it going.

Intimacy comes from several things, whether you are online dating or dating in person. One of the most important things that creates intimacy is eye contact. So, when you are video dating, make sure that you are sitting somewhere comfortable and actually looking at the person you are talking to. Don’t do other things. Stay off your computer. Don’t answer emails or look at other chat messages. Stay in the chat and focus on the person you are talking to.

You can also create intimacy through compliments. What do you like about the other person? Compliments can by physical (I love your eyes, you have a great beard, I’d love to run my fingers through your hair) or non-physical (I like the way you listen, you make me feel very relaxed, your voice is very calming).

Virtual dating can have its challenges. It can also be a very relaxing way to get to know someone before deciding if you want to meet in real life or not. In our busy lives and in a pandemic time, that’s not such a bad thing!