We all know that dating has changed during lockdown. 

Unable to meet each other for an IRL first date, we’ve all been matching, texting, flirting, and video chatting for weeks, waiting for the time when it’s safe for us to actually meet.

We’ve seen changes in online dating behaviour due to lockdown, and spoken to an expert for a crash course in how body language can reveal feelings even on a virtual date, so we have an idea of what the rules of dating are right now, but how are these rules going to change once we can actually start meeting each other?

We asked our community how they felt about dating after lockdown, what they were looking for, and how lockdown has changed the way they date. Here’s what they said. 

How Badoo Users Are Feeling About Dating After Lockdown:

We’re More Open To People

Now that we’ve had more time on our hands, more and more of us have been engaging with people on a deeper level, taking the time to read their bios and go through all the pictures, and really think about who this person is. 

This has resulted in more matches, and higher quality conversations across the app, which is probably why almost three quarters of the Badoo community are excited to meet their matches when it’s safe to do so. 

We Want To Get To Know Our Matches Before Meeting Up

Since we’ve been spending more time talking, we’re starting to know our matches much better than we usually would.

Before, we might have wanted to meet up as quick as we could to keep things exciting, but now we’re more relaxed about spending more time chatting online. 

Getting to know someone before meeting up gives you an idea of what they’re really like, and this can save us time if we realise we don’t have anything in common before we actually meet up. 

We’re More Honest

Two thirds of the Badoo community have said they’re being more honest with new matches on the app. 

Whether it’s being honest about who they are or what they’re looking for, users are finding it easier to be authentic with each other. 

This is a great way to start any relationship, and since Badoo is the place to date honestly, it’s the perfect place to be open about how you’re feeling and what you want, no matter what that might be.

Of course, the way we date will be very different over the coming weeks and months. 

New Rules Of Dating Post-Lockdown:

Have A Video Date First

Video dates have surged in popularity in recent months, and we don’t expect this change after lockdown has been lifted. 

With so much uncertainty around dating, being able to stay in and have a video date instead of braving the outside world can be a comfort for many of us. 

On top of that, a video call is an easy way to see if your match is really who they say they are, and then to check if there’s any chemistry before actually agreeing to meet up outside. 

This can save time, effort, and even money, but it also helps to keep you safe.

Keep It Safe

Of course, safety is always something to consider when dating, but now we also have to look after our health, and the health of others.

Most of our dates are pretty safe, unless you’re into extreme sports or you go to one of those bars where you throw axes or something. 

But now when we think of safety, there’s only one thing on our minds. 

Over half of Badoo users think it will be difficult to know when to hug or kiss their date once they can meet, due to the coronavirus. 

Really though, we never ‘know’ unless we ask. This was true five years ago, it’s true today, and it’ll still be true in the future. 

Obviously, everyone’s health is a priority, so be sure to ask before initiating any physical contact. 

Which leads to our next point...

Be Respectful

It goes without saying that you should always be respectful when dating, but now that we’ve all been through lockdown, we need to respect each other’s space and boundaries. 

Some people may not be looking to go on actual dates just yet, others may not know exactly what it is they’re looking for. We shouldn’t assume everyone we’re speaking to is looking for the same things we are, or that they’re in the same place emotionally. 

We’re all still dealing with the fallout of the pandemic, and this will likely continue for some time, so we should all try and be as respectful as we can of each other, and what we might have been through. 

Whether you’re looking to meet your crush soon or not, remember to keep in mind that we’re all still processing and dealing with a pandemic, so make sure you’re doing your best to help and be supportive, and likewise to be honest about how you’re feeling about things. 

You can see that these dating rules aren’t that different from how we all used to date pre-Covid: it’s us that’s changed.