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Dating in the time of quarantine can still be romantic with a bit of self-care and preparation.iStockPhoto / Getty Images

Lockdown has thrown the world of dating upside down. But thanks to technology, social isolation doesn’t have to mean romantic isolation: Against all odds, video chats have become a venue for flirtation and appeal. People are writing each other love letters (okay, love emails) for the first time in years. Rumour has it, some adventurous souls are even putting down their phones to have an old-fashioned conversation.

What’s old is new again; this enforced distance offers us a chance to freshen up our romantic gestures, returning to the wisdom of our dads and grandads. From taking the time to look your best, to grand gestures and thoughtful activities, there’s a lot to embrace from traditional forms of courtship in this internet era. Here are six classic ways to bring your A-game to dating this summer.

Look after yourself

Put your best foot forward, the old saying goes. It’s good advice, and you shouldn’t ignore it just because you haven’t actually put a foot out of your house for weeks. Sure, some allowance can be made for at-home haircuts, and perhaps you can get away with the caveman look, for now. But, guys, remember – your eau d’isolation and your lazy look du jour may not be desirable. In this brave new world, you need to lift up your arms and take a whiff of reality: you need a shower and stick of Old Spice antiperspirant. The new Ultra Smooth collection is dermatologist-tested and subtly scented with 48 hours of sweat protection. When you look your best, you’ll feel your best.

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iStockPhoto / Getty Images

Go big

Now is the perfect time to bring back the grand romantic gestures of our forefathers. Why not try a dinner date at home or over the web? Light some candles. Organise a playlist of romantic music (not your dad’s romantic music, though). Order you both the same dish for delivery from the same restaurant. Have a glass of wine. Talk to each other. Enjoy a dessert to yourself for the first time in years.

Send a gift

Once upon a time people used to bring their dates flowers and jewellery. While that sort of thing is difficult from afar, it’s still possible to make the object of your affection feel special. Buy a web game you can play together. Write a poem. No, not an acrostic. Order surprise delivery in from your partners’ favourite restaurant. Let your loved one pick the movie you watch tonight. Send flowers. Get a bottle of wine delivered. Send an email. What matters is letting the other person know you’re thinking of them.

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iStockPhoto / Getty Images

Listen up, buster

The era of video chat is the perfect time to brush up on your conversation skills. The true secret to flirtation is listening and asking questions, not trying to impress your date with a monologue about your home workout gains. Try to find some common ground (like grocery lines, cabin fever or that latest series) and compare notes. Bonus tip: quit staring at yourself on the bottom of the video call. Yes, you’ve freshened up, and yes you haven’t looked (or smelled!) this great in months, but take this time to focus on your partner. You can stare at yourself later.

Do activities

Back in the day, couples used to do activities together: They’d go to the movies, catch a show or laugh while paddling around a local watercourse in a swan-shaped boat. Obviously, those physical outings are off the table for now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do things together. Plenty of board games work online. You could check out a cyber club night or a live gig online. There are virtual museums, live streaming zoos and online craft workshops. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination – and, of course, local lockdown requirements.

Don’t ghost

Remember when it was good manners to break up in person, rather than over the phone? Seems kinda quaint. These days the bar is much lower: all you need to do is let someone know you’re not interested. Virtual dates can result in real feelings, so don’t be that guy.


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