Dating and love will not be like before the epidemic has affected the psychology and worldview of many young people in the country of flags.
The romantic scene of intimate dates was extinguished when the Covid-19 pandemic appeared with social distancing, masks and the constant threat of a deadly disease.
Simply put, dating in 2020 is “very scary,” according to Monica Zahl (23 years old), a fresh graduate in Brooklyn (USA). “There is nothing less attractive than risking your own health,” she told New York Times. Six months after the outbreak of the pandemic, Zahl started dating again in outdoor locations like parks. She and her date both wear masks and if you want to move inside, consent is required. These days, fully vaccinated, Zahl has to be less cautious about the people she meets. “I feel much more free,” she said. 
Many people start dating again after getting the Covid-19 vaccine. Photo: Unsplash. Thanks to the vaccine, dating is becoming popular again, although it will be very different from the past. For some people, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has brought a nightmare that is difficult to shake off in a short time. Many other singles say that the long period of isolation has made them realize many things and change their priorities. “I got the vaccine!” For vaccinated singles, the need to mate is stronger than ever. From January 2021, matchmaking company Three Day Rule began to see a boom in business. “We’ve never been this crowded,” said Talia Goldstein, the company’s founder and president. On social networking sites and dating apps, people mention being vaccinated as an attractive trait. In April 2021, dating site OkCupid reported that the phrase “vaccinated” in user profiles skyrocketed 680% compared to two months ago. 
Being vaccinated is a big plus in the Covid-19 dating scene. Photo: AZ Big Media. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that fully vaccinated people can congregate indoors without wearing masks. However, the risk has not been clearly determined for both couples who have and have not been vaccinated, said epidemiologist Chris Beyrer at John Hopkins University (USA). “The risk of infection is almost no longer with those who have been vaccinated. If they are infected, they also have very little ability to spread the virus,” Dr. Beyrer said. For unvaccinated people, if you are a healthy young adult, living alone and dating someone who has been vaccinated, the risk is relatively low. But for those who have underlying medical conditions, are over 65 years old or live with someone over 65, they should follow safety instructions such as wearing a mask and social distancing. Anxiety and loss Vaccines have reduced the likelihood of infection, but not necessarily alleviating the fear in American society over the past year. Ilana Diamant, a filmmaker living in Brooklyn (USA), returned to her single life in January 2021 and recently had her second vaccination. “Even after getting vaccinated, I no longer feel the urge to go out. Seeing the crowds gives me goosebumps,” she said. Diamant (25 years old) feels shy when dating people who despise the epidemic. For her, that means not taking human life seriously. However, she wondered how to mention social responsibility at a party without being seen as boring. 
Vibrant parties are back with singles eager to connect. Photo: SCMP. While there are singles looking for a deep and lasting connection, many just want to have fun without being tied down. Terron Moore (32 years old) just ended a relationship in March 2021. He doesn’t want to be in a serious relationship yet, but just wants to stand on the dance floor with other gay men or kiss a stranger. Moore believes that creating a deep connection means sharing the “Covid-19 burden”. “I just went through a big change in my worldview and who I am,” says Moore. During a period of reflection on his life, he didn’t want to meet someone new and hear their story of fighting the epidemic. Despite seeing herself as a self-centered and self-indulgent person, Moore has learned to prioritize her own health and life first during the pandemic. He still maintains this way of thinking to this day. Honest and open heart Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles (USA), believes that assertiveness and self-understanding is a positive change after the pandemic. “After a year of life interruption, many people are becoming more aware of what is important to them and what they can endure,” she said. In a report on the future of dating, Tinder said its users are being more honest and clear about their personal boundaries. That means people will be more authentic in post-pandemic dating. 
People become authentic and seek deeper values after the pandemic. Photo: The Lily. Many of Three Day Rule’s clients are less shallow, Ms. Goldstein said. In the past, many people’s standards were usually about height or weight. Now they prioritize inner qualities like a sense of humor or a forward-thinking spirit. Moreover, with the flexibility of remote working, dating is no longer limited by geography as it used to be. “We are connecting people who are willing to catch a flight to meet in real life,” she said. Even though face-to-face interactions are becoming safer, online dating is still popular. Tinder says 40% of Gen Z users (born 1996-2010) will continue to video chat even when businesses reopen. Despite the hesitation, most people are excited about the fresh start after the pandemic. “The general mood has shifted from health anxiety to curiosity and now to hope,” says psychologist Taiz. “The dating scene this spring and summer will be great. The positive changes from last year will continue once everyone is vaccinated,” Ms. Goldstein said excitedly.
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