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Navigating Romantic Relationships: Adapting to New Dating Norms During the Pandemic Challenges

navigating relationships and building intimacy in a new relationship

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• Speaker #0

  Welcome to Corner Spot, where we dive deep into the corners of love, relationships, and everything in between. I'm your host, Samoa Aiseguza, and we're here to explore the complexities of human connection. Let's navigate this journey together. So grab your favorite drink, find a comfy spot, and let's get started. Hi guys, welcome back to this episode where we'll be talking about... Dating during the pandemic. Dating during the pandemic. How were people actually coping through during that pandemic? You remember that at that time, people weren't going out. They were just home, staying at home to prevent themselves from being exposed to that virus. So people were so careful. People were so careful. And while some were not, they were careful but luck was not on their side. They were exposed. And most of the scientists, doctors, nurses who had the courage to fight back these diseases, we appreciate them. So how what the data seemed during that period, how did they navigate that period and if something similar could happen because you know this pandemic is not something that we can give a vivid um it can happen any day anytime so we need to be careful, we need to be conscious, we need to be we should know what to do if something similar to happen but this we are not actually talking about the pandemic on its own now we are not talking about dating scene during that period dating scene during that period dating during the pandemic how to navigate it navigating dating during the pandemic comes with its own set of challenges yes but with creativity and adaptability you can still form meaningful connection the key is balancing safety with fostering emotional closeness even when physical distance is required so the key is balancing safety with fostering emotional closeness that means your emotional closeness needs to be you need to, what you need more during that period is your emotional closeness because over that time might be in a different city where your other partner will be in another different city you won't see yourself for a very long time, you won't see yourself for a very long time so You need that closeness, that emotional closeness to close that boundaries, to close that boundaries. Get comfortable with virtual dates. You have to be comfortable with virtual dates. You have to be comfortable with virtual dates. Virtual means... Let's just say virtual is digital. Just say, you won't see the person physically, it's just digital online. The person is not close by. So you should be comfortable with virtual dates. One of the most obvious shifts is the rise of virtual dating. While video calling can't replace face-to-face interaction entirely, It can be surprisingly intimate and fun. Set the mood by planning a virtual date night. Cook the same meal together. Share a recipe and cook simultaneously over video. Watch a video together. Stream a movie at the same time and share your thoughts in real time. Play online games. play online games from trivia to cooperative games. It can help create a relaxed, playful atmosphere. Make sure your virtual date space is cozy and reflects your personality. Make sure your virtual date space is cozy and reflects your personality. Small touches like lighting a candle or playing soft music can make it more special. Make sure your virtual dates space is cozy and reflects your personality. space. Make sure your virtual date space is cozy and reflects your personality. Small touches like lighting a candle or playing soft music can make it special. Be open and honest. Be open and honest. about boundaries, be open and honest about boundaries. The pandemic brought about different levels of comfort when it comes to meeting in person. Some people may feel okay with outdoor dating, socially distant dates. Why others prefer to wait? It's important to talk openly about your comfort level. It's so important for you to talk about your comfort level. Ask, how do you feel about meeting in person? Set boundaries. Make it clear what you are comfortable with. and be respectful of them, respectful of their boundaries as well. Honestly, during these conversations, health builds trust, a foundation for any healthy relationship. Fine, creative. in-person date ideas. If you are both comfortable meeting in person, fine, that means it's okay. The outdoor can be your playground. Fresh air and socially distant outdoor dating are great for getting to know each other while staying. Save. Here are a few ideas. Go for a walk in the park. Go for a walk in the park. Go for a walk in the park. Walking side by side can spark easy conversation and feel less formal than traditional dates. Have a good day. picnic bring your own snacks and enjoy the fresh air together while maintaining a safe distance outdoor workout if you are both fitness if you are both fitness and enthusiastic doing something active like biking or can create a fun bonding experience experience bonus so we've talked about um getting comfortable with virtual dating be open and honest about the boundaries find creative find creative in passing these ideas So, be prepared for soft, slow progress. The pandemic may slow down the pace of dating. The pandemic may slow down the pace of dating. The pandemic may slow down the pace of dating. The pandemic may slow down the pace of dating. Without the traditional dinner or movie routine, connection may take longer. to form but this slow pace isn't necessarily a bad thing it can foster deeper emotional intimacy and a stronger foundation before jumping into a relationship but this slow pace isn't necessarily a bad thing it can foster deeper emotional intimacy and a stronger foundation before jumping into a relationship. Remember, it is okay to take your time. Use this period to focus on learning more about each other, values, goals. personality dealing with loneliness and unnecessary pandemic the pandemic dating can sometimes feel isolating you may not be able to meet you may not be able to meet as often as you did like you both and the own necessity of the situation can take a toll on your mental health and it's important to acknowledge these feelings. Talk about it. Stay safe. Talk about it. Be open with your partner about how the situation makes you feel. They feel the same way. If... they also feel the same way stay safe even if you can't meet in person send texts text from thoughts through texas voice messages or even mail mailing a letter can make your partner feel valued if you are a single if you are single and feeling lonely It's okay to focus on yourself during this time. Use this period to work on personal growth, harmony, or self-care. Navigating long-distance dating. For couples who are separated by distance due to travel restrictions, It's important to maintain regular connection. Virtual dating can help bridge that gap. But so can sending touch-free care packages and handwritten notes. Here are a few ways. Zoom, schedule irregular video calls, surprise them. plan for the future scheduling regular video calls having a set time to talk having a set time to talk can give you something to look forward to surprise them surprise them send unexpected messages send unexpected messages or gifts to brighten the day. Plan for the future. Start talking about when and how you will eventually meet up. When you guys can meet up, which can keep both or feel motivated. Adios! adjusting to post-pandemic dating. As restrictions is, you might feel excited but also anxious. Avert dating normally again is natural to feel so anxious. It is okay to feel some social anxiety, especially after a long period of isolation. Take it slow. Complicate your feeling. To take it slow, there is no rush to dive into parking, park, restaurant, or crowded event. Continue. outdoor date if that feel more comfortable communicate with communicate your feelings if you are feeling nervous about in-person interaction be honest with your be honest with your dates be honest with your dates They will likely appreciate your openness and might feel the same way. Dates during the pandemic might be tricky, but it's also a unique opportunity to communicate in new ways, whether it's virtual dates, social distance, meetups, or social media. or strengthening your emotional connection this time can help you build a deeper, more meaningful relationship. By being open, creative, and patient, you can navigate these unusual circumstances with confidence and compassion. So, at this period now, there are things you must adopt. You have no choice but to adopt them if you want your dating life to survive, if you want it to survive. So, there are things you must adopt. Some of these things are, especially communication, as I say, communication is the backbone of everything. you have to communicate with and the best way to communicate with at that period is virtual dating virtual dating and if and if you guys plan to see yourself or go out you have to keep distance keep that social distance you have to be safe whatever you have to do you must be safe with yourself you must be safe with yourself adopt to virtual dating like i said virtual dating digital dating virtual dating just like video call you put a specific time with tomorrow by six hour we were having a video call so you talk for hours cook together eat together watch movies together online so virtual dating set up a virtual dating nights you set up a virtual dating night cook the same meal over video chats if you cook the same middle of a video chat stream watch movies together online click online game as a couple. Create a cozy space for virtual dates. Personalize the virtual setting with candles and music. Be open about comfort level regarding in-person meetings. regarding in-person meeting. So you should be open. Are you comfortable to see yourself at that period? Are you comfortable? If you're not comfortable, so you should. actually be open, say it out. If you're not comfortable with them, they should find another means of communicating or seeing each other. Discuss meeting in person with honesty. Discuss meeting in person with honesty. Respect your deeds. Respect your deeds. Pandemic-related boundaries. Respect your deeds. Pandemic-related boundaries. Suggest outdoor. Suggest. Outdoor Social Suggest outdoor socially distanced dates. Opt for a park walk as a casual indoor date. Organize a socially distanced picnic. Try outdoor activities like biking. Slow down. the dating process during the pandemic. You have to slow down the, at this time you don't have to rush the process. See everything is a process. Everything is actually a process. You don't have to rush. At this time, you have to do more of reflection of yourself. I think during this pandemic time, it's better for you, yeah, keep the love and the communication alive, active. But you should do more of physical evaluation, physical check-up. physical evaluation, check up on the growth. What are your growths? What are the values in you? So you must grow yourself at this period, during this pandemic period. So, don't rush any process, slow down the dating process during this pandemic. Take it step by step. Use slow dating. Use this. So, you have to take it slow. Use slow dating to build emotional intimacy. Use slow dating. to build emotional intimacy. Focus on learning about each other values. Focus on learning about each other values. Learning each other values. Understand that pandemic dating required patience. Acknowledge feeling of loneliness. when you're not lonely you have to acknowledge it you have to acknowledge how you feel if you feel happy acknowledge if you feel sad acknowledge if you feel being lonely you have to acknowledge it so acknowledge your feeling at all times acknowledge the feeling of being lonely acknowledge the feeling of being lonely Stay connected with texts and voice messages. Mail later. Keep communication personal. Me later to keep connection, communication personal. Use this time alone to work on self-care, self-love, self-development. Upgrade your standard. Upgrade yourself. Use this time to work on self-care. Cultivate habits during this pandemic. Work on personal growth if single. Work on personal growth if single during this pandemic. Work on personal growth if single during this pandemic. Be flexible about timing of relationship progression. Be careful of timing. Be flexible. about the timing of relationship progression. Build a strong foundation before rushing into relationship. Build a strong foundation before rushing into relationship. Manage uncertainty with open conversation. Set a realistic piece for building a relationship. Set a realistic piece for building a relationship. Set realistic goals. Set realistic plans. The things that you will do and the things you will not do. Don't set plans that are... You know that it's not possible, it can't stand, it can't work. Unrealistic plans. Set plans that can work, that you know that can work. Build a strong foundation before rushing into a relationship. Manage uncertainty with open conversations. Set a realistic peace for building a relationship. Discuss mutual boundaries early on. Prioritize emotional health during the pandemic. Prioritize emotional health during the pandemic. The understanding of each other emotional states. Understand each other emotional states. Understand each other emotional states. as you are close together i don't think this should be a problem because at this point you both know each other how you you think how you feel so understanding each other emotional state shouldn't be a problem shouldn't be a problem talking of a big problem because you both already understand yourself in so many ways in so many ways. So... Set realistic pace for building a relationship. Discuss mutual boundaries early on. Priorize emotional health during pandemic. Your health is everything. If you neglect your health or put yourself in a situation where it will affect your health, if that's to actually cost your life no one will actually come to save you because you actually didn't prioritize your notes over every every other situation balance the understanding of each other emotional state be understand up of each other emotional state balance virtual and in-person interaction balance virtual and in-person interaction so you have to balance virtual interaction and in-person interaction you have to know how to balance them be creative with virtual dates ideas virtual date ideas be creative with it make it fun what are those things that i can use to spice up these virtual dates what are the things i need to add like things i need to do to spice up these virtual dates So, be honest about your needs and desire in the relationship. Engage in shared experience, even virtually. Engage in shared experience, even virtually. Engage in shared experience even virtually. Keep virtual dates fun and interactive. Share experience like movie watch over a video call. Share experience over video. Watch. watching over video call. Be honest about your needs and desire in a relationship. Use virtual dates to ask meaningful questions. Embrace technology as a bridge for connection. embrace technology as a bridge for connection. Planned future dates with excitement despite delay. I have to keep an open mind during this period. You might have, maybe. We set a time of meeting, today evening, by certain time maybe it's 5 or let's say 6. And before that time, something actually happened that made he or she cancel the outing, the date. You have to keep an open mind. Anything can happen any day, any time. You have to keep that open mind. If it happens, fine. If it doesn't happen still, it's fine. Keep an open mind. Plan future dates with excitement despite delay. Consider sending thoughtful care packages. Sending total care package doesn't mean money. doesn't mean um it should just be thoughtful she just be thoughtful this is why i want to do it and i'm doing it like this so you have to keep an open mind be honest about your needs and design a relationship Use virtual dates to ask meaningful questions. Embrace technology as a bridge for connection. Plan future dates with excitement despite the delay. Consider sending thoughtful care packages. Surprise your Deal with unexpected gifts. Surprise your date with unexpected gifts. Send handwritten notes. to make interaction more personal then handwritten notes to make connection more personal use long distance dating as a chance to enhance communication skills if you're having problem with your communication skills so you can actually use this um period to work on your communication skill. Schedule regular calling, video calls to stay connected. Plan virtual dates night with events. Plan virtual date night in advance. Plan virtual date night. Make the events special it is an event so make it special fun and something to be me to look forward to try themed virtual dates for a fun twist as an opportunity to reflect on pandemic goals. Be mindful of how the pandemic has changed dating. So, being mindful or be mindful means be open of how the pandemic have changed dating. Being hopeful here is more of a open-minded. of what is really happening, what is going on. You are mindful of your situation. So be mindful and you are ready to adapt to the current situation. Adjust to new dating norms with flexibility. Adjust to new dating norms with flexibility. Manage expectation when dating during uncertain times. Manage expectation when dating during uncertain times. take your time to get to know your partner take your time to get to know your partner Avoid rushing into relationships due to loneliness. Avoid rushing into relationships due to loneliness. When some people actually rush into dating, as they are about leaving this relationship. the entering the next one as in the empty the next one immediately avoid rushing into relationship due to loneliness Find joy in simple moments during virtual dates. Appreciate small gestures of affection during this pandemic. appreciates small gestures of small gestures of affection So, avoid rushing into relationships due to loneliness. Find joy in simple moments during virtual dates. Find joy in simple moments during virtual dates. Find joy in simple moments during virtual dates. Find joy in simple moments during virtual dates. Appreciate small gestures of affection. Appreciate small gestures of affection during the pandemic. Make thoughtful use of technology to stay close. Make thoughtful use of technology to stay close. Be respectful of social distance measures to avoid being infected. Choose outdoor locations that allow for space and safety. Be patient. Be patient. Be patient with limitation in...be patient with limitation on physical closeness. You have to be patient with limitation of physical closeness. Your physical closeness, you have to be careful. You have to take it slow. be patient about it. Accept that intimacy may take longer to develop. accept that intimacy may take longer to develop, prioritize safety without sacrificing emotional connection prioritize safety without prioritize safety without sacrifice emotional connection keep conversation light head hatted yet meaningful keep conversation light-hearted yet meaningful keep conversation light-hearted yet meaningful keep Keep conversation light-hearted yet meaningful. Focus on personal growth during period of isolation. Stay mentally prepared for the long pace of dating. Stay mentally prepared for the long piece of dating. Stay mentally prepared for the slow piece. For the slow piece. Slow piece. Stay mentally prepared. Mentally prepared. Emotionally prepared and connected. For the slow piece of dating. Consider your comfort with post-pandemic dating scenarios. Be aware of social anxiety after long isolation. Be aware of social anxiety after long isolation. Ease back into a person-dating environment. Ease back into a person's duties slowly. Continue outdoor dating duties after restriction ease. Discuss post-pandemic life and dating plan with your partner. Discuss post-pandemic life and dating plan with your partner. Discuss post-pandemic life and dating plan with your partner. Focus on emotional intimacy before physical intimacy. Build trust through open communication. Address feelings of stress caused by pandemic. Adapt your expectations based on current realities. Be flexible with your dating timeline. Stay open to virtual. Only relationship. Stay open to virtual open relationship if needed. Plan creative ways. Plan creative ways to surprise your partner virtually. Plan creative ways to surprise your partner virtually. Check in regularly with each other mental health check in regularly with each other mental health. Develop emotional resilience during the pandemic. Develop emotional resilience during the pandemic. Find ways to share laughter and joy. virtually find ways to share laughter and joy so these are most of the ways you can navigate during the pandemic during the pandemic these are some of the ways you can navigate thank you for listening have a nice day relationships are like puzzles

• Speaker #1

  each piece unique, fitting together in a beautiful, sometimes challenging way. We hope today's conversation sparked some new thoughts on yours. Remember, every corner of love is worth exploring. Want to share your relationship story? Reach out to us. We'd love to feature you on the show. Remember, you're not alone. Did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media using hashtag Cornerspot. Let's create a community of love and support. Every relationship is a unique corner. We hope this episode helped you find a new perspective. Keep turning those corners and discovering new depths in your love life. Let's connect, learn, and grow together. Until next time, cherish your connections.