5 tips for single men: How to succeed at dating in the “new normal”
Summer is here, bars and restaurants are open again, and yet everything is different than before: we wear masks, keep our distance, and may spend most of our summer on our balconies. Singles looking for a partner are having a particularly hard time in these confusing times: Can I meet my online flirt in person?
Should I wear a mask on a date? When is it okay to touch and kiss? Sabine Schöler, CEO of the online dating agency LemonSwan, gives single men tips on how to turn a flirt into a successful date in the “new normal.”
1. Take the first step with charm!
In recent months, we at LemonSwan have observed that women in particular are becoming more active and seeking initial contact more frequently. This is, of course, a welcome development, but men can also take the first step again! However, you won't lure a lady out of her shell with a simple “Hi, how are you?” Refer to a specific detail in her profile or ask her how she has been doing over the past few months, for example.
2. Approach her online, but with offline manners!
Although three-quarters of singles are currently open to meeting up*, they only want to do so after getting to know each other virtually for a longer period of time. During this phase of digital exploration, it's important not to neglect flirting and good manners. Of course, it's more difficult to be flirty when chatting, but you can still exude charm before a real conversation with emojis and jokes.
3. Talking on the phone builds trust
Personal communication creates closeness, especially on the phone, as the voice conveys emotions much better. After you've been chatting for a while, invite your future Mrs. Right to talk on the phone – this will allow you to get even closer to meeting up. It gives you the chance to get to know your date even better and assess them.
LemonSwan singles prefer to use WhatsApp calls or video calls (65 percent).
4. Careful steps to the first meeting
When is it okay to ask someone out on a date? Basically, anytime. However, it's worth getting to know your lady better and finding out more about her first: Does she live with someone in a high-risk group or work in a social profession with high-risk patients? You can impress her by being considerate: around 73 percent of female LemonSwan singles say that it is important to them that their potential partner has the same attitude towards coronavirus measures. So it's worth discussing this before a date.
5. The first date: physical contact, yes or no?
Depending on how your date feels about the current situation, you should proceed with particular caution. One-third of LemonSwan users say they want to keep their distance during the first date. 13 percent want to wear a mask on the first date and expect their date to do the same. So, when you meet for the very first time, instead of hugging, do one thing above all else: smile—even with a mask on, smiling eyes shine through—and perhaps offer the already established elbow greeting. At the very least, this is sure to make your date smile and break the ice.
*Online survey of 683 users of the platform between May 30, 2020, and June 3, 2020.
More information about the survey can be found here.
About LemonSwan
LemonSwan is a dating agency for long-term relationships that aims to make online dating more enjoyable, especially for women. Founded in 2017 by Arne Kahlke and Paul Uhlig and based in Hamburg, the company uses a scientifically based personality test, the LemonSwan® method, to provide tailor-made partner suggestions. The trademark of the young company is the swan—because these animals are faithful to their partners for life. For more information, visit www.lemonswan.com
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