The first kiss - What to do during a pandemic
A question singles are asking “When I meet that special someone, how do I get physical in this new social distanced world?” Great question.
While not on the front lines, I host a webinar every other week for my Harvard Business School club with a MD expert from HBS. The top thing that has been consistent to safeguard against the virus is to control your environment.
When a kiss is more risky than sex, what to do?
Control your environment. While it’s no fun to be alone, limiting social interaction and any exposure to others in an enclosed spaces is critical. Wear your mask.
Start with a video / virtual date.
Find out what social distancing means to them. This is a polite way to explore if they are comfortable going on a social distanced walk or not. They may have an elder in their circles that prevents them from meeting anyone new in-person right now.
Go outside for your first in-person date.
Wear your mask. Let your date know you’ll be wearing one in advance of meeting so they aren’t caught off-guard. Chances are they will be totally cool with it and planned to do so anyhow. You can be direct or signal your intention by saying “I’ll be the one with the purple mask”.
Find out about your love interest’s environment. You know where you’ve been and you know what you are doing. You need to understand what your love interest is doing. This includes their travel, daily rituals, family circles, and social activities.
Take it slow. This is the benefit of dating right now. In the past, you may have felt pressure to move faster physically. Get to know them. This reduces your risk of heartbreak as well, and investing time with someone that isn’t a good fit.
Have the conversation before getting physical. When a kiss is more intimate than sex, you need to find out if you are both ready and able to go there before taking action. Have the talk.