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Six in 10 Americans believe the 2020 global pandemic has permanently changed the dating game, according to new research.
This news comes from a survey of 2,000 Americans which revealed 63% believe dating will never be the same as a result of the pandemic — and 31% believe virtual dates are here to stay.
Thirty percent think people will be more likely to turn to dating apps, and a goodnight kiss may have to wait until at least a second or third date as 44% believe there will be more caution used when touching and kissing on dates.
Survey results also revealed 66% believe the pandemic has been the biggest game-changer in dating since the rise of online dating apps.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of WooPlus, a dating app for curvy people, the survey found being in quarantine did have some benefits for relationships, however, as 57% believe the pandemic made it easier to reach some sort of comfort zone with a partner.
The survey also delved into specifically what it means to reach that “comfort zone” with a partner and the results revealed it takes an average of five months to get there with someone.
What does that mean? The biggest signs of being in a comfort zone were revealed to be sleeping in the same bed (48%), meeting a partner’s family (38%) and leaving the bathroom door open (37%). Also near the top were telling a partner a deep secret (36%) and sitting in silence without it being awkward (27%).
The survey also found 80% of respondents believe when they reach that comfort zone with a partner, they can truly be themselves.
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“We believe entering into the comfort zone is a sign of a strong relationship — and results showed eight in 10 respondents agree,” said Neil Raman, the founder and CEO of WooPlus. “In the comfort zone, you can enjoy life with someone who loves you for you, appreciates your beauty, makes you feel unique, confident and be the best person you can be.”
Surprisingly, half of respondents believe people can reach that comfort zone solely through virtual dates, without ever meeting in person.
With virtual dates, 32% believe they’re forced to take things more slowly, and 38% said it’s easier to get to know someone when you’re not actually face-to-face.
Still, results revealed 67% agree that how you date — virtually or in person — isn’t as important as who you’re dating.
“Though the pandemic is upsetting the natural rhythms of dating and changing how you communicate with a new partner, that doesn’t mean we are locked out of love,” said Raman. “The pandemic has opened the door for people to get creative with virtual dates, focus on forming an emotional connection and establish a ‘new normal’ for their dating lifestyle.
“But while some things are changing, others will remain the same: what we believe will never change is people’s desire to ignite a spark with a partner, build lively connections, create strong bonds and find love.”
WHAT DO RESPONDENTS BELIEVE WHEN IT COMES TO VIRTUAL DATES?
• The logistics of a date are easier (no splitting the bill, no wondering if you should kiss goodbye, etc.) 39%
• It’s easier to get to know someone when you’re not face-to-face 38%
• It’s cheaper than an in-person date (no dinner cost, etc.) 32%
• You’re forced to take things more slowly 32%
• It’s easier to connect with my date when it’s virtual 28%
TOP SIGNS YOU AND A PARTNER HAVE REACHED A “COMFORT ZONE”
• Sleep in the same bed 48%
• Meet their family 38%
• Leave the door open when I use the bathroom 37%
• Tell them a deep secret 36%
• Shower at their place 36%
• Call each other pet names 34%
• Have them meet my family 32%
• Trust them to take care of my pet 30%
• Talk about having a future together (marriage, kids, etc.) 29%
• Take a trip together 29%
• Be naked around the house together 28%
• Be comfortable around them in my underwear 28%
• Sit in silence without it being awkward 27%
• Tell them personal details about my childhood 27%
• Talk about sexual fantasies/desires 26%
• Let them see me cry 26%
• Laugh at dumb things together 26%
• Let them see me in old/ratty clothes 24%
• Have them meet my close friends 23%