Dating is one phase in taking friendship to the next level. This, usually, is the result of bonding overtime and realizing that something concrete may come out of this. These days, most relationship start off on the internet (virtual)
Now, people meet for the first time in various ways. It could be through a mutual acquaintance, family, in the course of work, at a restaurant, in a bus or wherever the day takes you. With the way society continues to revolve, dating is not as conventional as it used to be. People are hooking up via social media and dating apps, and the opportunities are endless for people looking to find love.
However the friendship is established, it requires deliberate efforts from both parties to keep the fire burning. Sometimes, one of the things that hinders these efforts is distance. Being an exciting stage, dating requires constant and consistent contact, through communication.
It works better when there is some level of close proximity between the partners.
Unfortunately, the global pandemic has also taken a hit on the social lives of humans especially on Interpersonal relationships where we are forced to have more virtual interactions that physical ones.
Budding relationships do not have it easy this period but I believe where there is a will, there is a way. There really should be nothing stopping you from making the best out of your relationships especially if you started dating recently. Didn’t someone say, “Effort is sexy”?
There you are, hooked up with someone you think might just be the one and it hits you that this person is not close by, but you want this one person in your space. It’s great but before long, it will seem like a routine doing the same thing every other day. You long for some physical attachment but right now, it may not be feasible. How do you go about this to keep the fire going and get the best out of what you can’t handle physically? How do you keep momentum going in a Virtual relationship?
How many more memojis will pass across the right sentiments?
The first thing is to never let it fizzle out with monotony. Chats and text messages are cool and cheaper to keep in touch but they never convey the depth of our messages. Even the emojis never do enough. In a sea of grey text messages and chats, a surprise and additional pep up can be done with voice notes. Sending a voice note in the middle of a chat actually adds colour to the conversation through your voice. It leaps off a screen and into the person’s ear. That is attacking a different sense that has not been the usual. It is highly welcome and appreciated.
Secondly,the infusion of a voice note in a chat, makes you say more. Regular writing, can make you feel invisible and almost all conversation seems the same. Think about how much more nuance, context and more of yourself that emerges when you talk.
You’ll be literally gushing and effervescent when describing things you’re doing at that time . Written messages can’t convey any of this.
Thirdly, you cut across humanity. Your real self surfaces. Conversations are more realistic and honest. Those are the times your micro- personality moments come up. You know the moments of the awkward silence, a little nervous laugh that comes with breaking the ice? No matter what you write in your chat, that little talk sure gets across.
You must note that a voice note must not be a response to every chat. No, that’s missing the point. The point is the contrast.
Once in a while, let them get a taste of who you really are and what you sound like.
Video calls are also a hit. It makes it more life-like. You can actually see activities you’re both involved in and sometimes, the unpreparedness of you taking the call can be zesty.
The general rules are still the same as dating in reality. Be real and truthful. Don’t make yourself to be who you are not. Make sure you don’t become obsessive about calls or chats. It can be a huge turn off.
Make sure you ask for appropriate times to start conversations. Do not solicit nor send explicit messages unless you both have an understanding about that.
Try and research on each other’s interests; it makes for lively talk. This “Stay Home” season is a time for self improvement.
Whatever the person sees in you, can be enhanced and sharpened to make a better version of you.
Lastly, don’t forget that you’re still at the dating stage and everybody has options.
There are people who could come closer to your date physically or online. Some persons can actually keep up active chats with ten others. Never forget that you’re connecting with someone with the greatest asset you have.
That asset is you.
