With the UK currently on lockdown and us all being asked to stay two metres away from other people, dating or maintaining a relationship can prove tough.
Unless you live with your partner, romance is now limited to text messages and FaceTime sessions.
And if you’ve just started seeing someone you might be feeling concerned about getting to know them and building a bond over the phone.
But fear not, it’s possible to do just that, according to Plenty of Fish’s relationship expert, Shannon Smith.
Shannon has shared her top tips for finding love and keeping the spark alive in existing relationships during self-isolation.
She explained that the prospect of wooing someone through long conversations can feel overwhelming, but you shouldn’t worry too much about trying to be “perfect”.
“ Don’t worry about writing, rewriting and perfecting every message – the most important thing is for people to feel they’re getting to know the real you, so be authentic and let your personality shine through rather than trying to be ‘perfect’.
“This is also a time when engagement is key,” she continues. “If a potential partner asks you a question, don’t give them half an answer.
“This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to write a massive paragraph but you should be engaged, and make sure you ask questions about them too.”
(Image: Getty Images)
As well as talking, Shannon recommends playing games with your prospective partner.
“ Playing a game together is also another fun way to interact with each other and provides a different way to pass the time whilst spending a lot of time indoors.
“This could be a word or puzzle game through an app. Equally you could choose to watch the same show together at the same and discuss it whilst it’s on, creating the illusion of being together.”
And when it comes to those who are struggling to keep the spark alive while being locked in the house with their partner, Shannon has some more wise words to share.
“It can feel daunting,” she says. “But there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce feelings of cabin fever.
“When you’re both spending all day in the house, it can be very easy for the boundaries between work and play to blur. So make sure you both have a point when you shut off your screens and do something away from technology (even if this is just for a bit before going back to watch a movie or video call friends).
“This break will also give you a distance from falling into endless ‘work chat’.”
She adds: “Doing something together can also help spark up conversation naturally; if you’re prepping dinner use it as an opportunity to talk about your favourite dishes, the best restaurants you’ve eaten at, culinary disasters and what dish you’d take to a dessert island. Or why not both choose a book to read so you can discuss it? Who said book clubs can’t be just be between you two! Being in lockdown will lead us all to try new things, so use these as a starting point to learn more about your partner.
“Similarly, if you’re planning a date night, revel in the luxury of it being only you two, rather than surrounded by others in a noisy restaurant or bar. Take the chance to chat to each other about the bigger things. You may be surprised at how little these conversations crop up when you’ve both got packed schedules, and this is your chance to properly understand how each of you are feeling and explore any anxieties or excitements you have.
“It is also important to remember that sometimes silence is okay, and you can enjoy each other’s company just by simply being together too.”
