Searching for Companionship-*Quarantine Bae*

We are living in a dark and scary time, full of uncertainty and panic.

The Coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it. It has been the main topic in most of my conversations with friends, on every news channel and social media is buzzing with conspiracy theorists. Celebrities are expressing this virus does not discriminate and I’ve literally thought about jumping on tik tok to join the multiple dance challenges that are surfacing.

I have my own contradictions on those who are over 30 and on TiK TOK. However, I get we are all just trying to have fun.

When the pandemic broke out the media suggested self-isolation as a way to reduce the spread of the virus. We all began to panic. Afraid grocery stores would shut down, how we would all manage working from home, job security and for some struggling to figure out how these bills will get paid. It has been multiple days of scary news and it is important we all still practice self-care.

One of the ways I decompress, after dealing with a stressful situation, is laughing at the hilarious meme’s on social media. I was already prepared for the outrageous coronavirus meme’s that would be circling. The Internet did not disappoint.

We have a way of using humor to cope with situations that are out of our control and in a sense meme’s are a bonding tool.

Ya’ll……I was not prepared for the#Quarantinebae and #Quarantineandchill meme’s.

These are complete strangers searching for someone to netflix and chill with while we get over this pandemic. Even though Doctors expressed the best way to stop the spread is to keep distance from each other.

Are we so eager for deep-connection that we are willing to risk getting coronavirus? Now, if you are already in a romantic partnership or live with your significant other this does not relate to you. I hope that you are finding fun ways to bond and by day 10 you aren’t ready to self-isolate from each other. You got this!

If there’s one thing the spread of the coronavirus has taught me, it’s that the dating scene is lacking emotional connection and longing for something deeper. According to significant posts on social media, since people have started to Quarantine, traffic on dating sites have increased and people are actually enjoying taking the time to get to know each other. Therefore, removing the instant gratification of experiencing a casual hook-up or rushed awkward first date.

I know self-isolation feels extremely lonely, and we are all trying to find effective ways to keep busy. I’m happy we are connecting in ways that previously felt outdated. We are even showing empathy. But, please follow the guidelines.

After this is over you and bae are happy to ride off into the sunset together.

So, here are some fun and cute ways to have date nights-virtually.

1. Netflix and Chill is still an option- Netflix party is a new way to watch Netflix with your friends.
2. Have dinner together- Prepare the same meal. Served with wine of course. You can even get dressed up and….. facetime as you eat.
3. Read the same book/or subscribe to the same podcast.
4. Phone sex.
5. Never have I ever or create a fun game to get to know each other more.
6. Paint and Sip-Can be done through facetime.
7. Play video games.
8. Create a song together-Dust off those instruments that haven’t been used in a while.
9. Create a pinterest board of all the fun date night ideas you have to look forward to.
10. Did I mention phone sex?
11. Reach out to a couple who started off in a long distance relationship. They could be useful.

Also, please remember to wash your hands and avoid touching your face.

Most importantly, please be safe.