20 days into the lockdown, I attended a virtual speed dating event in April, and wrote about it here. It was all new, the virtuality of everything, and I was one of the less-well-reads who didn’t think that the pandemic was set to take over all of the year. I got back on to dating apps out of sheer curiosity to see what’s the crowd like, now that the immediate gratification of hooking up was out of the question. Other than a few Covidiots, there were some new “here only because of the lockdown” bios, and another few that said, “Can I take you out before corona does?” None have taken me out (yet).
The dating space is in a time when the casual aspect of it is one that needs to be thought through. You have to be able to trust someone to even be within 10 feet distance. As things open up, we are trying to get that cup of coffee with a friend or by ourselves, keeping precautions in mind. But what happens to casual dating, and to hooking up?
Anantika from Mumbai was initially on Bumble just out of boredom. A guy did initially ask her out for a drive (like I said, covidiots), but she refused. “A lot of people wanted to video call on the app, and I wasn’t up for it, it’s weird to video call someone you don’t know at all. Eventually I did unmatch a few, and some conversations just fizzled out on their own,” she says.
Atmadip Mukherjee is a final year engineering student from Hyderabad, and he is at home, with his parents. He’s generally more social, but during the lockdown, he has restricted his usage of apps. “I met this one person through a dating app, but I knew of him through mutual friends. So there was an element of trust, and we were very careful, and socially distancing. Also, I feel being on dating apps right now creates an anticipation that I don’t like,” he says.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career
iPhone Fatigue
Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket
Pritam Hitting The High Note
A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless
