Covid-19 has dramatically shaken up the ways in which all of us socialize with each other, and will likely continue to do so for some time. When the pandemic began, many of us likely believed that social distancing would be a temporary fix to what seemed like a new version of the flu; now, it is clear that we will have to live differently for an indefinite period of time in order to fight Covid-19.
Whilst lockdown easing has given many the opportunity to meet again in-person, online communication remains the safest and most feasible way of keeping in touch with friends, family and other connections whilst the pandemic continues. In light of this, I set out to explore how relationships could change during the era when the most basic of human instincts – touch – has to be meticulously avoided.
Romantic relationships often hinge on physical contact, with moments such as first kisses being celebrated as milestones in relationships. Though rightly so, the world currently favours couples whose relationships were established pre-pandemic. However, this does not mean that there are no opportunities for new romance to blossom. Most social activities can occur under social distancing – whether its traditional dinner dates, visiting a new place together, or attending a cultural event.
“distancing measures may in fact have the unexpected upside of reducing the quantity of toxic relationships in the world.”
Furthermore, those living alone have the option to create a bubble with another single person. It is good news for those wanting to take it slow, as there is far less pressure to dive headfirst into a relationship you aren’t quite sure about. Each person has more opportunity – more of an ‘excuse’ – to take more time to see whether they really like the person they are dating. Therefore, distancing measures may in fact have the unexpected upside of reducing the quantity of toxic relationships in the world. This is certainly something positive we could be taking away from the pandemic in the years to come.
“This secondary effect of the pandemic is surely something to be celebrated.”
In May, it was reported that scientists considered the pandemic as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to curb the spread of common sexually transmitted infections. The recent focus on hygiene and protective measures against the Coronavirus, such as face coverings, may in fact encourage a mindset that treats human contact with more care and, in some cases, caution. Whilst for some this may be a depressing thought, in terms of public health it could spare many thousands of people from unnecessarily catching and spreading infections, whether this be the virus itself, sexually transmitted infections or the winter flu. This secondary effect of the pandemic is surely something to be celebrated.
Alice Manning
Featured image courtesy of Manuel Meurisse via Unsplash.
Alice Manning
Alice is an English and History graduate of the University of York. She is interested in investigating the issues that matter to contemporary society through features, current affairs pieces and reviews. Away from writing, she is a keen musician and occasional baker.