Tips for Dating During This Pandemic: What to Know Right Now

Dating in 2020. Is it still possible? How can you adjust? And what exactly should you consider before meeting in person? Things are different now, and there are many issues to navigate, so I wrote about some tips to consider for Men’s Health.

Here’s an experience I had: After mainly staying home during the coronavirus pandemic and not seeing most of my family and friends for months, I reopened dating apps just to check out the scene. Things got a little weird.

The thing is, meeting someone IRL can mean having to be confident in their COVID compliance—and even then, it can still feel off. And I wasn’t the only one concerned about how to navigate using dating apps right now, as dating experts shared with me.

If you’re considering using dating apps, but feel confused without a roadmap, it’s normal. I did some research (for myself, Men’s Health, and humankind), and now I present…a plan that can help.

Some apps are trying to help daters navigate these uncertain times. For instance, Bumble now allows users to show which dates they’d be comfortable with (e.g., over video or socially-distanced with masks) and has encouraged people to date virtually.

Still, this pandemic can feel uncertain when it comes to our health and relationships. If you’re considering using dating apps—or considering meeting someone new in general—but feel confused without a roadmap, it’s normal. I did some research (for myself, Men’s Health, and humankind), and presented…a plan that can help.

For instance, when considering whether you want to meet, it’s okay to ask people questions about habits and preferences that matter to you, including whether they’ve been hanging out in crowds and who else they’ve been seeing. That might be different than what you’re used to, but these times can call for adaptation.

It’s also totally appropriate to be more selective about who you meet in person, and to establish ground rules if you decide to connect. Being more direct and particular about what we want actually can be helpful.

So would you go on a date with a new person now? See my article for more specific tips, as news continues to develop. Feel free to share this story with a friend or even a would-be date. (I’m here to help if you need a conversation starter!) And stay safe out there.

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Video: 7 Ways to Fight Loneliness

Did you know feeling lonely can affect your health? It’s been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diminished sleep quality, and more, even after controlling for various other factors, reports University of Chicago Medicine.

And with social distancing in effect, we can really feel lonely. ⁣

I reported on this topic for Sisters From AARP, where I’m a freelance contributing editor— and again, just recently, on my YouTube channel.

In this new video, I reveal seven ways to grow your relationships and feel more connected. Right now. ⁣(Even if you watch this video after distancing has been lifted in your area, the tips still can apply.)

Please watch and share. And feel free to subscribe to my channel.

How are you feeling as we physically distance? ⁣I hope this info helps you or someone you know. ?

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5 Tips to Protect Your Hearing



So I love getting out to events and listening to live music. But these fun activities can have a down side. Sadly.

If you’re around loud sounds, you should know that you could be at risk for tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss, too. These sounds can show up anywhere, from your favorite sporting events to concerts and bars.

Because this topic is so important, and because it can affect so many people, I wrote about how to avoid hearing loss and damage earlier this year for Men’s Health. Even now, the topic keeps coming up in my everyday life. Maybe because I know so many other music lovers.

The facts: Sounds are measured in decibels (dB). Those higher than 85 dB can permanently damage the hair cells in your inner ear with extended exposure, leading to hearing loss or actual damage. And it can be years before you start to notice the effects.

Please check out my story for five tips on how to protect your hearing. I do these things myself. Then tell me what you think!

Have you ever had a hearing scare, or noticed when sounds were too loud? Taking action now can help you later.


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Are Your Shoes Hurting Your Health?




If you wear (fab) shoes like this, it’s all about the timing. B Brian Atwood Fredrique platform pumps via saksfifthavenue.com.

I’m an admitted shoe fanatic, but I also love writing about wellness. So the recent health story I wrote on 9 Footwear Do’s and Don’ts for USNews.com was really fun.

The truth is, our feet withstand lots of abuse (think long jogs and super high stilettos), and we need to take care of them to avoid pain, injury, and other ailments. Check out the story to learn the best time to go out in high heels—and if you should be wearing those flip flips.


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Facts on Contacts: Most of Us Have Bad Habits




Most of us think we know how to clean our contacts, but a new study finds less than 1 percent of people (less than 1 percent!) actually care for them properly, WebMd Health News reports.

And bad habits have consequences, researchers write in the journal Optometry and Vision Science. The most frequent problems reported by surveyed contacts wearers were discomfort (72%) and infection (47%). Yikes.

To protect your eyes, replace contacts as recommended, American Optometric Associationspokesman Randall Fuerst, O.D., tells WebMd.

Other steps? Never use tap water to clean cases or lenses (I’ve done this, but no more!), always use fresh solution, and always wash and dry your hands before putting in lenses. And, of course, only buy contacts from reputable providers—and only if you have a current, valid prescription (no crazy colors from shady outlets or oversize lenses, please).

So have you been doing anything wrong—and will you make changes? Learn more on healthy lens care from FDA and WebMd.

Image: nuchylee/FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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The Difference Between Leopard and Cheetah Print



You say you’re crazy for cheetah print, but do you really like leopard? The prints are easy to mix up—and often are—but you’ll know the difference after reading this post.

Your cheat-sheet for cheetah spots: They’re  just one color.

Leopard print, on the other hand, has some shading and the spots are two-toned.

So there you go. Now you’ll be on point the next time you’re hunting for cheetah-print shoes. Rawr.

So do you know your animal prints? And are you a feline fan? (By the way, these cute rugs are currently available for purchase; just click the images above.)

Images: Rugs USA


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Physically Leaning Affects Our Thinking?



Interesting news out of the Netherlands: A new study suggests the way you physically lean affects how you estimate quantities (like sizes, numbers, and percentages).

We think of smaller numbers as being to the left and larger numbers to the right, researchers say. So when participants estimated answers to questions, they chose smaller numbers when leaning to the left. (There was no difference in estimates when they leaned to the right or stood straight up.)

Though researchers say posture has no effect when you know an answer, they say it influences you when you’re unsure. So the next time you wonder how much liquor is in that lemon drop, maybe try not to lean left. Wouldn’t want to overindulge because you guessed low!

So what do you think of this study? Does it sound right (ha) to you?

Image: We Heart It

 

 


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My Style: Fashion In Five Minutes—Or Less




Dresses are amazing. If you get the right shape and color (I’m partial to sheath styles that don’t need ironing) you look like you put major effort into your look—even if you got dressed in minutes.

And if the pattern is eye-catching, and the dress has some texture, there’s no need to stress about lots of accessories.

The perfect shoes? Pumps or slingbacks close to your skin tone. Just add a bag, and the outfit’s done in a flash. It’s a great style trick!

Dress, Trina Turk; shoes, Nine West; bag, Louis Vuitton


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Glitter Is Good



 

Pretty peep-toes from Badgley Mischka.

So, if I’ve never mentioned this, I have a serious obsession with all things sparkly.* And what’s the perfect sparkly accessory? Shoes!

If you’re afraid to really go for the gold (or silver) with a sparkly dress or top, metallic shoes offer a touch of polish that brings major style points. And if you love sparkles already, well you know how great it feels to prance around in shoes this cute and shiny.

Another great thing about metallics? They go with everything. So reconsider that basic black shoe for your next dinner date—instead, throw on something golden.

*You can find the Badgley Mischka heels in the photo at Piperlime.com, Zappos.com, or Endless.com. But move quickly—many sizes are going fast! [Update (9/14/11): These shoes appear to be sold out on some sites, including Zappos.com.]

Image Credit: Zappos


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5 Times to Say No To Short Shorts (and Mini Skirts)




These shorts are cool, but they’re not for every occasion.

Okay, I absolutely adore mini skirts and dresses. (I’m not as into shorts, though they can be nice, too.) But just like everything, these clothes have their time and place. And after seeing a few, er, missteps around town, I figured I’d go on the record about a few no-nos. Especially now that it’s just blazing hot outside and short shorts can be so tempting.

It’s a bad idea to wear micro shorts or a mini…

To church (or any other house of worship). This one is obvious. Just don’t.

To work. Co-workers and bosses do not need to be exposed to all. Of. That.

To meet his parents…or grandparents. This goes double if those bottoms are ripped, frayed, or otherwise altered. Why start off by giving them something to freak out over ask him about?

To a wedding. Let the bride have the guests’ attention. Please. It’s, like, a wedding law.

To go bowling. Or to work out. Or any other time you’ll be publicly engaged in lots of bending…or squatting.

I left a few places out, I’m sure. So what would you add?

Image: We Heart It


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