Being in a new relationship is exciting, but in the context of the current pandemic, not everything can be expected to be as it once was, including Valentine's Day
Time has changed and most everything is different—including love. While some may argue that love is now easier to find (thanks to the convenience of online dating which seems to have become the ersatz apparatus to Cupid's bow), it can also prove difficult when you actually find someone you're interested in—and want more. Those in burgeoning relationships may be torn between the excitement of being with a new partner and the worry of health risks, which are, unfortunately, still a very real part of 2021.
If you're celebrating Valentine's Day this year with someone new, consider the best way to make the day both special and safe by keeping these in mind.
Establish Boundaries
One of the most important aspects of any relationship—pandemic or not—is establishing boundaries, especially when you're new to each other. In the context of 2021, this doesn't just mean physical or emotional boundaries, it also means relating what you are and aren't comfortable with in terms of safety. If this means you'd prefer to get tested before getting too close, say so. Most people will usually be happy to comply with boundaries, and if they aren't, then consider whether this is a dealbreaker or not.
Don't feel pressured into doing something you're not comfortable with, especially if it's with a partner you aren't sure you trust just yet. Opening up to an honest conversation will also be a healthy way to practice open communication that will hopefully strengthen the bond that's already there.
Read also: Opinion: Is A Long Distance Relationship Worth Pursuing Amid A Pandemic?
Be Open
I'm a firm believer that my affaires de cœur are best kept to myself, but the reality is that these days, it's not quite so simple. The decisions we make and the things we do can sometimes affect others through a chain of actions we can neither predict nor (sometimes) control. As such, it's a good idea to be open and honest about expectations and lifestyle choices. Are you seeing each other exclusively? Or are there other people that you or your partner keep in close contact with? Ordinarily, casual dating shouldn't be such a big deal, but with the surge of cases, it's important to be honest, not just about who you're seeing, but how you're feeling as well.