We interviewed a few couples that have found each other during the pandemic-provoked shutdown:
Single and ready to …quarantine?
An interview with Katie:
Imagine you’re a fresh face to Vienna. Having just moved here, you’re starting to settle in, signing up for all those new dating apps and then – BAM! – worldwide lockdown! Well, this is exactly Katie’s quarantine story. She tells us how she’s tackling dating and ‘meeting’ new people, all while being the new kid on the block in a city that’s shutdown:
We’re all familiar with the swipe-swipe process of dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Her. Katie’s noticed that since the shutdown, “there are more profiles now, and people actually seem more interested in talking.”
‘It felt easier to meet people who are truly from Vienna. Sometimes on apps, you see profiles of travelers, or visitors. If you’re looking for a serious relationship, those matches naturally can’t work out. But right now, the majority of the profiles are of locals. It’s a great way to learn about Vienna, as well!’
Vienna Würstelstand (VWS): So you’ve both swiped right, chatted for a bit – now what?
Katie: In making the most out of the situation, “we once went on a run and bike ride together. That way we could talk, but still keep the distance. Another time, we met with wine and snacks at a plaza and enjoyed ourselves on the benches – from opposite ends of the bench, of course!”
However – ‘Sometimes you really want to meet up with somebody, but just can’t. Then the conversation just fizzles out.’
VWS: Where would your go-to date spot in Vienna be if the Coronavirus wasn’t hanging around?
Katie: ‘Now the weather is getting nicer, I’d say any bar or restaurant with outdoor seating.’
Recommendations from Katie for those also looking for love in the time of Corona?
‘Just be yourself – and respond!’
Whereart thou Romeo? – Oh, that’s right – you’re at home isolating, too
And interview with Utkarsh & Oana:
Lucky enough to have gotten that second, or third date in before the big social distancing change showed up? Utkarsh and Oana did, and they share with us what it’s like to continue the dating through a budding “isolationship,” and how they have worked through the distance.
Oana quite perfectly sums up how she felt when the Corona interrupted her and Utkarsh’s budding romance:
Oana: I think I am ready to date, again
Universe: OH YEAH?! *Release world-wide virus preventing all human interaction*
Oana: Well played.
Utkarsh: ‘I had asked her out on our first date on Feb 19th. I could have asked her out earlier, but I had a lot going on between parents visiting me, PhD stuff, my research etc. Anyway, we met a couple of times…and that’s when the lockdown kicked in.’
Both are grateful that, ‘despite 90% of Vienna working from home, internet services have not been affected. At least with experiencing lockdown in the internet era, video calls bring us the closest we can get to a normal date.’
According to Utkarsh and Oana, the fact that you’re not able to plan normal dates anymore, just means you have to be more creative and spontaneous!
‘Sometimes, we play games online together, or learn about each other’s work. We might even become more inventive if the lockdown is prolonged.
But up until now, we’ve been planning how we’ll spend time together when life returns to a certain normality.’
Utkarsh reflects, “if I learn anything at all from this, it’s that it’s possible to make ‘long distance’ isolationships work. It probably will also make us think of more creative, or old school ways of dating eg. writing handwritten letters, daring to write a poem. I’m an old school romantic, anyway.’
According to Oana – ‘it’s rather difficult to think about the positive aspects, but the anticipation that you get throughout your whole working day while waiting for the ‘date’ in the evening is one of the best.’
VWS: Where would your go-to date spot in Vienna be if the Coronavirus wasn’t hanging around?
Oana: ‘Hmmm, Vienna has a lot of great places that cater to all moods, but for drinks, I like the rooftop bar at the 25h hotel.’
VWS suggests: Why not have a fancy bar night experience at home! Explore your taste buds by ordering yourself & your date some drinks to be delivered so you can share a ‘Prost’ via video chat! Maybe you’ll end up creating a memorable lockdown cocktail together!
We have a whole list of local wine, beer and spirits suppliers and a few bars that are offering delivery services at the moment in Vienna. Check out our list.
Tips from Utkarsh & Oana for those also looking for love in the time of Corona?
Oana says to look on the bright side – ‘try to see these times as a good opportunity for dialogue and getting to know each other. Experimenting with this new type of ‘dating’ will bring you plenty of joy, smiles, and lots of butterflies. Keep positive – a good and solid foundation can be built also during hard times!’
Utkarsh reminds you to ‘get creative. Trust me, if you like someone, this will not be difficult. Keep interacting and get super interested in each other’s lives.’
Two peas in a pod – except you can’t leave that pod
An interview with: Emmanuel & Andrea
What about those who have been dating for a while now, but just stepped their relationship up to the next level?
We talk to Emmanuel and Andrea, who have just moved in together, about what it’s like to be put in the position that they’re unexpectedly spending 24/7 together.
Here’s how they went to being together 100% of the time, ready or not!
Both agree – ‘we had been spending a lot of time together and already worked together for a long time before we moved in, so it wasn’t surprising how easy and comfortable it felt when we were finally living together. On the other hand, it was still new, since we both had been living alone for a few years before.’
‘Now that we live and work together, AND we’re not allowed to leave the house – the idea of this was potentially going to be a challenge, but it just required us to stay calm.’
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so Andrea suggests that they’ve ‘come up with ideas of what to do besides work. We built a bookshelf, started gardening, and learned chess. We both still have enough time for ourselves, but we’re also keeping busy.’
Keeping date night was important, because, ‘before the crisis, we went on one every month. We went to nice restaurants, or caught a movie, wearing nice shoes, nice clothes to feel a little fancy, and special. We just made time for us. So when the crisis came, we adjusted, but kept the date night.’
‘We now have date night every week. We still dress nicely, even though we are home and see each other every minute of every day. But we mix it up by cooking together, light some candles, dim the lights, play music, and just invest the extra effort in making it a lovely evening. We don’t care if we’re stuck at home. It’s important to regularly and intentionally make time for each other.’
Where would your go-to date spot in Vienna be if the Coronavirus wasn’t hanging around?
‘The Votiv, or De France cinema, because it’s where we had our first ‘unofficial’ date. They show the most amazing and recent movies. All original, with subtitles. And it is the ‘old’ flair of the cinemas. It’s just special to me on so many levels.’
VWS suggests: Binging Netflix at home is easy to do. But making a proper movie night is another thing! Why not recreate those classic cinema vibes at home? Make some popcorn, or your favourite cinema treats, grab a matching drink and select a unique movie, or one of those top 100 classics you’ve had on your list to watch forever!
We even have a list of movies that take place right in Vienna!
Tips from Emmanuel & Andrea to those also keeping their love strong in close quarters?
Andrea says: ‘the little things can make a big difference, like, let fresh air in as often as possible. It clears your mind.’
And both agree, ‘when you need to, give each other some space. If you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, don’t blame it on your partner, or take it out on them. When you’re respectful towards each other’s needs, then even a difficult situation like this one can go smoothly.’
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