Hooking Up During a Global Pandemic
All is fair in love and….a global pandemic?
“Communion” Illustration by Vivi Velasco/based on stock images
Before, we used to ask potential flings what they love to do on weekends and what their special interests are, wanting to know a bit about them to see if we were compatible in some way. Now, we have to consider another level of compatibility: their feelings about COVID-19 safety. With Facetime dates starting to become more common and even becoming a feature on dating apps, many want to achieve the more intimate aspect of dating. It is no surprise that quarantine has created a lot of stress and loneliness for thousands of people. However, there is, of course, an infectious virus out there that chooses who to take down one by one.
It appears that the strict rules for COVID-19 not only increased the amount of people feeling isolated but has also increased people’s horniness.
“Men also get real desperate for stuff off the phone too like immediately when you're flirting with them. Like, two dudes, I’ve barely spoken to and never hooked up with but did flirt with asked for nudes within a few snaps,” says Molly Israel, a vivacious goddess who is currently residing in Scotland. “AKA men are even more horny than usual....”
It’s as if sex and intimacy have become a more dire need during this time. Maybe it’s the excitement and the feeling of being risky that drives people during this frenzy. Or it’s the pent up stress and sexual frustration that quarantine has created over these past months. Perhaps they’re touch starved after the dating pool being slowly dismantled due to isolation and restrictions. And while many articles and statistics have been made about why people are more turned on during this year, we truly don’t know the real reason.
And though many don’t see the harm in being in close contact with sex partners, others do. And regardless, there are countless precautions to take when going out in public and hooking up.
According to Avert.org, the Coronavirus is not sexually transmitted. However, it can still spread by coming into contact with bodily fluids such as saliva. It even suggests that people should consider pursuing sexual arousal through “talking” instead of using physical contact.
And no, you don’t have to wear a mask during sex, though if you choose to then go for it, I guess. It’s important to be wary of the risks considerate of the wellbeing of those around you; whether it’s checking how high the transmission rates are in your area or testing before and after sex.
“I did see that some colleges were like ‘If you are gonna have sex make sure you are wearing a mask and be considerate’, which is so funny to me,” says a Crystal Crush staff member. “And also [this] one person I was talking to said they were hooking up with someone and before they got tested for covid and STDs at the same time.”
To each their own, by the way.
Every writer is biased even if they don’t mean to. I’m biased. I don’t have experience hooking up during a pandemic nor will I ever will due to the risks. The only thing I know is the nuisance of desperate men who can’t take a hint. Don’t ask me on a date unless I actually like you, but keep in mind the world is succumbing to a small orb with spikes. And definitely don’t ask me to hook up because I’ll probably say yes and then say that I can’t since I’ll be spending the whole day “babysitting”.
I don’t care what you do or who you do, as long as you’re being safe along with your partner. Because who knows how long Covid will last.
