Since the nationwide recognition of COVID-19 back in March, social distancing and home-bound quarantines have undoubtedly thrown a wrench into everyone’s love lives. Whether you are in the market for something romantic or platonic, the inability to casually meet people in social settings has been extremely frustrating. The years of youth should be a prime time in our lives to date. However, with a pandemic in the mix, how can you do it in a safe and healthy way? Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan of the technological advances that are Hinge and Tinder. Online dating just seems… artificial? I’m not knocking the fact that plenty of people do find love online, but after your free daily swipes run out, what are you to do? With online schooling, there is not even the possibility of running into or meeting other students in between classes. So, what can you safely do as a person in search of romance in the city of Clemson, S.C. without the use of dating apps? Well, we’ve got to blast to the past and ditch the phones to reignite your love life amidst this pandemic of loneliness.
Apart from the physical and mental health benefits that fresh air and Vitamin D can give you, there is now the incentive of being able to go out and mingle in a safe way! Since moving back to Clemson about two weeks ago, I’ve enjoyed many sunsets on top of the Dikes adjacent to the Esso Club and let me tell y’all, it is a perfect place to go to potentially strike up a conversation or meet someone. The striking views and fresh air combine to make a great spot for socially distanced activities.
Another addition to my self-curated list of spots to safely meet people amidst a pandemic in Clemson is Spill the Beans located downtown. Spill the Beans is an all-outdoor setting of delicious ice cream and coffee. This is another great place to spark up a conversation and meet someone new, all while contributing to a local business! For my fellow non-dairy friends, they have a delicious Banana “nice” cream option. Bring your mask, some cash, and a good attitude to this spot around 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and you may just meet someone new!
Dating is hard and a global pandemic sure is not doing anyone favors. Apart from the online dating universe that we have on our phones, there are still ways to connect with people in a safe and natural way by just going outside and taking your chances at love or even just friendship. We have all felt some degree of loneliness throughout this uncertain and chaotic time of our lives. That is one thing that does unite us and can always be a good talking point when meeting someone new in one of these two fun and safe outdoor spots in Clemson. So mask up Tigers and head outside!
