KUALA LUMPUR – It looks like Cupid is taking time off during the movement control order (MCO), with many Malaysian singles lacking the motivation to date.
Social activities are largely barred and travel curbs, in force, making meet-ups too much of a challenge.
Lawyer Wilson Wong told The Vibes that he tried dating during the MCO, but had difficulty finding someone willing to commit.
“People don’t seem to want to be in a serious relationship, especially during the MCO,” said the 29-year-old.
With the “first impression” said to be hugely important, the movement restrictions aimed at combating Covid-19 have made it hard for singles to put their best foot forward, in person.
Sarish Illamaran, a 28-year-old law student, said it is easier to find a date during the MCO, though the experience may be less pleasant.
“I think it is much easier to find someone during the MCO, because all you need to do is call or text each other.”
However, he said, the ease of doing so, coupled with the many dating apps available, could mean the person you fancy may be doing the same thing with others.
He added that communicating virtually is simply not the same as making an impact in person.
Also, spotty internet in some places, including Penang, can make online dating a hassle.
It is not only singles facing issues during the MCO, but couples in committed relationships, too.
Kristen Carlos, 24, entered a romantic relationship last February, before the first MCO took effect the following month.
“For some reason, I didn’t miss him as much. I mean, I was meeting him only once a week for 1½ months before the first lockdown.
“We were texting every day, but with texts, you can’t really tell the other person’s tone, so there was a lot of miscommunication.”
When the conditional MCO – which saw restrictions relaxed – took effect, she said, things got better, as she could easily meet her significant other.
However, rising coronavirus cases put a stop to that.
“Now, this is the part that hurts,” said Kristen.
“We made it a point to see each other frequently during the recovery MCO, so to suddenly have that change and not see him at all for weeks at a time hurts so much.
“He doesn’t live within 10km of my house, so I know that I won’t be able to see him until the MCO is over.
“I had bouts of depression every time the government announced an extension.”
To keep the flame burning, Kristen and her partner get on video calls and order food deliveries for each other every night, vowing to keep doing this until they can reunite once more.
For a 34-year-old journalist, who wished to be known only as Adhira, the MCO has positively altered her view on dating.
“I was on a couple of dating apps, and I actually went on some dates before the first MCO started. But, they didn’t work out, and I was a bit frustrated.
“So, when the first MCO was implemented last March, I put the apps on hold.”
It was only in July or August that she decided to delve back into the world of online dating.
“I think I was in a better headspace then.
“Taking time off helped me shift my perspective on dating and relationships.
“So, when I restarted, I didn’t take rejection so personally, I guess.” – The Vibes, February 14, 2021
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