The new, improved dating dictionary

W42ST Daily 5/11/2020

What high hopes I had. Quarantine was going to change everything. The online dating world would be transformed, improved for the better, as we learned to woo each other once again with the power of words. We’d have fun virtual dates, REALLY communicate, and never once have to run to the bathroom to escape unwanted physical advances. I was all in. I took my Bumble profile off the life support system, gave it a quick shock with the defibrillator, then waded in …

Friends, I am here to tell you that literally nothing has changed. Ghosting is still a thing. So is breadcrumbing. And zombie-ing. If you’ve been receiving random texts from “Joe Tinder” and “Kit-Kat” (because he once bought you a Kit-Kat on a date and his actual name has been lost in the mists of time) let me tell you, you are not alone – it’s like Night of the Living Dead out there.

So I did what I always do in situations like this. I called my girlfriend. And, because she’s creative and smart and funny, she’s written this. It’s a call to make the world a better place; to reclaim the dating dictionary and keep hope alive. And, because language is constantly evolving, we’ll be adding to it as we go along. Please contribute your suggestions. And send me your quarantine dating stories – good and bad – to help me feel less alone.

DISHING IT UP DAILY
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I’M LOVING YOUR MASKIES
Thanks to all those who posted photographs of your “maskies.” Here are some of my favorites from the weekend. Keep those pics coming. Post an Instagram selfie with you and your most “fashion” mask. Extra points for pimping it up. Get creative. And don’t forget the #W42ST hashtag.

DO THESE THINGS
Get up in the morning
If you’re struggling to get out of your bed before midday, you’re not alone. Jillian Richardson, the brilliant human behind The Joy List, is starting an accountability group this week. It’s free (but there’s a $20 “I promise to show up” fee that will be refunded when you actually DO show up. Join here.

Get motivated
Connect to your breath, move your body, and manifest your vision in this virtual Monday Motivation session. It’s free, and is just another way to stay active and stay connected to your people. Join here.

Go on a picnic
The Irish Arts Center’s long-running, always sold-out variety show, Muldoon’s Picnic, is now coming at you from living rooms across the city. Pull up a blanket here.

Go to a pajama party
Jim Caruso is hosting his brilliant, weekly Cast Party from home. Tonight’s guests include Curtis Stigers, which has to be worth tuning in for alone, right? And you can read Jim’s personal story from our archives here.

Rise up with Bette and Barbra
A virtual benefit tonight, to help New Yorkers affected by COVID-19, will include appearances from Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Lopez, Robert De Niro and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Find out more.

NAME GAME
Tell me your name, and tell me something you’re grateful for at the start of this brand new week. I’ll kick things off. Hey everyone, I’m Ruth, and I’m thankful that, when I took a tumble on Saturday (seriously, don’t ask), the only thing that was injured was my pride. Y’all, I don’t need a hospital visit right now!