The singleton's search for love in the time of coronavirus | Elle Hunt

Dating has always carried risks, but now the stakes for 'putting yourself out there' are higher than ever

In opposition to the smug marrieds, we singletons have always liked to position ourselves on the frontline of life, squaring off against creeps and weirdos in our valiant search for love. Already shut out of the property market and two-for-one meal deals, we're now unfairly burdened by coronavirus, confronted with a new dilemma: risk infection by going on dates, or remain for ever alone.

Tinder, considered instrumental to a culture of casual sex and hook-ups, has warned users to "maintain social distance" - and carry hand sanitiser. OkCupid, meanwhile, has found that mentions of the virus on UK profiles are skyrocketing.