Dating in the time of Covid

[PinkCashmere320]

Hi Transplant Community :), I am some 20 years out since my transplant. My kidney has been very good to me every day since then. However, I have had complications due to the Lupus which caused the kidney issues leading to the transplant. My question has to due with dating in the Covid era. I know it is risky for everyone, but is especially for us. I desperately want to start a relationship, but keep asking myself, "When would this be considered safe? Is intimacy safe?" This person will be out and among other people and then come back to me. Please give me your honest opinions. I do have had my booster shot.

[PostivelyJo]

I wouldn’t over think this, but I would take my time. Be old fashioned and take it slowly. You could get Covid from anyone at anytime even friends and family.Life is for living and we all need intimacy. Try to balance negative thoughts with realistic in the present moment thoughts.

[Alfredmynewkidney]

I'm not dating but I'm married and my husband and I both work. We also have a 17 year old son that is a senior in high school and is very active in and out of school. So we are out and with other people all the time. I say live your best life but be safe as you can. We are all vaccinated. I would want the person I'm dating to at least be vaccinated. And I would not be comfortable with going to a crowded bar or restaurant. But outside dining and activities seem safer to me.

[Eyak1971]

Great question. Thanks for asking. I wish i had. Before covid there were other viruses on my list to be aware of - mono - never had it but more of a problem after a transplant. And I am sure there are others I should be concerned about. But should life be a question of constant fear of disease? After my transplant there was such an emphasis on keeping my new kidney healthy that others parts of my body and mind became secondary. I became a hypochondriac when I had never been, even on dialysis. Eventually I relaxed and longed for people interaction. Not only for a personal relationship but friendship. I am slowly reaching out and will have total conversations with a stranger when wearing a mask or at a distance. Particularly outdoors. However I live in a community that is and was proactive about covid. We have mask and somewhat vaccine mandates. That makes my decision about creating relationships a little less stressful. My suggestion is be observant and listen to your inner self. Observe a future date in the wild. Is he or she cautious also and what does he or she feel about taking precautions? We did this before covid when it came to sexual diseases. Remember they are also taking a chance on you. Note - your risk may be greater. Good luck. I hope you find that special someone.

[Hidden]

I would take precautions against covid, but would be more worried about std's, hepatitis and the usual stuff that people worried about before covid. A blood test is mandatory before intimacy in today's dating climate. The transplant situation never stopped me, it was the other stuff. I would advise you to proceed with caution and go ahead and date/hook-up.

[larrymontague826]

It was drummed into my head from the first meeting, till I got out of the hospital about self awareness of germs and viruses. I think that if you follow those precautions you will be perfectly safe.