Dating during a pandemic certainly has its challenges – from swiping and scrolling fatigue, to mask-fishing and unconventional dates (hello socially distanced happy hours!). But not once was dating ever canceled. At least not for the busy professionals who are dating through It’s Just Lunch, the world’s #1 personalized matchmaking service.

The professional matchmakers at It’s Just Lunch have helped singles navigate tricky dating landscapes for decades, so we asked Sandra Hatton, an It’s Just Lunch matchmaker, for her thoughts about dating during the pandemic.

How has dating changed since the pandemic began?
Sandra: Singles are burnt out from endlessly searching and swiping through dating profiles over the last almost two years! They want to “cut to the chase” and find someone who is serious about being a relationship.

What’s the secret to meeting people in the ‘new normal’?
S: Work with It’s Just Lunch! Our clients are busy professionals who come to us because they are ready to meet someone special, but don’t have the time or patience for online dating and dating apps.

And it’s not just exaggerated bios and filtered photos you have to worry about. According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2020 scammers stole more than $139 million from singles through romance schemes on dating apps and websites.

At It’s Just Lunch, there are no apps or online dating profiles. We hand-select matches that align with your relationship goals. Best of all, we guarantee you’ll go on real, in-person dates.

What tips do you have for singles who chose not to date during the pandemic?
S: Make a commitment to yourself to get back out there. Start with a quick, face-to-face lunch date or round of drinks after work. What’s the worst that can happen? After all, It’s Just Lunch.

The professional matchmakers at It’s Just Lunch use intuition, not algorithms, to curate high-quality matches and arrange fun first dates for singles worldwide. Over the last 30 years, they’ve set up more than two million first dates and counting. Get in touch with a matchmaker to learn more.