It is season three, episode two of the pandemic and I still have no love interest in sight. At this point, I’m convinced that the writers are plotting for a mid-season entrance, so we are likely to have to wait until at least the first quarter of 2022 for the meet cute, but I’m hoping it’ll be worth it. For now, I am striving to keep my lateral flow test results a single line to match my single relationship status.
Whilst we attempt to see the year out on a high and navigate the last few days of 2022 there is this strange feeling that the pandemic resurfacing is going to stump our dating escapades. Someone shared a golden piece of dating advice recently that resonated with me. They told me you’ve got to be seen, to be found. Whether that be on the dating apps or at a bar on the weekend or even on your work commute (my dream meet cute). How are you supposed to find your soulmate if you don’t leave your home? Which got me thinking, the pandemic has deprived so many people of meeting their soulmates these past two years. There are so many exciting, crazy serendipitous stories of how people meet. From a spontaneous Thursday night out post-work to a coffee shop spillage that turns out to be the love of your life. How are these moments meant to organically happen when we’ve been told to work from home and stay in doors?
There is also such thing as COVID anxiety that can genuinely affect your dating life. So, we have some options, if you want to be “seen”, be creative and go to places that could be the plot for a great meet cute. Borrow your auntie’s dog and take it to Primrose Hill for a walk on a Sunday afternoon. Or, if you aren’t ready to be “found”, and you’ve been dating less in your own life but want to feel inspired to get yourself back out there despite the uncertainty we are experiencing at present (or you just want to compensate for a lack of romance in your own life) then here are some timely romantic and festive films (which all have epic meet cutes) to watch this New Year. Whatever you do, don’t let the fear of a potential lockdown 3.0 steal any more time from your dating adventures than the pandemic already has.
Serendipity —The romance between a New Yorker and a British woman is left to fate to determine if they are meant to be. Will destiny reunite them? My favourite movie of all time.
Mamma Mia! —We love multiple love stories about multiple generations, and we love that there are multiple men. Also, a banging musical so an absolute winner.
The Holiday — A classic festive staple December and January yearly watch. There are genuinely people doing holiday home exchanges on TikTok inspired by The Holiday and I am living for the love stories that will be sparked.
So even when you’re all alone on the sofa, watching TV you can be prepping for your romantic adventures in 2022.

Read more: To find your match look in the mirror