"Before the pandemic, I was doing online dating, but the purpose of meeting people online was to meet in person.  Now that 'in person' is out, I basically have zero desire to meet online.  Online dating without any ability to meet in person is way too much like my marriage.  If there is never to be any physical contact, what is the point?!"

People are cam meeting currently I believe. Having a "coffee date" over cam to see if chemistry is there and then getting to know one another. Nothing wrong with that, this quarantine isn't going to last forever. They'll meet in person when they can. In the meantime they have the ability to talk a great deal and get to know one another. There's not much a cam won't catch vs meeting "in person". Most guys want in person meetings to assure you ARE what your profile pics have displayed. Cams take care of that.

I'd rather meet a guy on cam personally. In person meetings have turned into pressure for me too often. Dude wants to touch me, kiss me, etc. Hard pass.

The pandemic can be a time to sort through things mentally as well as physically and decide what you want to do with your life afterwards. You mention losing your career before this hit and are living with our parents now. Are there things you can do during this period to move you towards re-employment and a place of your own? Both will enhance your dating appeal when this is over.

Living with your parents as an adult normally is a flashing red light to potential dates. Right now though it can be seen as a plus because you are protecting them to avoid the risks of going out for groceries etc. Meeting people virtually protects you from the risk of bringing Covid-19 back to them, which also shows that you are a good person.

Social distancing is hard on everyone. I have a significant other and we cannot visit each other because the health risks are too high at our ages. Waiting is hard. Use the virtual dating as a screening process - much less awkward and time consuming than in-person coffee shop first dates. If all goes well you will have met
several whom seem worth a post-Covid get-together.

Stay safe and just try to out-live this.
 

Thank you for your responses.  

Believe me that I understand the 'red flags' of wanting to jump into a relationship too quickly or of living with parents at my age.  I still have my little place in the big city but have not sheltered there precisely because I would be stuck alone.  It is certainly very strange to be living with my parents at the moment.  Not only is it odd to be back at home at my age, but they are senior citizens who run a pair of nursing homes.  It has been an incredibly trying time for them and I have helped teach them how to go online to buy food, etc...  They had never even streamed TV before March, and now they have binged the entirety of Mad Men.  So, yeah.  I have helped them in this regard, and they have helped me by giving me some human contact and support.

As for dating, I am in agreement with Rob. I cannot be hurt the same way anymore.   I am not looking to jump into a long-term relationship.  My goal was to date as widely as possible.  And if I wanted to get physical with someone, I was not going to 'wait for marriage' again.  I cannot imagine committing much to anyone any time soon other than committing to be as respectful as possible until I see evidence I should not be.  I am wise enough now to walk away if I see any of the behaviors my GID narcissist ex had convinced me were normal.  I don't care if I am not the 'nice guy' all the time anymore.  I have learned that women can be incredibly shitty, brutal, narcissistic and demeaning.  So, why on earth should I always take the nice guy high road?  Forget that!!

I am not saying I intend to be selfish, only that I am not going to sacrifice the self anymore. I am not looking to be cruel in any way, of course.  But I will also not put up with manipulation or cruelty.  I don't care HOW it is couched.  

It is my turn.  And yet, the pandemic has taken my turn away.  I am incredibly frustrated.

In today's newspaper, they mention to have a sound-only first date. You are not swayed by the person's appearance which has fooled many of us. Victo, if you go this route and you don't mind, let us know how this goes.

Please, any one can date at any age. Do not be so hard on yourselves. We're not items in the produce aisle of the supermarket.  Standing confident with your shoulders back is very attractive to people of the opposite sex.