As we tumble into the colder months, there is a very high likelihood that states and regions will issue new lockdown rules, giving us a little April 2020 deja vu and making us wonder how we reconcile cuffing season with rules saying you can’t hang out with anyone outside of your “household”.

So, if you do decide to skirt the rules and try to date during a second lockdown, here are some tips:

DO be safe. Get tested for COVID frequently if you mingle with strangers, and be sure those you are dating are also tested if there is a possibility they have come in contact with someone who has the virus.

DON’T move too fast. It could be easy to be like, “well, if I’m supposed to limit my exposure, let’s move in together!” Bad ideas all around.

DO meet outside at first. Yeah it’s getting chilly, but meeting outside is safer than being in enclosed places if you aren’t sure you’re down to get busy.

DON’T host house parties. Yeah, you may want to show off your new fling to the crew, but parties are a surefire way to spread COVID if someone in the group is unwittingly carrying the virus. Try a Zoom happy hour or meet outside at a park if you want to show off the goods.