Love Is In The (Country) Air

Love Is In The (Country) Air

Posted on May 07, 2024 by jsw

We all have been there, nervously approaching a pub, restaurant or bar in the hope that our first date is successful. Many of us have been scrolling dating profiles and making one up for ourselves (with the help or friends or not). One thing I realised is a common theme is the countryside. As well as Cupid’s arrows, the countryside seem to feature in the world of dating one way or another – however NOT on the first date, as is generally advised.

First dates always ought to be in a safe and busy place where you can assess, over wine or a meal, or both, whether or not you can take the dating game further. If successful, the countryside often comes up by the second or third date, usually in the form of a busy country park, a nature reserve, exploring a footpath or wandering through woodland. When visiting a country park and similar places, you often see couples wandering around, sometimes appearing to be in the early stages of dating.  And then they keep coming back for afternoon ventures or day trips – also visiting, as the relationship develops, other places that also feature the countryside or nature. Sometimes, safari parks and other exciting venues like Go Ape in Thetford Forest become the adventurous second date!

Another way in which the countryside seems to feature a lot in the dating world happens before the couple even meet – in their dating profiles. Of course, you get all sorts of people with different interests, but a common theme seems to be the countryside - enjoying walks in nature, outdoor hobbies, dog-walking, horse-riding or even just enjoying being outdoors in nature. The countryside is very often mentioned and there is a good reason for that – it is an attractive trait.  After all, hating the countryside, nature and animals doesn’t seem to feature when people are looking for prospective partners!  There are even dedicated dating websites for rural-loving people such as Muddy Matches, so what more can I say? There isn’t really one called Urbanophiles, is there?

This should tell us something about the importance of our countryside and nature. The countryside is a relaxing, interactive and lovely place to get to know the other partner.  There are plenty of health benefits and surprise elements that can strengthen the bond of two people who may eventually live together in their own home, have a family and enjoy a shared life.  This includes the benefits to the economy that enjoying the countryside as a can bring.   We need our government and decision-makers to acknowledge this value rather than killing off their golden gooses for their quick fixes.

I certainly do not think people will date any better if the countryside is constantly being destroyed and built on. Sure, there are art galleries, cinemas and shopping centres to enjoy as part of the dating world.  However the countryside offers balance and opportunities that are irreplaceable such as fresh air, fun exercise, appreciative moments with wildlife and reactions to the weather. After all, can bond a couple more than fun stories and shared experiences that might include spotting a bird of prey, a dash to avoid a downpour, or an exhilarating cycle ride?

So, the countryside has a lot to offer, including the allure of Cupid’s arrows that bring people together.