Dating in the Age of Social Distancing
Virtual Date Night Ideas for When Pandemic Strikes
Whether you are dating someone new and safely social distancing or are in a long-distance relationship, making consistent date night plans can keep you connected to your beau from afar. While coronavirus and self-isolation has made dating a bit more complicated, there are still plenty of ways to strengthen your bond virtually. Check out these social distancing date night ideas to help improve your relationship no matter where you are.
Plan a Zoom Date with Some Flare
Quarantine’s favorite video conference app is the perfect tool for creating a fun date night. Rather than a standard video call, try adding some flare for a bit of fun. For the couples who enjoy dining out, order UberEats delivery at the same time in your two respective locations. Get dressed up as if you planned to dine out and light a few candles. Enjoy your romantic meal together as if you were sitting across from one another at a restaurant.
Find creative ways to incorporate shared interests into your Zoom date – be it a karaoke night for two or bonding over your favorite indie tracks on a shared Spotify playlist.
Watch a Movie Together on Netflix Party
Is there a film that you and your significant other have been dying to see? Download the Netflix Party extension and snuggle up in your pajamas for a long-distance movie night. Netflix Party allows you to chat on your laptop directly in Netflix without having to open a separate messaging app. The best part? No one will get blamed for talking through the movie!
Read a Book Together, Separately
Find a book that you and your partner are both interested in reading and select a set number of chapters to tackle every week. Each week write down a set of questions to ask your significant other about the book. When you meet up for your two-person book club (via video, call, etc.), use the questions as conversation starters to navigate through common themes and individual takeaways.
Looking for a great read to strengthen your bond? Try Shelf Love pick Attached — The Myers Briggs for Adult Relationships.
Take a (Virtual) Cooking Class Together
One of the silver linings of social distancing and self-isolation is that there is a lot more time for cooking and baking. If you’ve found yourself with extra down time, find an online cooking class to take with your significant other. MasterClass and Udemy offer a variety of culinary experiences, including pastries and even mixology (if cooking isn’t quite your thing). Take the courses separately and then meet up online afterwards to compare and enjoy the results.
Enjoy the Sunset Together
If you and your partner are in the same time zone, make a date to Facetime at sunset and enjoy the views together. Kick it up a notch by setting the scene: cozy blanket, cheese, crackers, wine … You get the idea. Take this moment to appreciate the beauty of nature with one another, either in silence or while listening to your favorite song together.
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While the coronavirus outbreak has made dating a bit more complicated, there are still plenty of opportunities to nurture a growing relationship even when you’re not physically together. What are some virtual dates you have planned with your significant other?