Dating might look different during social distancing, but that doesn't mean it has fallen by the wayside completely and is hard enough to keep your relationship happy and healthy.
Gone are the days of going outdoors with your partner, watching a movie in theaters and sharing your favorite food at restaurant. But with a little creativity, you still can keep your dating life exciting while social distancing. Here are some date ideas to stay connected with your partner when you’re physically apart.
Set boundaries
Since most of us are staying at home right now, we’re spending more time than ever on our mobile phones. This makes you text your partner all the time (day and night). But it’s important to spend some time with yourself. Have a conversation with your partner about how often you’ll be in communication, so that both of you can focus on your own world for a while. Remember, the more you run away from these conversations, the harder it'll be for you to improve the relationship down the line. Don’t hesitate to discuss it with your partner.
Set up a virtual date
If you can connect with your partner online, why not set up a little virtual date? Have a video chat over a coffee with your partner and feel close and connected without actually being close and connected.
Play games together
Spending time with your special someone is always important, especially if you both enjoy doing the same things. When you’re dating someone who also enjoys gaming, ask them to join you to add some fun and healthy gaming competition.
Read on to know 5 cool video games you can play with your partner.
Plan something fun
You might have some pre-pandemic plans and those may be cancelled or postponed right now, but you can still have a chance to plan something fun so you both can enjoy and spend time together. Here are a few things you can do to add some excitement to your virtual date.
- Create playlists for one another and listen together (or separately). When listening to your favorite songs, that feeling of yearning for your partner may intensify as you can’t see each other. However, you can just listen to the songs and rewind the sweet moments you spent together.
- Cook the same meal from your respective kitchens. Spend some time separately together in your kitchens and prepare some delicious food while Face Timing. You could even make it a competition (like who’s meal looks and tastes the best at the end)! Then have it at the same time while chatting.
- Pick something to read that you can both talk about: Download the same book, read a little of it every day and discuss with your partner at night. This can keep your relationship interesting, even if you are apart.
Keep the spark alive
Though social distancing means that you can’t be with you partner in person, it’s doesn’t mean that you can’t have some romantic date nights. Here are a few social distancing date ideas to keep the spark alive when you’re physically part:
- Make a phone call: Yes, talk to your partner on the phone. You can enjoy some romantic conversation and connection during the call. If you don’t have much to say or you’d rather simply send a text or chat online.
- Write and send love letters: Love letters let the other person know you’re thinking about them and can welcome unexpected romance into your day.
- Try new things: Doing new activities together can help in keeping things exciting. Take an online dance lesson, learn a new language, or have a drawing challenge over video chat. When you try some new things that you don’t know; it can make you feel the same spark you felt in your earliest dating days.
- Have a double date with another couple: Plan a virtual date with your favorite couple (like friends) and get to know each other over video chat.
- Have a movie night: Watch your favorite movie together. Even though you’re in separate locations, you can chat throughout what’s going on to help you feel like you’re watching together.
Finally, be on your best behavior
There’s no denying that these days are hard especially, when you’re trying to get close to someone can be frustrating, but love is resilient and will always find a way. So, take some time to stay connected with your partner during coronavirus pandemic and maintain your relationship happy and healthy.
For more details on how to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, check out our full guide to adapting to a socially distant life and dealing with the loneliness epidemic.