As if dating wasn’t already hard enough, COVID-19 has caused basically the entire world to go into quarantine and follow rules of social distancing. How the hell are you supposed keep dating when you can’t leave your house or be around people you don’t already live with? This is truly a dilemma, right?
Well, not quite…
The other night my husband and I were on a group facetime chat with our two closest friends, who both happen to be single. I had mentioned that this is actually the perfect time for dating because it’s almost like a season of Netflix’s Love is Blind, but without the pods, weddings, and tropical vacations. While not being able to get out there and get physical, you have an actual chance to really get to know someone.
I mean, besides having lots of extra time to spend chatting away and asking each other questions, this opportunity is one in a million. Although it isn’t exactly the same as meeting someone in person, talking on the phone or chatting via video can tell you a lot about who your date is. I know that the physical chemistry between two people can’t fully be felt over a video chat, but watching someone’s movements, motions, and mannerisms can help you gauge who that person is and if the attraction is there.
Not to mention, this is an incredibly safe way to first “meet” some. A great deal of risk and potential danger is now removed from the equation. Wanting to chat on the phone or FaceTime prior to physically meeting someone based on comfort level is no longer something that needs to be addressed. Virtual dating is currently the new norm—let’s embrace it!
So how do you continue dating, keep things interesting and fun, and get to know someone without physically meeting?
Check out these 11 ideas on how to date from a distance…
Coffee date
Just like any first date (or many dates thereafter), enjoying a coffee together is a great way to feel each other out. Make a latte or some tea and sit in your favorite chair while you chat with your date.
Play a game
Whether you’re playing a card game, Hangman, or Charades on either side of the screen, or competing to see who can finish the New York Times crossword puzzle faster, do something that can help you connect. Not only are activities similar to this fun, but they allow you to see a different side of each other—also these types of pastimes can potentially help you create traditions if things work out in the long run.
Virtual museum tours
Let’s get real—nothing is better than a museum date!! Several museums around the world are offering virtual tours. Imagine that you are side-by-side, hand-in-hand at the Louvre exploring and being taken away by all the beauty around you…
Netflix and chill
Choose a show or movie to watch together and start it at the same time. For a limited time, HBO is offering 500 hours of free access to movies and shows. Get your viewing on, share your thoughts, and laugh the night away!
Cook a meal together
Just because you can’t be in the same kitchen doesn’t mean that you can’t cook together. Plan for a meal that you both like and follow the steps while on a video chat. Cooking together isn’t just fun, it’s also intimate. Besides, watching someone cook can teach you a lot about who they are.
Grub
Ah, the best part of any day! Whether you cooked together or not, have a dinner date. Light some candles, savor a cocktail, and enjoy your meal together.
Dance it out
Have a dance party or a dance off! ‘Nough said.
Get creative
Engaging in creative activities can be both fun and relaxing. Consider a wine + paint night or attempting to draw silly comics for one another. Or how about taking an art class together? MoMA is now offering free art courses via Coursera. You can take each course at a pace you desire, discuss topics, and share ideas. Nikon is also offering free photography courses for a limited time. Whatever you choose to do to fully embrace your artsy side, get silly, get colorful, get creative, learn, and enjoy!
Date night
Just because you can’t go out for date night, doesn’t mean you can’t have one! Get dressed up and set a date. Have a drink together or enjoy a charcuterie board. Even though my husband and I live together and technically have a date night every night, we like to dress up one evening out of the week and have a planned date night. It really does feel different, and it’s quite special <3
Travel
Travel is one of those topics that never gets old. Talk about places you want to go, places you’ve been, and places where you had weird, exciting encounters. Share your experiences and your hopes about the world. Travel to places far and wide without even getting up off the couch!
Find joy
Even though we’re all stuck at home trying to save the world 6-feet at a time, there is beauty in every single day. Ask him what the best part of his day was and share yours. Ask what she was most grateful for today. Unveiling the small joys in your lives can help build both intimacy and connection. This too, will show you what your date values the most.
Dating is not impossible during this time of social distancing and quarantine. COVID-19 messed up a lot of things, but this doesn’t have to be one of them. Stay safe and well, and remember, STAY HOME!! <3
Feeling weird about not meeting your date in person? Check out why dating should be about more than instant gratification…
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xx,
Paula