It’s been almost 2 months since the state of Illinois went into stay at home order in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. It has meant no Cubs or White Sox baseball, no street festivals and concerts and, of course, no dine-in restaurants. While we must recognize the financial hardships facing those who work in those industries, it is also okay to ask oneself the question “how am I supposed to continue dating?”
For years, dates have revolved around going out for dinner, grabbing drinks, going to a game or taking a walk in the park. Should dating be completely put on pause until the shelter-in-place order is over? We don’t think so. Here are a few ways to keep on dating through the quarantine.
Virtual Dinner Date
Grocery stores are still open, so put together some recipes! Decide amongst yourselves which cuisine to prepare and do your best to dazzle your date with your culinary prowess. Having Italian? Make your Zoom virtual background the gondolas in Venice or the Roman Coliseum. Get creative, show off your fun side and make the best of it all while eating some yummy, homemade food. Don’t want to leave the house to go grocery shop? Support a local small business for delivery and do the same date.
Netflix Party
Can’t Netflix and Chill? Try Netflix and Chat. One of our favorite new Google Chrome extensions, TeleParty, allows you to sync up your Netflix with your friends and watch the same movie or show in real time. Use the chat room feature to discuss the show or anything you want. If you want a more personal touch, FaceTime on the side so it feels like you’re together. Just don’t forget the snacks!
Erotic Fiction Story Time
Ready to turn up the heat a little bit in the relationship? Find some erotic fiction and read it together over Zoom by sharing your screen. Take turns reading aloud the dialogue and let the subject matter get you feeling some type of way. We recommend Lit Erotica for all your online erotica needs.
Surprise Window Visit
As long as you are wearing a face mask and keeping a 6 foot social distance from others, taking a walk on a nice day is allowed and often encouraged. To surprise the person you are dating, find time to drop by their home and let them know you’re outside. For partners desperately looking to see each other in person, a simple window-to-sidewalk conversation can be a nice moment while also keeping proper social distance.
Online Concert
Concert dates are one of our go-to’s and we couldn’t imagine being in the dating stage and not having live music to experience together. Find a concert online or check out one of the many artists streaming concerts during this time to watch together. No matter where you are physically, being together in an experience is the most important part of establishing a connection with someone new.
These are just a few of our favorite activities for those newly dating during the time of social distancing. Do you have any favorite virtual date ideas? Follow us on instagram and let us know!