Innovative and Fun Ways to Date During COVID-19

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken over the year 2020 thus far, causing extraordinary consequences. Individuals, businesses, and establishments worldwide are facing financial, physical, mental and emotional distress, and it’s also no secret that COVID-19 has made a big impact on the world of dating, sex and relationships.

Luckily, we have the advancement of technology on our side, which has proven to be an invaluable way to boost morale, decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation and stay in touch with those who are important to us.

And while dating around and meeting new and existing partners may be an obstacle at the moment, there are still tons of other innovative ways that we can experience the wonderful world of dating.

Let’s take a journey through the ins and outs of dating during the COVID-19 crisis so that you can continue to walk your path and enrich your life by means of finding and maintaining relationships.

For Couples in a Relationship From a Distance

Because we’re in the midst of social distancing and self-isolation, spending time with a partner has had to be put on hold for couples all over the world. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, there are a few things you can do that may just bring the two of you closer together.

Virtual Dates

For many of us, COVID-19 has caused a huge disruption in our normal day-to-day lives. You may be going to bed later, working at different hours, or perhaps not even working at all. You’re also not socializing (as much) anymore and that means no more in-person date nights. And so, virtual dates are the next best thing…

A virtual date is not only an opportunity to engage with and get to know your partner on a deeper level, but also a way in which to add a bit of familiarity to your new routine. A virtual date can take place over any video or voice-sharing platform and can include many of the things that you might enjoy together in person, such as:

Getting dressed up and enjoying a glass or wine or a meal together online
Choosing a recipe and cooking it together whilst on a video call
Planning an evening call under the night sky and star gazing together

Care Packages and Letters

If you’re the type of person who enjoys doing kind gestures for their partner, a care package is an adorable way in which to let them know that you’re thinking of them. You could do this by sending a gift in the mail or ordering something online and having it delivered to their address.

A thoughtful and enticing idea would be to send them a mini bottle of your perfume or cologne. This is because our sense of smell has the ability to take us back to pleasant memories and thus will give both of you a warm and fuzzy feeling whenever you spray it.

Another lovely idea is to send your partner a handwritten love letter. We are currently living in a world where instant gratification is everything and sending and receiving messages is possible in a mere few seconds via technology.

But by going the extra mile and taking the time to write and send a letter in the mail, it makes the message even more special and can be a keepsake to cherish forever.

Get Emotional and Sensual

During self-isolation without your partner, the option of (physical) intimacy is off the table (unless you want to engage in a little cyber play). But instead of seeing this as a curse, allow it to be a time in which you two can really get to know each other on a deeper and more meaningful level.

You could do this by engaging in conversation about things that really matter, learning more about each other and finding new ways in which you two are compatible.

Another plus of being in self-isolation is that it can create an intense build up of attraction and sexual chemistry. It could even be seen as an extended period of foreplay as you use your creative skills to tease and build up anticipation for the next time you meet.

For Couples Self-Isolating Together

Self-isolating with a partner could be one of the biggest tests of your relationship. And to make sure that you pass this test with flying colors, there are a few things you can do to keep the spark alive, respect boundaries and reduce conflict.

By allocating places in the house that allow for each partner to have their own space, it permits both of you to have a bit of ‘down time’ for whatever individual activity you want to participate in, or if you simply feel like being alone.

Having these individual spaces is not a bad or negative thing. We all need a bit of time for ourselves, whether it’s for work or other and a bit of ‘me-time’ too can reduce the chance of arguments or conflict.

Another way to keep the passion and spark alive in your relationship whilst self-isolating together would be to create interesting, fun and romantic date nights from the comfort of your own home. This has never been easier to do as many different establishments, individuals and groups have given the public online access to their services and skills.

Here are some fun online date night ideas for couples living together in self-isolation:

You could also start exploring new hobbies and things together, such as:

Having a romantic picnic on your balcony, backyard, or even on your living room floor
Binge-watching a brand new show on Netflix or Hulu
Getting involved in interior design and home improvements
Planning future dates or adventures

For Singles Looking to Mingle from a Distance

A study conducted by Katelyn Y. A. McKenna and her colleagues, Amie S. Green, and Marci E.J Gleason of New York University, found that many people are more comfortable revealing their true selves whilst conversing over the Internet.

This is because the element of physical appearance, noticeable insecurities, and social anxiety is eased or completely eradicated during online interactions. In turn, more meaningful interactions are created, and individuals are able to really get to know someone before meeting them face-to-face.

So if you’re up for online dating in the midst of COVID-19, you’re definitely in luck, as downloads for the dating app, Tinder, have increased quite radically since the pandemic began, with March 29th, being the highest number of recorded swipes in a single day since it was created.

Tinder too is encouraging its users to continue using the app while being safe by their pop up message which reads:

“Social distancing doesn’t have to mean disconnecting. We hope to be a place for connection during this challenging time, but it’s important to stress that now is not the time to meet in real life with your match. Please keep things here for now”.

Along with Tinder, you could also consider other online dating platforms such as Bumble, Plenty of Fish, Match.com, and OKCupid.

Whichever you decide, remember to practice safety first which not only means delaying an in-person meeting until the coast is clear, but also watching out for scam artists and catfish.

Self-Love During COVID-19

To end off, I wanted to remind you of the importance of self-love, regardless of your relationship status, especially during this trying time.

I encourage you to be kind to yourself and do things that bring you happiness so that you can come out of this period an even better and stronger individual. After all, we truly must love ourselves in order to fully share our lives with another.

Wishing you peace, good health, and meaningful relationships during COVID-19 and beyond.