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Culture & Living
10 virtual date night ideas to try with your SO during the lockdown
From cooking together to hosting a virtual games night, here’s what you can do when you and your partner don’t know what to do next
The world is in an unprecedented state of lockdown, and the separation from your partner can be hard—whether you live five minutes away from each other or in different countries altogether. While technology has done much to bridge the gap by placing the power of high-definition video calling at our fingertips, it is only natural for ennui to creep in. Keep the spark alive by breaking the monotony of your routine video catch-up sessions with innovative ideas that will make for a night to remember. Here, we list all the date night ideas you can try from the comfort of your home—we promise he’ll never know that you haven’t changed out of your sweatpants.
Cook a meal together
You may not be able to meet up at your favourite cafe, but you can still have an intimate dinner à deux by the candlelight. Regardless of how good or bad either of you is in the kitchen, the experience of trying to cook a new recipe together will make for a fun story to tell after the lockdown is lifted. Look for two-ingredient recipes that won’t require a trip to the store or, if you’re feeling the love, try to recreate the menu from your first date.
Netflix and chill together
With newer shows and movies dropping every single day, it’s time to pop the corn and binge your way into the early hours of the morning together. You can take your pick from the trending options for the day, like Money Heist or Tiger King, or spin the wheel in search of a genre neither of you has tried before. Done watching everything already? With multiple artists performing live from their living rooms, you’ll can now enjoy a concert night from the comfort of your couch.
Host a virtual happy hour
When you are just getting to know each other, an elaborate itinerary can be overwhelming for both sides. A recent survey by social networking app, Bumble concluded that an honest chat over coffee or drinks is the go-to virtual date night idea for 64% of the respondents. Mix your favourite cocktails and cosy up for a candid chat. If you’ve been seeing each other for a while and are willing to get deep, try the famous 36 questions to fall in love.
Have a double date
Two’s company, three’s a crowd, but four… that’s the recipe for a party. If you’ve been missing your usual weekend hang, invite another couple to double date with you over a video call. Pick their brains on how they are handling social distancing from their significant others or challenge them to a couples’ duel over a virtual board game.
Try something new together
Keep ennui from creeping into your virtual dates by switching things up regularly. If the lack of social activity has found you steadily running out of things to talk about, get off the couch and try something new together. Challenge each other to a dance-off over TikTok or opt for a skill swap by learning a new skill from one another.
Take a virtual trip together
Most global airlines may be parked for the foreseeable future, but now is not the time to get teary-eyed over your travel albums of fore. Instead, pack some snacks in a picnic basket and settle down in your living room for a virtual tour of your favourite holiday spots via Google Maps. You’ll also find a wide array of online tours of iconic locations contesting for your time and attention, from the Louvre in Paris to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Work out together
You know the drill… the couple that works out together, stays together. Swinging kettlebells may not be your preferred form of cardio when you’re with your man, but staying in shape can only lead to good things when you finally reunite post-lockdown. With scores of fitness trainers live-streaming free classes, you’ll have no trouble finding a form of exercise that works for both of you.
Relax together
Social distancing from your loved ones and isolation from your usual routine can be a tough burden to shoulder. In lieu of a rejuvenating couples’ massage, make plans to destress together with calming yoga exercises. Guided meditations, on apps like Headspace, can also help you and your partner achieve stress relief and emotional healing.
Host a house tour
Tired of the omnipresent couch in every single video call together? Opt for a change of scenery by conducting a walkthrough of your crib for your partner. In addition to providing an interesting glimpse into one another’s lives, it can also help you learn more about your partner. Is his bedroom floor carpeted with old socks and worn clothes or is he a neat freak? Does he leave his dishes to soak in the sink indefinitely? Studies have proven that common household tasks, such as doing dishes and laundry, can be a potent source of relationship tension and it could help to defuse the situation beforehand.
Host a games night
If you’re looking to make things fun while also getting to know each other better, swap the usual dinner and drinks routine in favour of game night. There’s no going wrong with party favourites, like Truth-or-Dare or Never Have I Ever, but a challenging trivia night also works well for keeping both of you at the edge of your seats.
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